Now Hiring - Tampa Bay Times - Classified Advertising Sales Representative in Tampa, FL

Full description of the position

PRIMARY JOB SUMMARY: The Classified Advertising Sales position is a full-time position focused on providing exceptional customer service while managing advertising sales through inbound and outbound phone interactions. The representative engages with existing customers and new prospects to meet and exceed sales goals, ensuring a high level of service and problem resolution. This remote position requires in depth knowledge of the Tampa Bay marketplace and requires effective communication and organizational skills to create and implement strategic advertising campaigns across both digital and traditional marketing channels ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Sales: * Prospect and build client relationships : Identify and approach new potential clients while nurturing long-term relationships with existing customers. * Present and sell tailored advertising solutions : Effectively communicate the benefits of classified advertising and offer solutions that include digital and traditional market channels. * Negotiate contracts and pricing : Secure commitments from clients by determining optimal pricing and establishing clear advertising contracts. * Achieve and exceed sales targets : Consistently meet or surpass individual and team sales goals. *Customer Service: * Deliver exceptional client support : Provide timely responses to inquiries, resolve issues promptly, and ensure overall client satisfaction. * Process classified ad orders : Accurately capture ad details, including content, dates, and preferred placement to ensure client satisfaction. * Ensure ad compliance and quality : Review and confirm the accuracy and proper formatting of ads before publication. *Administrative Tasks: * Manage payment processing : Collect and record payments for classified ads efficiently and accurately. * Maintain detailed client and sales records : Track client information, ad placements, and sales data to ensure seamless operations. * Prepare and analyze reports : Regularly assess sales performance and identify opportunities for process improvement and growth. Additional Duties: * Develop and implement sales strategies : Contribute to the success of the classified advertising department by helping shape and execute effective sales tactics. * Collaborate cross-functionally : Work closely with teams across production, marketing, and other departments to streamline operations and drive results. * Stay informed on industry trends : Continuously monitor changes in advertising practices and technology to stay competitive and adapt strategies. * Cross departmental support : Crosstrain in all areas of classified advertising and provide support to other divisions including legal advertising and obituaries as needed . BUSINESS MEASURE: Impacts Classified advertising division through direct sales to small businesses, churches, realtors and private party consumers. Results in direct client contact and successful advertising campaign execution to meet client objectives and budgets. Demonstrated self-starter with a penchant to succeed as demonstrated in sales attainment and delivery of customer service excellence. Achievement will be measured through client satisfaction and goal attainment. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE * High School Diploma or equivalent * Requires good working knowledge of punctuation, titles and spelling. . * Requires working knowledge of production and database systems used for order entry: * Requires knowledge of the Tampa Bay Times standards of advertising acceptability. * Requires ability to train other staffers in these procedures. * Excellent customer service orientation. * Must be able to work effectively and accurately under pressure. * Must be detail oriented and quality conscious. * Experience with E-mail, and online form filler and search options. * Must be technically adept. * Bachelor's degree from a four-year college preffered; or equivalent combination of education and experience. * Strong sales and negotiation skills. * Strong knowledge of Tampa Bay real estate market and proven successful marketing strategies * Ability to create and present presentations from all available market information to maximize sales. Ability to multi-task and handle a variety of accounts within the real estate industry. * Benefits for Full-Time Eligible Employees * Health coverage for you and your family through medical, dental and vision plans. * 100% employer paid short term and long-term disability. * 100% employer paid basic life insurance. * Supplemental life insurance. * Tax advantages through flexible spending accounts that allow you to pay for specific health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Tax-Deferred Savings Plan for retirement.A generous PTO program and much more * INDTBT