Senior Vice President for Sales and National Sponsorships Window To The World Communications, Inc., POSITION DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 Window To The World Communications, Inc., POSITION DESCRIPTION February 2014

2 Window To The World Communications, Inc. Position Title: Reports to: President and Chief Executive Officer Background Window To The World Communications, Inc. (WWCI) is the parent company of WTTW11, one of America s most-watched public television stations, and 98.7WFMT, Chicago s venerable classical and fine arts radio station. The Midwest s premier public broadcasting/media organization, WWCI reaches out to diverse audiences across a four-state area via four distinct television channels and beyond over the radio airwaves, through online streaming, social media, user-friendly websites, and community engagement initiatives -- all offering the very best in local and national content. Since its inception in 1955, WTTW has garnered numerous Emmy Awards, Peter Lisagor Awards for Exemplary Journalism, and seven prestigious George Foster Peabody Awards for excellence in broadcasting. With original programming that has included everything from Chicago Tonight, Check, Please!, Geoffrey Baer s popular history and architecture specials, Soundstage, Wild Chicago, Arts Across Illinois, Sneak Previews and much more, WTTW s rich history is inextricably woven into the fabric of Chicago s culture. Offering programming for young and old, WTTW11 continues to be one of the most widely viewed public television stations in the country, attracting 3.6 million monthly viewers, over the air, on digital cable, and online via its websites. 98.7WFMT, with its special focus on emerging and established local artists, is one of the nation s most respected classical music radio stations, reaching 280,000 listeners a week over the air and averaging another 142,000 a week through online streaming. The WFMT Radio Network produces and distributes a wide variety of programming to hundreds of stations nationwide and internationally offering classical, jazz and folk music, live symphonic and opera performances, rare vintage recordings, and impromptu instudio interviews. Ever striving to provide more quality content to our loyal audiences while expanding our base, today Window To The World Communications, Inc. is a truly multi-platform media enterprise, constantly investing in key technological upgrades and innovations for the digital age with a view toward long-term sustainability. There are few institutions in Chicago that can tell today s stories and connect our community in more powerful and impactful ways. 2

3 As audiences fragment across an increasing number of media choices, traditional radio and TV sales becomes more challenging. Sales success lately around national projects has been mostly through working with co-producers who bring their own funding or philanthropic dollars. The Company is seeking someone who will operate on a very hands-on basis to develop and close national project sales, while also mentoring and motivating a staff of eighteen. This newly created position is a key piece of management s plan to allocate more resources and significantly increase sales, especially around national projects. 3

4 Window To The World Communications, Inc. Position Title: Reports to: President and Chief Executive Officer Position Summary Reporting to the President and CEO, the newly created position Senior Vice President for Sales and National Sponsorships will be very hands-on, directing all sales-related revenue-generating activities for WTTW11 and 98.7WFMT, and directly handling sponsorships and sales for national programming. The position will oversee the general sales managers for both radio and television. Working in close collaboration, the Senior Vice President for Sales and National Sponsorships and the Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer will work to develop a comprehensive united sales and funding strategy for the organization. In support of WTTW11 and 98.7WFMT s new strategic plan and ongoing program development, this newly created position will be charged with identifying and securing funding for programming to be distributed on a national basis by the Company. Goals for program sponsorships include $4 million in annual local underwriting for both Radio and TV and national sponsorships for projects totaling over $20 million. In addition to the President and CEO, this person will work closely with the following executives: Executive Vice President for Radio Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Senior Vice President and Chief TV Content Officer Senior Vice President for National TV Production Senior Vice President for Marketing and Interactive Media. WTTW s national productions are co-headed by the Chief Content Officer and the Senior Vice President for National TV Production. The individual in this position is expected to drive growth in the national market and be accustomed to being evaluated on achieving top and bottom line sales and goals. He/She must be creative and highly skilled in developing strategic sales, marketing and financial plans. Knowledge of new media formats and the ability to anticipate media trends will be of primary importance in this position. The ideal candidate will be entrepreneurial, a self-starter as well as an exceptional listener and a master collaborator. Candidates must be able to demonstrate a proven track record in National, multi-million dollar sales results. 4

5 He/She will need to develop new tools and strategies for funding and revenue generation while maximizing the WTTW brand and assets, including relationships, facilities and staff. He/she must be able to use market research and program information to create compelling sales rationale and be effective in closing major deals. Responsibilities include developing contacts and maintaining on-going relationships with prospective sponsors as well as developing and maintaining positive working relationships with research, marketing, program managers and executive producers. He/She must demonstrate leadership qualities and be a team-builder. Direct Reports General Sales Manager, TV General Sales Manager, Radio The Sales Department totals eighteen FTE s. Duties and Responsibilities Sales Direct sales staff and work with them to develop a comprehensive strategy and executable plan for cultivating new and existing public media funding sources with a primary focus on national sales. Execute a multi-year, multi-platform distribution strategy with maximum traditional and non-traditional distribution outlets. Provide mentoring and coaching to sales team and Company management on how to develop and close multimillion dollar sales relationships. Initiate and grow C-level relationships with Fortune 500 companies as well as smaller, successful entrepreneurial businesses. Identify and close nontraditional media sales, licensing and other funding deals. Effectively package traditional media sales with philanthropic and nontraditional sales to complete project funding. Create compelling program packages utilizing multi-platform media concepts. Research, identify and track new corporate prospects for underwriting. Cultivate and develop relationships with prospective sponsors. Management Working with senior management, execute a multi-year program development strategy, aligned with WTTW/WFMT goals, and a smooth delivery pipeline. Oversees the sales team for TV and Radio. 5

6 Monitor sales performance and create appropriate sales accountability. Finance Works with key staff to help develop program budgets for TV and Radio. Works closely with Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer to coordinate philanthropic sponsorship strategies and proposals. Work with the Executive Vice President & CFO in the preparation of all revenue generating reports. Reports on an on-going basis regarding sales quotas and goals. WWCI s Strategic Plan As a key executive in the organization, he/ she will play an integral role on the senior leadership team working together to implement WWCI s new five-year strategic plan. This newly created plan developed by the Board of Trustees and key stakeholders will rely heavily on both fundraising and sales revenue. With increased focus on underwriting support for program content, several goals directly pertain to this new position: 1. Becoming a leading producer and distributor of quality media content beyond Chicago. Objective: Develop and own one nationally distributed, branded, highly successful multi-million property in each of the following three content areas: 1. Arts and entertainment (e.g., Soundstage, Exploring Music) 2. Documentary (e.g., 10 Buildings) 3. Life-long learning 2. Build a strong and sustainable business. Objective: Review the financial viability of new projects, constantly evaluate business unit performance and adjust resource allocations based on market opportunities. QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS Bachelors required: Master s degree preferred At least ten years of increasingly responsible and successful sales experience Proven leadership and personnel management experience including motivating, training and developing teams and individuals Experience with independent production companies, cable, PBS and networks seen as a plus 6

7 Must demonstrate a proven track record in underwriting sales results Superior knowledge and understanding of audience data Superior interpersonal, organizational, written and verbal communication skills A flexible team player, able and willing to multi-task and adapt to constantly changing opportunities Strong work ethic to enthusiastically create, persist and achieve ambitious goals A master of working collaboratively across departments Goal oriented and highly organized Cooperative and willing to go the extra mile for the good of the Company Ability to interface with multiple levels of an organization Proactive (high sense of urgency) and committed to delivering results in a fast paced, demanding work environment Must be able to effectively package and present information that is formatted in a compelling and persuasive manner Demonstrated problem-solving skills and abilities Tenacious attitude and engaging personality Personal interest and passion in the mission of Window To The World Communications Inc. SALARY Window To The World Communications, Inc., offers a highly competitive salary and generous benefits package. Salary range will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY Recruitment will continue until the position is filled. Cover letters and resumes should be submitted via to hpepper@twbfundraising.com. Material that cannot be ed may be sent to: Window To The World Communications, Inc. C/O Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt Attention: Gene Brandt/Heidi Waltner-Pepper 2 North Riverside Plaza, Suite 1030 Chicago, IL Confidential inquiries and questions concerning this search may be directed to Gene Brandt or Heidi Waltner-Pepper via at gbrandt@twbfundraising.com or hpepper@twbfundraising.com 7