About the Sun-Times

The Chicago Sun-Times is the hardest-working paper in America, covering the stories and issues that matter most to Chicagoans with depth, integrity, and grit. The newsroom has earned eight Pulitzer Prizes for its hard-hitting investigative reporting, in-depth political coverage, insightful sports analysis, entertainment reviews, and cultural commentary. An industry-leading innovator in local news, it has been recognized nationally for expanding digital and multimedia reporting platforms alongside its indomitable daily newspaper, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023.

In January 2022, the Sun-Times merged with public radio station WBEZ with a shared mission to strengthen local journalism in Chicago. Under the banner of Chicago Public Media, Chicago Sun-Times Media, Inc. (CSTM) is now part of one of the largest nonprofit news organizations in the nation. This merger reinforces our commitment to serving Chicagoans with the news that matters most -– fact-based, unbiased journalism that is deeply connected to Chicago communities.

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic Vice President of Sales to lead our sales operations and drive significant revenue growth in the digital ad space. This individual should be an advocate for digital transformation, ready to elevate our digital sales and expand our reach across various platforms.

The VP of Sales should be a strategic leader who can align the sales, marketing, and finance departments to boost revenue generation and operational efficiency. This individual should also excel at managing and developing sales talent and have a proven track record of driving sales, refining sales processes, and meeting/exceeding revenue goals.

Key Responsibilities

Directly engage in strategic selling initiatives and play a pivotal role in growing key accounts, both directly and indirectly.
Lead, mentor, and expand the sales team, setting strategic direction, defining sales processes, and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Develop and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) for sales, focusing on maximizing both short-term results and sustainable long-term growth.
Oversee all sales activities, ensuring the team consistently meets or exceeds targets.
Collaborate with other executives to define pricing, messaging, and go-to-market strategies that maximize revenue potential.
Resolve operational issues and eliminate roadblocks that impede the sales and marketing functions.
Align and coordinate efforts across sales, marketing, and finance departments to ensure a cohesive and effective revenue strategy.
Act as a stellar sales manager by growing talent within the team, optimizing team performance, and getting the best outcomes from each team member through effective coaching and leadership.
Advocate for and lead initiatives around digital sales and the digital transformation of sales strategies to enhance our reach and impact in the digital space.

Qualifications

Proven experience in sales leadership within the media industry, with a preference for candidates who have experience in digital, public radio or newspapers.
Demonstrated ability to close sales and strategically improve sales processes.
Exceptional ability in managing and developing sales talent, with a track record of motivating teams to exceed their targets.
Strategic thinker with excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communication, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.

What We Offer

A competitive salary and benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, vacation, holidays, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement savings, and a commuter benefits plan
Opportunity to work within a collaborative team culture
A flexible work schedule

Opportunity to be part of an iconic brand and help build the future of local news!

The information contained in this job description is not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. CSTM may change the content or format of this job at any time at its sole and exclusive discretion without notice. This role does not offer sponsorship employment benefits.

COVID-19 Requirement: CST requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination hire.

CSTM does not discriminate in its employment decisions based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, citizenship or national origin, veteran status, or on any other basis, which would violate any applicable federal, state, or local law.

CSTM is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.