Advertising and Partnership Account Executive
Join a passionate local team and lead our growth as the premier news source for the Carolinas LGBTQ community. For over 37 years, Qnotes has been providing quality reporting on local LGBTQ news, arts & culture, nonprofits, business and more. It is the only media organization in the Carolinas that is written and published by and for the LGBTQ community.
In the past several years we’ve launched a new website, received numerous grants to support our journalism, and kickstarted a member revenue program making it an exciting time to join the Qnotes team.
Qnotes is seeking an ambitious, self-starter to build a diversified revenue program that includes:
- Print and online advertising sales
- Newsletter development and sponsorships
- Membership programs
- Grants and partnerships
As the Advertising and Partnership Account Executive, you will build relationships with the local business community that can support a valued organization that protects LGBTQ visibility, shares our stories, and keeps our community informed. Our ideal candidate is an experienced sales executive with a passion for local journalism who can help lead our organization through a period of growth. You will enjoy wide latitude to create the structures necessary to build a diverse and sustainable revenue model. You must be nimble enough to create strategy and processes as well as execute day-to-day tasks.
Responsibilities
- Be the lead on our print and digital advertising program, including updating media kits, researching competition and best strategies.
- Develop and lead local sales with an emphasis on identifying new areas of opportunity for partnerships with local businesses, agencies and organizations to achieve monthly and quarterly sales objectives.
- Develop and manage a strategy that will encourage LGBTQ-owned businesses to market their products and services with Qnotes.
- Increase opportunities for digital advertising through local and regional ad sales, Google Ads, Gay Ad Network and more.
- Implement pricing strategies to increase sales while maintaining profitability.
- Make targeted sales calls in line with the organization’s strategy.
- Successfully manage advertising accounts, including timely payments and follow-ups.
- Track key audience metrics to provide competitive rates and statistics for partners.
- Develop strategies to transform more readers into engaged subscribers to help build a base of small donors that support the work of Qnotes
- Work with the Digital & Audience Engagement Manager to further develop statewide newsletters that increase opportunities for advertising and sponsorship.
- Engage with national, regional, North Carolina-based foundations to identify and expand our portfolio of foundation and grant support.
- Actively participate as a key member of the Qnotes team, influencing and driving strategy to accomplish goals.
Be part of growing Qnotes and supporting the news and information needs of the LGBTQ community of Charlotte and the Carolinas.
Position details
This is a 30-hour week position with a base salary of $30,000, plus commission and $100/month technology stipend. The position has extreme opportunity for quick growth and advancement. While the position is remote it does require some travel in and around Charlotte, N.C. and occasional in-person meetings with the Qnotes publisher. An office space is also available when needed.
- 10 vacation days (after accrual period) in addition to major holidays
- Bonus commissions contingent upon attainment of revenue objectives
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible work schedule
Qualifications
- Ability to work independently and a personal drive to help grow the company and meet both short-term and long-term goals.
- Be part of a positive, adaptable and growth minded environment that believes in the value and sustainability of local news.
- Experience in digital and/or traditional media is a plus.
- Have a commitment to the LGBTQ community of Charlotte and the Carolinas.
- Have a clear understanding of editorial independence and the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between our revenue and editorial operations.
- Deeply invested in the success of our clients and community.
- Excellent planning, organization, analytical and project management skills.
- Familiar with basic online team tools including Google Workspace.
Some great candidates may not check all of the boxes above, and may have valuable skills not included here. If that’s you, please don’t hesitate to apply and tell us why you would thrive in this role.
To apply, please send resume and cover letter to admin@qnotescarolinas.com.
We will make every effort to respond to all candidates.
Community Contributors – Volunteer position
Interested in citizen journalism? Have a general passion for writing and local, community reporting? We are currently seeking community contributors in these areas:
Freelance Feature Writers
Qnotes accepts submissions for feature/cover pieces. These pieces must be at least 1,000-1,800 words in length, of high quality, be of interest to LGBTQ Carolinians. We ask that stories be accompanied by photos when possible. Feature pieces may be published as cover stories or as feature stories online or in print.
Community Freelance News Writers
Articles must be 400-900 words long and should include a photograph. Articles should be news stories covering recent political developments, local events, community organizations, etc. You can discuss your story idea with our editor prior to writing and submission.
LGBTQ Sports Writers
Articles must be 500-600 word news or longer feature pieces focusing on the events and activities of LGBTQ sports, leagues, and associations in the Carolinas.You can discuss your story idea with our editor prior to writing and submission.
Arts & Entertainment / Nightlife Freelance Writers
Coverage of arts and entertainment events, as well as the nightlife scene, are welcome. Writers would be responsible for submitting photos along with arts features (plays, concerts, performances, etc.). Additionally, writers would also be responsible for submitting photos from clubs and bars and a short story (400-600 words) about nightlife events (past and upcoming) in their area.
To submit stories or pitches for consideration, email editor@qnotescarolinas.com.
Updated April 27, 2023