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Advertising Director

Join Hearst Community Media Group to help deliver impactful media campaigns for our customers, leveraging our rich history, extensive audience reach, best-in-class advertising solutions, and the power of cutting-edge AI tools!

Role Overview: The Midland Reporter-Telegram, part of Hearst Community Media group, is seeking a high-impact Advertising Director to lead local advertising operations and serve as the face of the organization in the Midland, TX community. This in-office leadership role functions similarly to a General Manager, with responsibility for driving print and digital revenue, managing sales teams (2 local, 1 remote), and fostering deep relationships across the business community. The ideal candidate is a hands-on coach with a strong background in advertising and marketing, proven success in community involvement, and the ability to lead by example-attending civic events, engaging with local organizations, and representing the publication with professionalism and purpose. You'll work closely with editorial leadership and senior management to align sales goals with broader business objectives, ensuring that our advertising strategies reflect both market opportunity and community values.

Why Hearst Community Media Group?

Our people make the difference! Our diverse team is filled with passionate individuals who want to win. We offer an upbeat and collaborative working environment where challenging the norm is encouraged. With ample opportunities to learn new skills and advance within the organization, our team members are given the tools to learn and grow their careers.

Leverage Advanced AI for Maximum Efficiency and Earnings
Imagine having a personal assistant that never sleeps. Our state-of-the-art AI tools, including ChatGPT Enterprise and Gong.io, streamline your workflow, enabling you to close deals faster and manage your pipeline more effectively. 

This means more time to focus on what you love and a direct boost to your earnings potential.
Exclusive Partnership with OpenAI
Through our strategic content partnership with OpenAI and our exclusive ChatGPT Enterprise license, we have unparalleled access to the latest advancements in AI technology. 

This partnership provides us-and you-with a massive competitive edge in the market, ensuring you have the most powerful tools at your disposal to drive sales and exceed targets.

Personalized AI Tutors for Seamless Onboarding
Your success starts from day one. With our personalized AI tutors, every question you have, and every training need you encounter is met with instant, tailored support. 

These AI-driven mentors ensure you learn and sell as quickly and efficiently as possible, empowering you to hit the ground running and achieve your goals faster.

What will you do?

• Drive Success with Innovative Tools: Utilize our AI-powered software to enhance every stage of the sales cycle, from prospecting and planning to presenting and closing deals.

• Lead the Local Sales Team: Inspire and manage a team of advertising professionals (2 local, 1 remote) to drive print and digital revenue, fostering a results-oriented, collaborative culture.

• Be the Face of the Organization: Represent the Midland Reporter-Telegram at chamber events, civic organizations, and within the business community-building relationships that drive awareness, trust, and revenue.

• Drive Sales Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement go-to-market strategies for new and existing advertising products, ensuring your team hits or exceeds revenue targets.

• Coach and Develop Talent: Actively mentor sales staff, join client meetings, model strong sales behavior, and support professional growth through hands-on leadership.

• Engage with Key Clients: Maintain and grow relationships with major advertisers, acting as a trusted advisor and advocate for their success across our platforms.

• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with editorial, circulation, and corporate teams to align efforts, support community coverage, and maximize audience impact.

• Champion New Initiatives: Identify market trends and consumer needs to propose new advertising programs and community-focused campaigns.

• Ensure Operational Excellence: Monitor KPIs, sales activities, and market dynamics to adjust strategy and ensure consistent performance across all channels.

What Would It Take to Be Successful:

• Community-First Mindset: You're energized by representing your organization publicly and building lasting relationships with local business leaders, nonprofits, and civic groups.
• Leadership by Example: You're not just a manager-you're a coach who's willing to join sales calls, guide team members in the field, and lead from the front.
• Proven Sales Acumen: You have a strong track record of hitting or exceeding advertising and digital sales goals, with an ability to turn strategy into action.
• Adaptability and Drive: You thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and are motivated to roll up your sleeves to build something impactful at the local level.
• Strategic Thinking: You can analyze market dynamics, identify growth opportunities, and pivot as needed to stay ahead in a changing media landscape.
• Strong Communication Skills: Whether engaging with the community or collaborating across departments, your communication is clear, persuasive, and purpose-driven.
• Digital Fluency: You bring an understanding of digital advertising solutions and how to apply them effectively for local businesses.

• Commitment to Excellence: You hold yourself and your team accountable to high standards, with a focus on integrity, professionalism, and community service.

What we're looking for:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Advertising, Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience in media sales or leadership will also be considered.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in advertising, digital sales, or multimedia marketing. Must have led sales teams and demonstrated success in driving revenue growth. Active community engagement-such as participation in chambers, charitable boards, or civic leadership in Midland or similar markets-is highly valued.
• Mindset: Entrepreneurial, community-driven, and hands-on. You lead by example, thrive in fast-paced environments, and are energized by mentoring others and being the local face of the organization.

• Skills: Strong communicator and negotiator with a knack for building relationships and closing deals. Tech-savvy with knowledge of CRM tools and Microsoft Office. Able to interpret data, identify opportunities, and adjust strategies to meet evolving goals.

What we offer:

• Dynamic Environment: A great work environment where it's never boring.
• Comprehensive Training: Paid in-depth sales and product training.
• Competitive Compensation: Competitive base salary with uncapped commissions for unlimited earning potential.
• Collaborative Culture: Ideas and input are always welcome.
• Learn more about Hearst Newspapers at www.joinhnp.com

Our Benefits: At Hearst Newspapers we not only support our employees through personal and professional development, but we also believe in promoting each individual's physical, financial and emotional wellbeing (and that of their family).  Our industry-leading benefits include:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• Invest for the Future: Competitive retirement plan with matching program in most markets.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Recharge with ample time off, including holidays and vacation.
• Paid Parental Leave: Support for growing families, with paid leave for new parents.
• Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement: Financial support for the care of your loved ones.
• Emotional Wellbeing: Be your best self with our mental wellness benefits.
• LGBTQ+ & Inclusive Health Services: Inclusive healthcare designed for every individual's unique needs.
• Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support: Helping you along every step of your family journey.
• Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits: We care about your pets, too - helping you keep them happy and healthy.
• And more, click here for additional benefits and details.

Join us at Hearst Community Media Group and become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and customer success. Apply now to make an impact in the Midland, TX advertising market!

About Hearst Community Media Group: 

Hearst Texas Communities feature award-winning staples in the Lone Star State, which are made up of the Beaumont Enterprise, the Laredo Morning Times, the Midland Reporter-Telegram, and the Plainview Daily Herald. In addition to its journalism, the organization provides innovative, unique advertising and marketing solutions for local and regional businesses to grow and succeed.

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories-growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms-to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired. 

Be a part of something bigger-Your Headline Awaits

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