Director of Advertising Sales – Fairfield County Catholic monthly newspaper (includes diocesan website advertising)
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY
The Diocese of Bridgeport is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Advertising Sales to lead the advertising sales efforts for Fairfield County Catholic, the largest newspaper in Connecticut. This role encompasses managing both print and online ad sales, and, possibly, assisting with Veritas Radio ad sales (TBD). The Director will play a pivotal role in developing strategies that align with the mission of the newspaper while driving revenue growth and managing key relationships with advertisers. The ideal candidate is an experienced sales professional with a deep understanding of Catholic values and media.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Sales Strategy & Leadership
- Manage existing advertising accounts, ensuring proper handling of insertion orders, ad materials, and billing.
- Develop and execute an advertising sales strategy in alignment with the mission of the Catholic newspaper.
- Identify and cultivate new revenue opportunities through market research and relationship building.
- Set monthly revenue goals and maintain a strong pipeline of new business while strengthening relationships with current clients.
- Client Relationship Management
- Build and sustain long-term relationships with clients, especially those whose values align with Catholic teachings.
- Act as the primary point of contact for advertisers, addressing any concerns and ensuring client satisfaction.
- Advertising Campaign Development
- Collaborate with clients to create compelling advertising campaigns that meet their business objectives and resonate with the Catholic readership.
- Assist in designing ad materials and campaigns that comply with the Catholic Church’s teachings and newspaper policies.
- Revenue Growth & Performance Tracking
- Monitor advertising revenue, ensuring that sales performance meets or exceeds established targets.
- Report key performance metrics and adjust strategies as necessary to optimize revenue generation.
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Work closely with the editorial and production teams to ensure seamless integration of advertising content.
- Collaborate with the marketing and circulation teams to explore cross-promotional opportunities for advertisers.
- Compliance with Ethical Guidelines
- Ensure that all advertisements adhere to the newspaper’s policies and Catholic values.
- Review and approve all ad placements to maintain ethical and accurate standards.
- Market Research & Industry Trends
- Stay informed on advertising trends within Catholic publications and broader media.
- Analyze competitors and adapt sales strategies to capitalize on new opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Proven experience in advertising sales, with familiarity and support for Catholic media.
- Strong understanding of Catholic values and the ability to align sales strategies with the Church’s teachings.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a focus on building relationships.
- Results-driven with a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple clients and campaigns.
- Familiarity with both print and digital advertising platforms.
COMPENSATION
This position is fully commission-based, offering 20% of ad revenue per issue, aligning rewards with performance and supporting sustainable revenue growth. There is already a solid list of accounts to serve as an initial base.
TO APPLY
Please send your resume, cover letter, and a portfolio of relevant advertising sales achievements to Marie T. Oates at marie.oates@diobpt.org. Include “Director of Advertising Sales Application” in the subject line.
