ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

WHO WE ARE

Robert Sengstacke Abbott, a Georgian native and son of freedman slaves, was formally trained as an attorney. However, upon settling in Chicago, he learned the printing trade and founded a newspaper in 1905, still in publication called the Chicago Defender.

A key part of his distribution network was made up of African American railroad porters, who were highly respected among African Americans – adding to the reputation and credibility of the newspaper. The Chicago Defender is often noted as having played a major role in initiating The Great Migration, during 1915-1919, resulting in approximately 1.3 million African Americans to northern cities

Myiti Sengstacke-Rice now continues the legacy of 4 generations – she was voted President and CEO of the Chicago Defender Charities in February 2017. Under Myiti’s leadership she has since being doing business as the Robert Sengstacke Abbott (RSA) Charities to honor the legacy her family and community. 

MISSION

We connect the community to opportunities dedicated to performing arts, education, health, wellness, business training and entrepreneurial development. We strive to unite, empower, improve the quality of life, and enrich families and individuals in our communities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Account Executive will be responsible for helping to create and sell branded, high-impact marketing assets across our owned & operated properties, including, though not limited to the Bud Billiken® Parade and Bronzeville Life™.  The Account Executive is directly responsible for the preservation and expansion of our corporate sponsor database.

Role Responsibilities

The Chicago Defender Charities (Charities) hereby agrees to engage the Account Executive to provide the Charities with the following services:

  1. Handle and create new corporate client relationships approved by the Director of Sales

  2. Manage the entire sales cycle from finding a corporate client to securing a deal

  3. Assist with managing existing in-house sponsor relationships and expected deliverables of assets

  4. Provide status updates to the Director of Sales

  5. Present opportunities to prospective corporate clients

  6. Provide professional after-sales support to the Sponsor Manager

  7. Remain in frequent contact with the corporate clients as part of the Account Executive’s  responsibility to understand their needs

  8. Respond to complaints and resolve issues with the goal of client contentment and the preservation of the Charities’ reputation

  9. Support sponsors on-site during events 

  10. Provide input to the events team as needed

  11. Negotiate agreements and keep records of sales and data in the CRM system

Role Qualifications 

  1. Bachelor’s degree preferred

  2. A minimum of 3 years of Sponsorship Sales experience with extensive venue sales accomplishments

  3. Proven track record of successfully working with brands to create, sell and execute best-in-class innovative venue-based marketing programs and promotions

  4. Excellent relationships with senior level marketing executives at relevant companies located in or doing business in relevant assigned markets

  5. Demonstrated ability to develop and nurture relationships and work effectively at all levels of the decision process

  6. Sufficient understanding of media / advertising buys to communicate the value of sponsorship vs. pure media as a marketing solution

  7. Highly developed interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills

  8. Ability to speak publicly with confidence and poise

  9. Keen sense of self-motivation, dignity, and resolve

  10. Open-minded with a passion for learning a wide range of skills that will carry through a variety of career paths

  11. Naturally relational and articulate individual who thrives in human interaction

     

    Timeline: Five (5) Month Project April – August
    Work Location: Hybrid position, in-office days required, schedule will be provided.
    Compensation: $20,000, plus commission bonuses