Reports to: EPLN Publisher/CEO
Mission: Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), is a nonprofit, citizen-run, reader- and business-supported media organization that provides local, non-partisan, accurate, and informed news about Eden Prairie, Minnesota, including journalistic reports on our city government, schools, businesses, economic and development initiatives, arts and culture, sports, spiritual matters, diversity, civic organizations, community events, and more.
Position Summary: In this part-time role, the sales specialist will represent EPLN to potential advertisers and sponsors to grow revenue and increase financial health. Using lead lists and online research, the specialist will contact small business owners, enterprises and promotion/marketing directors who desire to promote their products and services in Eden Prairie.
Equity: EPLN is committed to diversity and inclusion. We highly encourage qualified persons of all backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position.
Compensation: $25/hour for up to 40 hours/month, plus a 15% commission on each ad slot sale (monthly opportunity of $1,424), plus a $500 bonus for each calendar month with a 100% fill rate. Total monthly compensation potential of $2,924.
Job Responsibilities:
- Identify and contact new prospects.
- Update EPLN’s contact management system with information learned from sales calls, including new leads and progress on proposed deals.
- Provide updates and solicit input and support from Ad Sales Committee at regular monthly meetings.
- Collaborate with the Ad Committee to develop and maintain sales presentation materials, including a media kit, pitch decks and one-sheets.
- Work with existing advertisers and sponsors, including EPLN’s board members, to maintain relationships and increase levels of support.
- Develop a strong understanding of competitive ad products and sponsorship opportunities; contribute to development of new advertising and sponsorship approaches.
- Follow EPLN’s code of conduct to achieve sales objectives without compromising EPLN’s mission. Build trust internally and externally.
- Collaborate with other functional leads to ensure the highest levels of customer service, timely invoicing. Where needed, coordinate EPLN’s design services for customers and represent customers to EPLN.
- Collaborate with the social media specialist to increase EPLN’s visibility and community engagement.
- As time permits, represent EPLN at community events.
Job Qualifications:
- High integrity; models EPLN’s mission and code of conduct.
- Goal-oriented and highly organized.
- Previous sales experience desirable but not required.
- Never met a stranger. Positive personality. Background in teaching, hospitality, customer service, communications or a college student majoring in one of these areas.
- Ideally, someone who already knows Eden Prairie.
Skills:
- Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, oral, written communication skills.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Able to manage multiple projects while prioritizing work assignments.
- Working knowledge of HubSpot or other CRM systems strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of Google Analytics and/or other digital analytics tools .
- Working knowledge of Google Workspace (docs, sheets, etc.) and/or other productivity applications (MS Office, etc.).