Account Executive

Help build the advertising engine behind a new premium local magazine.

Illinois Fitness & Sport Magazine is hiring an Account Executive to drive advertising and sponsorship sales for a community-focused media brand serving athletes, active families, coaches, fitness enthusiasts, and sports-minded readers across Illinois.

This is a hands-on sales role for someone who enjoys prospecting, building relationships, closing business, and growing accounts over time. You will work directly with local and regional businesses including gyms, clinics, sports medicine providers, schools, events, wellness brands, and other organizations that want to reach an active and engaged audience.

We are looking for someone who is confident, organized, professional, and motivated by results. This is not a director-level leadership role. It is an opportunity for a strong seller who wants to own a pipeline, contribute directly to revenue, and grow with a startup-stage publication.

Responsibilities

Prospect and develop new advertising and sponsorship relationships
Sell print advertising, sponsored content, digital placements, and partnership packages
Build and manage an active pipeline of local and regional business prospects
Conduct outreach through phone, email, referrals, networking, and in-person meetings
Present advertising opportunities clearly and professionally
Create proposals based on client goals, audience fit, and budget
Manage the sales cycle from initial outreach through signed agreement
Maintain strong advertiser relationships and pursue renewals
Coordinate with leadership, editorial, and production teams to support smooth campaign execution
Track outreach activity, pipeline movement, and closed revenue consistently
Represent the magazine professionally in the local business and sports community

Qualifications

2+ years of experience in advertising sales, media sales, sponsorship sales, B2B sales, or account management with a strong sales component
Proven ability to prospect, build relationships, and close business
Strong communication, presentation, and follow-up skills
Ability to manage a pipeline independently and stay organized
Comfortable working in a startup or growth-stage environment
Professional, community-facing, and self-motivated
Experience with local media, publishing, sponsorship, fitness, sports, healthcare, or community-based sales is preferred

Preferred background

Experience selling advertising, sponsorships, or marketing solutions
Familiarity with print and digital media sales
Experience working with small to mid-sized local businesses
Existing connections in Central Illinois or surrounding markets is a plus

What success looks like

Build an active and organized prospect pipeline within the first 30 days
Establish strong outreach and follow-up habits early
Begin closing new advertisers and sponsors within the first 60 to 90 days
Contribute directly to monthly and issue-based revenue goals
Build strong client relationships that support renewals and repeat business

Compensation
This role includes a base salary plus commission, with on-target earnings expected in the $60,000-$85,000+ range depending on sales performance. Final compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and track record.
Benefits

Flexible hybrid work environment
Performance-based commission structure
Opportunity to help build a growing local media brand
High-visibility role with direct impact on revenue growth
Networking opportunities in the fitness, sports, health, and business communities

About Illinois Fitness & Sport Magazine
Illinois Fitness & Sport Magazine is a premium local-first publication focused on fitness, sport, performance, wellness, and community. We connect readers with high-quality storytelling, practical content, and trusted local partnerships across the Illinois sports and fitness landscape.
To apply
Please submit your resume along with a brief note describing:

your sales background
the types of accounts you have worked with
any experience with advertising, sponsorship, or media sales
why you are interested in this role

Pay: $40,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits

Flexible schedule
On-the-job training

Application Question(s):

Are you comfortable with outbound prospecting, including phone calls, email outreach, ne