Manager of Sales and Business Development

Job Title: Manager of Sales and Business Development
Location: Denver, Colorado (Hybrid)
Reports to: Director of Sales and Community Partnerships
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $70,000 – $85,000 plus uncapped commission and potential for performance-based bonus

The Colorado Sun is seeking a driven, strategic and relationship-oriented Manager of Sales and Business Development to help grow advertising, event sponsorship and partnership revenue across the organization. This role is designed for an experienced seller who can manage a strong book of business, develop new revenue opportunities and help strengthen the systems, strategy and execution of The Sun’s sales work.

This position sits between an Account Executive and senior sales leadership. The ideal candidate is both a high- performing individual contributor and a strong team partner who can help improve prospecting, proposal development, client strategy, pipeline management and revenue planning. This person will work closely with the Sales Director and collaborate with marketing, audience, events, membership, editorial and operations staff to foster sustainable growth.

This Manager will represent The Colorado Sun with local businesses, agencies, sponsors, nonprofit partners and community leaders across Colorado. This role requires someone who is entrepreneurial, organized, consultative and energized by the opportunity to help build long-term revenue for independent nonprofit journalism.

Business Development & Revenue Growth

• Manage and grow a significant book of business with local companies, agencies, sponsors and community partners
• Develop new revenue from prospecting, referrals, inbound leads, events, campaigns and strategic outreach
• Identify new business categories, high-potential accounts and partnership opportunities across Colorado
• Sell advertising, sponsorship and partnership opportunities across The Sun’s website, newsletters, podcasts, events and emerging platforms
• Maintain a consistent volume of sales calls, meetings, proposals and follow-up with current and prospective clients
• Meet or exceed individual revenue goals, growth of targeted accounts, and renewal expectations

• Build trusted relationships with clients, agencies, sponsors and community partners
• Develop consultative sales solutions that align with client goals and The Sun’s audience, mission and products
• Create customized proposals that may include digital advertising, newsletters, podcasts, event sponsor ships and other partnership opportunities
• Use audience data, campaign performance, market research and client feedback to strengthen recommendations
• Lead renewal and growth conversations with assigned accounts
• Identify opportunities to expand existing relationships into larger, longer-term or multi-platform partnerships

• Partner with the Sales Director to improve sales strategy, pipeline discipline, prospecting systems, pipeline diversification (including philanthropies), revenue planning and team performance
• Help develop sales materials, pitch decks, sponsorship packages, pricing tools and proposal templates
• Support team-wide use of the CRM by maintaining accurate account data, activity tracking and revenue forecasts
• Share ideas and best practices that strengthen prospecting, client service, renewals and campaign execution
• Provide informal coaching, guidance and support to Account Executives or other team members when needed
• Help the sales team stay organized, focused and accountable to shared goals

• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure sold campaigns are clearly communicated, accurately executed and delivered on schedule
• Maintain strong communication with clients before, during and after campaigns
• Support campaign reviews by sharing performance data, insights and recommendations for future growth
• Manage multiple clients, proposals, campaigns and deadlines with strong attention to detail
• Help resolve client questions or campaign issues in a timely, professional manner
• Contribute to a client experience that reflects The Sun’s credibility, quality…