Advertising Sales Associate
The Role: The Advertising Sales Associate will apply consultative sales skills, analytical skills, and creative support level skills to help our Advertising Sales team achieve their business revenue goals. Morningstar websites serve the investor, advisor and institutional investor. Our advertising offerings include digital media, print and conferences/events. This position requires a strong knowledge of both advertising and finance to be successful. In addition, this role will establish Morningstar as a partner and resource with clients. This is a sales support role. This role will be responsible for new lead generation activities, building a pipeline from cross-selling potential business to existing clients, exploring and developing new business segments, competently establishing appointments for our teams three North American Sales Directors, and helping close business. The Advertising Sales Associate will maintain a superior customer service focus and will work closely with team members to drive success, assisting with pre-meeting prep and post-meeting follow up. The role will also help in the development and execution of sponsorship programs and sales package ideas. In addition, this role will assist in monthly input of sales data for the analysis and tracking of our Advertising Sales team’s performance against revenue goals. This position is based in Chicago and reports to the Sales Product Manager.
Responsibilities:
+ Contribute to achievement of N.A. sales goals through prospecting, new lead generation, cross-selling conferences and magazines to existing and new client base.
+60% of the time focused on supporting sales initiatives and servicing top clients.
+40% of time focused on business development/prospecting activities.
+Manage and optimize campaigns for existing clients, seeking innovative ways to enhance our Morningstar value proposition.
+Assist in development of sales packages and custom program development/project management.
+Understand the content, presentation and development of the Morningstar audience solutions offerings including digital, print and conferences, research new advertisers.
+Adhere to all internal procedures and business requirements, including preparation of proposals and contract agreements.
+Maintain client and prospect database.
+Assist in creation of monthly sales reports and sales data analysis for communicating effectively with internal team and management.
+Ensure client deliverables are met and fulfill contract obligations.
+Maintain knowledge of financial/digital industry.
+Additional responsibilities as directed by Sales Product Manager or Global Ad Sales Director.
+Excel at teamwork and relationship-building within the company to implement account strategies across Morningstar teams.
Requirements:
+ Strong communication skills, both written and spoken, together with developed prospecting and relationship-building skills.
+Excellent use of presentation capabilities to sell the value proposition and demonstrate consultative sales capabilities.
+Excellent use of project management skills
+Self-motivated individual, with a goal-orientated approach, and a desire to exceed targets.
+Proven ability to work both in a team environment and independently when required.
+2-3yrs’ experience with solution-based selling techniques is required, preferably within in the financial industry.
+ two to five years of sales, prospecting and account management experience
+Proven track record of exceeding goals and an aptitude for building strong client relationships
+Excellent skills in Excel as well as Powerpoint.
+Knowledge with ad serving and inventory management systems is a plus.
+Knowledge with Salesforce a plus.
+Potential for travel with Sales Directors as needed.
Morningstar is an equal opportunity employer.
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