BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER, Observer.com

Job Description

This position will report to the Chief Executive Officer and the VP of Content Strategy & Audience Development to facilitate the growth of Observer’s revenue through digital advertising, events, custom content, and potentially (long-term) subscriptions/memberships. The ideal candidate is an energetic self-starter who can prospect, develop and retain clients and collaborate with team members across different departments. We are looking for an individual contributor with a Rolodex and the confidence to cold-call, the resilience to keep going, and a positive outlook that inspires and motivates others.

You will work to grow and win new advertising clients through research and outreach. You’ll set marketing and discovery meetings and build relationships with Fortune 500 companies, boutique firms, advertising agencies, and innovative start-ups. You will develop sales, media, and valuable industry expertise. This is an entry- to mid-level position that pays a competitive base salary and bonuses as targets are achieved.

The ideal candidate is passionate about the media industry and a digital sales native with a strong background selling media and integrated marketing solutions, particularly in branded sponsored content, video and programmatic, with a successful track record of strong revenue performance. You will bring an extensive network of contacts with brands and agencies, possessing a deep understanding of the current digital advertising landscape and an impeccable reputation.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Connect Observer’s affluent, educated and urban audience with luxury brands and services via digital advertising, custom content, event partnerships, social activations, and more

  • Identify and develop new business and revenue opportunities that align with Observer’s content strategy, specifically focusing on developing strong and profitable partnerships in fine arts/culture, entertainment, travel, alcohol/spirits, health/wellness, and financial services

  • Grow existing business relationships into larger integrated media partnerships

  • Manage inbound marketing opportunities and grow affiliate relationships

  • Network at industry events and business functions

  • Conduct face-to-face presentations, asking for the business and closing defined selling opportunities to drive revenue and hit overall business revenue targets

  • Write compelling copy for sales outreach, including pitches, proposals, and value propositions

  • Learn and work in standard work-flow software, including Google Workspace and Salesforce

  • Accurately forecast sales revenue on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis

  • Listen intently to our customers and use that feedback to work with our editorial and product development team to ideate and bring new and exciting products to market

Requirements

  • You are based in or around New York City and able to work in the office four days per week

  • You are effective and comfortable at cold calling and have a consistent track record of breaking new accounts and maximizing ad sales revenue

  • You have a bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of experience in digital advertising sales, business development, event execution and/or partnership management

  • You are familiar with major luxury brands and agencies, client strategy, and their execution of digital campaigns

  • You are passionate about digital media  and have a comprehensive understanding of digital advertising, ad tech, sponsored content, and social media

  • You have the emotional maturity and soft skills to forge and maintain senior-level relationships

  • You have superior communication and organizational skills, remain calm under pressure, and always conduct yourself in a positive, friendly, and professional manner

  • You have an understanding of CRM platforms such as SalesForce

  • You are proactive, results-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment

  • You have a growth mindset, seek feedback and are resilient in the face of rejection and challenges

This position pays a base annual salary of between $90,000 and $110,000, with the opportunity to earn commission-based bonuses.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter to jobs@observer.com with the subject line “BD & Partnerships Manager - [your name]”. In your cover letter, please answer the following questions:

  • Which section of Observer.com do you feel has the greatest potential to drive revenue and why?

  • What’s missing in the marketplace that you believe Observer can provide luxury advertisers?

  • What would you bring to this role that we can’t find in other candidates?

  • What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you handled them?