Local Sponsorship Account Manager

The Local Sponsorship Account Manager is a WGCU brand ambassador, strategically leveraging sales and marketing concepts and tools, to gain corporate support and network with C-suite executives of companies of all sizes, to invest in WGCU. This position is responsible for direct sales and develops revenue generating relations with local business agencies and non-profit leaders, and other local influencers. Assists in the development of sales strategies to drive revenue for WGCU to both philanthropic corporations, and to clients seeking return on investments. The Local Sponsorship Manager reports to the Associate General Manager of Business Partnerships and Corporate Investments.

WGCU is Southwest Florida’s source for PBS and NPR. A member-supported service of Florida Gulf Coast University, WGCU provides educational programming that inspires, informs and engages our community. Serving all or part of 12 counties in south and Southwest Florida, with five distinct digital TV channels, two FM radio channels, two HD radio channels, and multiple websites, WGCU delivers national and international programming, and develops, produces and delivers relevant, informative and educational local programs to the region.

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Responsible for direct sales efforts of WGCU services and promotions to local businesses and agencies.
• Develop marketing concepts in partnership with other departments that increase corporate investments and inspire increased membership support.
• Promote marketing and sponsorship opportunities on radio, TV, and digital channels.
• Identify and estimate monetary value of missed sales opportunities.
• Maximise revenue potential for all spots and special programming opportunities.
• Independently create new presentations and determine audience data on program services of WGCU, and their comparative value against commercial media channels.
• Prepares a local revenue operating budget and performs ongoing budget analysis.
• Prepares and provides reports to Associate General Manager and General Manager.
• Develop strategies to enhance non-traditional revenue opportunities.
• Execute trades to alleviate station-wide expenses.
• Oversees the work efforts of third-party sales vendors.
• Accurately forecast local account list and prospect variable and WGCU's revenue potential using industry specific media software.
• Develop growth revenue by focusing on 'conversion' targets from other media including radio, print, online and cable.

Other Duties:

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
• May supervise or train other sales persons.

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either eight years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Experience in media sales, corporate fundraising and event sponsorship.
• Experience in digital sales, radio, TV, and event sponsorship required.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) software.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, finance and management principles, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge and experience working with marketing and advertising tools.
• Knowledge of sales, marketing, traditional, and new media.
• Working knowledge of Nielsen, Google Analytics Media Audit, Scarborough, Media Monitors or BIA, traffic software for radio, TV, and digital, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and complete simultaneous projects.
• Ability to influence at the most senior levels of an organisation and work across functions, levels, and departments toward shared objectives.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
• Ability to take initiative to plan, organise, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and competing demands are involved.
• Ability to set the value for WGCU's public service and audience at approximately 3x the commodities advertising market.
• Ability to use effective decision making and problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organisational structure.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgement in the establishment, interpretation, application, and enforcement of all rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to effectively manage the work of others by providing information, guidance, and motivation.

Pay Grade: 17

About Us:

Located in Southwest Florida between the Florida Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico, we offer an exceptional environment for learning. Half of our 800 acres is preserved or restored nature. Our campus and region serve as a living laboratory where life-enhancing discoveries are made. We're an incubator for entrepreneurs who fuel economic development and a cultural resource that enriches life on and around campus. Our sports teams energise the entire region. Inspiring those who inspire others — that’s The FGCU Effect. Florida Gulf Coast University’s comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programmes prepare students to excel and innovate. Our students, alumni, faculty and staff are actively engaged and environmentally conscious citizens. They serve their communities and inspire others by leading, doing and making a difference. Faculty members are a group of dedicated scholars and researchers who are committed to teaching and service. Unlike many universities, we do not have a tenure system; instead, faculty members work on multi-year contracts. As the university is relatively new, it attracts professors with an entrepreneurial mindset, eager to create innovative programmes and initiatives that benefit students and the community.