National Account Executive – Entertainment, Gaming, Interactive - Remote Eligible

National Account Executive – Entertainment, Gaming, Interactive

Role is remote with some travel. Chicago, IL DMA preferred

About Us

We're a major media organization operating a large network of news sites, including over 100 local newspapers, a unified national news platform, and a substantial sports and lifestyle network. Our multimedia group, anchored by a portfolio of series, special projects, and daily content in news, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and more, drives millions of views and listens every month across our O&Os, YouTube, social channels, streaming, podcast, and emerging platforms.

We're seeking an Interactive Sales Executive with a proven track record in closing high-value sponsorships and partnerships in entertainment and games to generate substantial revenue for our multimedia portfolio including our existing entertainment channel, puzzle site, and the broader PLAY experience. Creating and scaling successful brand partnerships across the entertainment and PLAY channels will be a key area of focus in this role. As well as driving significant revenue streams from direct-sold or programmatic campaigns across digital, print, social, and events.

Role Overview

As our Interactive Account Executive, you will be responsible for driving significant net new revenue in your first year by securing strategic brand deals, sponsorships, and custom advertising programs.

You'll collaborate and ideate with editorial and creative multimedia team leaders from Entertainment and PLAY and your success will directly impact the growth and profitability of our multimedia portfolio, a key pillar of long-term growth for our content division.

Key Responsibilities

1. Revenue Generation & Pipeline Management
• Own end-to-end sales cycle to achieve significant net new revenue goals.
• Identify, prospect, and cultivate relationships with key decision-makers across multiple verticals such as Pharma, Financial Services, Entertainment, Gaming, Media, CPG, Technology & Telecom and others.
• Build a robust pipeline of brand partnerships, premium sponsorships, and custom advertising packages for our multimedia portfolio.
2. Strategic Partnership Development
• Develop compelling sponsorship opportunities in partnership with Entertainment and PLAY leveraging the scale of our multimedia portfolio.
• Collaborate with cross-functional content teams to craft integrated programs for both proactive, targeted pitches and RFP responses.
3. Client Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for brand partners, nurturing long-term relationships and maximizing recurring revenue streams.
• Conduct client-facing presentations, proposal development, and quarterly/annual business reviews to ensure partners see strong ROI.
• Managing complex sales cycles, including presentations, negotiations, and contract closures.
4. Market & Product Insight
• Stay ahead of digital advertising trends, sponsor needs, and industry developments (especially in the digital video ecosystem as it pertains to entertainment and games) including social media and influencer-style content-creator approaches)
• Develop data-motivated analysis and recommendations for quantifying opportunities.
• Provide market intelligence to internal stakeholders, helping shape sponsorship packages, product enhancements, and editorial alignments.
5. Performance Reporting & Forecasting
• Maintain accurate records of deal progress, revenue forecasts, and pipeline health in CRM systems.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on sales progress, insights on market demand, and recommended strategies to reach revenue targets.
6. Collaboration & Team Leadership
• Work closely with Sales, Account Management, Sales Strategy, Editorial, and Ad Operations teams to execute sold campaigns seamlessly.
• Understanding client needs while identifying and developing new business opportunities with major advertisers.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven Sales Track Record: 2+ years in digital media sales, sponsorship sales, or partnership development with a consistent record of closing high-value, multimillion-dollar deals.
• Industry Relationships: Established network of brand and agency contacts across Pharma, Financial Services, Entertainment, Gaming, Media, CPG, and Technology & Telecom (additional verticals a plus).
• Strategic Selling & Negotiation: Demonstrated ability to build custom sponsorship solutions, negotiate large contracts, and influence C-level decision-makers.
• Revenue Accountability: Comfortable owning a significant net new revenue responsibility.
• Digital Media Expertise: Familiarity with branded content, native advertising, integrated sponsorship packages, and performance metrics (CPM, CPA, brand lift).
• Strong Communication Skills: Exceptional presentation abilities, adept at creating proposals and delivering pitches.
• Analytical & Results-Driven: Competent using CRM systems, with data-oriented approaches to pipeline management.
• Team Player: Able to collaborate with internal product, editorial, and marketing teams to craft innovative solutions that delight advertisers and resonate with audiences. Bridges sales with product, editorial, and marketing teams to deliver advertiser solutions that align with audience engagement.
• Willingness to Travel: Ability to meet clients and attend industry events as needed (estimated 20% travel).

What We Offer

• High-Impact Opportunity: Spearhead major sponsorship deals for an established brand reaching over 140 million unique visitors monthly, with robust puzzle, and gaming, and entertainment verticals poised for rapid expansion.
• Competitive Compensation: Base salary plus aggressive commission/bonus structure aligned with your revenue achievements.
• Growth Trajectory: Play an integral role in evolving our new PLAY experience, shaping strategic partnerships and influencing product innovation.
• Supportive Team Culture: Collaborate with passionate, forward-thinking colleagues in marketing, editorial, and product—focused on delivering engaging casual entertainment to a massive audience.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, unlimited paid time off with our MTO program, and opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Join us in powering the next big leap in interactive puzzles, casual gaming and entertainment as our Interactive Account Executive and help shape a new era of audience engagement across our expansive media network!

The annualized base salary for this role will range between $70,000 and $90,000. OTE $133,000 – 150,000. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.

#LI-SD1 #LI-REMOTE with travel