Account Executive - Partnership Solutions 

ABOUT WQED 

WQED Multimedia champions communities by telling stories and creating experiences that educate, entertain and inspire our neighbors and friends in Pittsburgh and across southwestern Pennsylvania. Seventy years ago, we launched the country’s first community-supported television station—a forerunner to PBS. Fifty years ago, our classical radio station went on the air. Looking forward, we aim to become known as more than a broadcaster as we enrich communities through education and storytelling. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

The annual compensation band for this full-time position is $45,484 to $68,225 base salary, plus commission, commensurate with experience. Total on-target earnings are ~$85,000+. This position is also eligible for performance bonuses as a reward, based on overachievement against goal and/or key milestones. Employer-sponsored benefits include health insurance via UPMC’s Business Advantage plan ($500 deductible, with premiums on a wage-based sliding scale). WQED pays 100% of the premiums for: Delta Dental PPO, long-term disability insurance from The Hartford, and basic life insurance at 1.5X salary. We offer optional vision insurance through Vision Benefits of America. After 12 months, WQED also contributes 5% of employees’ salary to a 403(b) retirement plan managed by TIAA-CREF. 

THE ROLE 

WQED Multimedia is seeking an Account Executive for its Partnership Solutions team to initiate, develop, nurture and grow partnerships with local and national corporations, community arts & culture organizations, colleges & universities, nonprofits and other entities seeking to celebrate, champion and positively influence communities across southwestern Pennsylvania. 

This role is distinctly unique from traditional media and agency RFP selling. Success in this role is driven by proactive outbound creative concept selling, appealing to social responsibility budgets.  

Under the leadership of the Head of Partnership Solutions, you will be accountable for your allocated goal and contribution to growing what’s currently ~$4 million in non-membership revenue. This is a mix of broadcast advertising, promotional partnerships and trade agreements, and underwriting sponsorships intended to accelerate the impact of various programs and other initiatives.  

This is a hybrid role that’s expected to commute to and contribute from WQED’s offices in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh at least three days per week. 

RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to) 

• Own, manage and develop new and existing sponsor relationships with clients, agencies and advertisers through successful maintenance of day to day stewardship 

• Lead partnerships that generate a WIN/WIN success of meeting client goals and revenue attainment with the aim to exceed your allocated monthly/quarterly/annual goals 

• Understand, target and proactively pitch linear and non linear creative initiatives across all WQED verticals 

• Develop media plans that reflect WQED’s market value, upselling and growing rates as reflected in the marketplace 

• Author underwriting sponsor credits that are compliant with FCC regulations and PBS standards and practices 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build and project manage sponsor deliverables and timelines for creative programs, including overseeing all campaign elements from development, production, trafficking and reporting 

• Partner with colleagues from other public television and radio stations to adopt best practices, understanding evolving rules and regulations and tools/research to drive success in today’s marketplace 

• Effectively use CRM software to manage your pipeline, identifying new/existing prospects with accurate revenue forecasting, historical and active client contact management and evolving engagement for management’s evaluation and guidance 

• Effective presentation of proposal and sponsorship pitches to clients, knowing when to engage upper management for support and attendance in external meetings 

• Support accounting team’s efforts to secure timely and complete payment from partners 

• Work closely with marketing to compile end-of-campaign metrics and build recap reports for partners that bring to life the success of their investment 

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS (including but not limited to) 

• At least one year of experience generating revenue, preferably in the broadcast industry or high profile creative community programs, in a partner-facing role 

• Goal driven, self starter with a creative mindset and ability to prioritize internal goals with external partner needs to work towards a common goal that drives success 

• Ability to learn and successfully navigate federal underwriting regulations for public broadcasters, including compliance with PBS standards and practices and FCC rules and regulations 

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written 

• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills 

• Efficient computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), CRM, SaaS, web-based applications and other systems related to the role 

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales or Marketing or equivalent professional experience preferred 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

WQED Multimedia is a fair and equal employer, providing access and opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religious beliefs, gender, gender identity, self expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law and as directed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. WQED Multimedia provides equitable consideration for employment for qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements. Qualified applicants with a disability or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply (as a result of their disability) have the right to request reasonable accommodation by emailing careers@WQED.org.