Account Manager, Underwriting & Sponsorships

Issue Media Group seeks a creative, experienced, and resourceful team member to join us in the role of Account Manager, Underwriting & Sponsorships. Reporting to the Marketing & Business Development Director, this person will have the opportunity to join a small, collaborative team driving revenue in support of innovative local media.

Issue Media Group produces vital journalism that moves communities forward. Founded in Detroit in 2005 with our flagship publication, Model D, we’ve grown to operate more than a dozen local publications in Michigan and beyond. Our work is supported by a long list of stakeholders who care deeply about their communities, and that list is always evolving.

The Account Manager, Underwriting & Sponsorships will take on a portfolio of existing clients and will also be responsible for developing prospects, programs, and coalitions to sustain our publications. This role is unique: our sales team relies heavily on relationship-building and referrals, and often pursues grant support from philanthropic foundations. The ideal candidate will offer a blend of business acumen with an understanding of how mission-driven organizations work.

What you’ll do:

• Build and maintain sales pipelines for your portfolio of publications and projects.
• Conduct outreach to and meet with potential partners.
• Design underwriting and sponsorship packages that respond to partner needs and support the vital work of our publications.
• Develop relationships in your markets and continuously evolve your understanding of the funding ecosystems in those communities.
• Work closely with the marketing and sales team, which will help prioritize your activities, support your daily work, and achieve your sales goals.

The ideal candidate:

• Understands how the ecosystem of nonprofits, government agencies, private sector investment, and philanthropy works in communities. Familiarity with Michigan communities is a plus.
• Loves talking to people, understanding their pain points, and helping to solve problems.
• Is passionate about the value of local media and can communicate that value in a number of ways and contexts.
• Can work methodically, following up on leads and maintaining a healthy pipeline across multiple publications, while also responding to opportunities as they arise.
• Collaborates well in a small team environment.
• Has a minimum of 5 years of experience in sales, marketing, development, or a similar field.

Good to know:

• We use Hubspot CRM and Google Workspace as our daily productivity tools.
• We work remotely and primarily take virtual meetings. Depending on the need, it may be expected to travel to various markets a few to several times a year.