Consumer Sales Director

The Peoria Journal Star, the GateHouse Media’s largest daily newspaper, is recruiting for a Consumer Sales Director that will also be the point person for our paid publications across the state of Illinois. We’re looking for a superstar that can elevate our revenue and volume unit performance, big-time!! 

This executive will work very closely between Local Leadership and Corporate Consumer Marketing to grow consumer revenue by increasing print and digital subscriptions, improving and maintaining a high level of retention, leveraging the analytics to maximize ROI on sales resources and driving retail sales.  Responsibility includes aligning the sales and marketing strategy with content, product and competition in the market, demonstrating creativity to drive volume (unit) growth, and leading the way with our short-term and longer-term pricing strategy.  The executive we’re seeking must have a demonstrated track record of achieving revenue GROWTH.      

Specific responsibilities include:

1. Grow consumer revenue by driving acquisition programs across our paid dailies and weeklies and by executing on aggressive, but strategic, pricing initiatives.   
2. Develop appropriate mix of start acquisition channels to deliver maximized profitability and retention.  Optimal target is 20-25% direct mail, but this range may vary depending on profitability, retention and local market factors.  
3. Lead retention and renewal marketing programs to reduce stops and maximize ROI across each start acquisition channel, consistently adjusting plans based on the analytics and results of each program.   
4. Work cohesively with local Marketing and the Corporate Consumer Marketing teams on developing creative and call-to-action components to acquisition programs.    
5. Responsible for strategically driving and integrating digital subscription sales into the everyday sales process with an eye on both revenue and total unit growth. 
6. Drive retail sales by developing partnerships with convenience stores, supermarkets and other high volume outlets.
7. Talent development, training and recruitment to strengthen the bench in Consumer Marketing.

Skills and Specifications:

1. Bachelor’s Degree
2. A proven track record of growing consumer generated revenue
3. Strong analytically
4. Digital savvy
5. Previous experience driving sales in a subscription-based media business (magazine, newspaper, satellite radio etc…)

To be considered, please email your cover letter and resume to Jim O’Rourke, Corporate Vice President of Consumer Marketing, at jorourke@gatehousemedia.com.