Description

Sponsorship Sales & Community Partnerships Manager

Ashland.news is seeking a full-time Sponsorship Sales & Community Partnerships Manager to lead and grow our earned revenue program through successful sales of sponsorships, underwriting, and structured business partnerships.

Ashland.news reaches approximately 7,600 engaged newsletter subscribers, with three weekly distributions, and generates 150,000-200,000 monthly website pageviews. This role is responsible for maximizing that existing audience reach through strategic, mission-aligned sponsorship relationships.

After reviewing this job description, if you believe you possess the necessary experience to be successful, please send a cover letter and résumé to hiring@ashland.news. Please include "Sponsorship Sales & Community Partnerships Manager" in the subject line.

Position Overview

The Sponsorship Sales & Community Partnerships Manager is a quota-carrying employee responsible for developing, selling, renewing, and expanding sponsorship partnerships across Ashland.news platforms, including newsletter, website, events, special coverage initiatives, and other products consistent with Ashland.news's mission.

This role combines sales execution, relationship development, and revenue product innovation within a nonprofit newsroom environment. The position reports to executive leadership and works collaboratively with editorial and operations teams while maintaining strict editorial independence and firewall standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Prospect, pitch, negotiate, and close new sponsorship agreements.
• Develop and maintain sales support materials and presentations that are current, timely, and appropriate.
• Renew and expand existing sponsor relationships.
• Develop innovative sponsorship products, including underwriting of coverage areas and event partnerships.
• Update and revise the annual media kit and rate structure.
• Build and manage a structured sales pipeline using CRM tools.
• Participate actively in Chamber of Commerce and other civic networking activities.
• Collaborate internally to ensure timely and accurate sponsorship fulfillment.
• Meet or exceed annual revenue targets.
• Maintain strict adherence to editorial independence and sponsorship labeling standards.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in advertising sales, sponsorship sales, or revenue partnerships.
• Demonstrated success meeting or exceeding sales quotas.
• Strong relationship-building skills within community markets.
• Experience with prospecting and qualifying sponsor opportunities.
• Experience developing custom sponsorship solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High ethical standards and respect for editorial independence.
• Experience producing digital sponsorship materials is a plus.

Compensation

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Elements include salary, commission, and bonus. Benefits include a healthcare stipend.