Sales and Underwriting Associate

Position Title: Sales and Underwriting Associate (Updated)

Department: KTWU - General

Advertised Pay: $50,000 base salary for the first year

Campus Location: Washburn University

The screening committee is actively reviewing all eligible applications submitted and will continue until interviews are scheduled or the position is filled.

Position Summary: The Sales and Underwriting Associate for KTWU supports the generation of revenue to fund the general operations of KTWU and any KTWU specific content initiatives by identifying, qualifying, soliciting, and securing business and individual financial sponsors for KTWU’s unique slate of broadcast, digital, and new media products.

KTWU has been broadcasting local public television in eastern Kansas and portions of Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma since 1965. It is also broadcast on the K30AL-LD translator channel in southeast Kansas. Washburn University holds the station license, and its studios are located on the Washburn campus in Topeka, Kansas. KTWU provides programs and services that enrich the lives of those it reaches.

Essential Functions:
• Works collaboratively with other station development team members to review annual budgetary needs and accomplishments, establish revenue goals, and successfully procure monetary support for station operations, KTWU content initiatives, special events, and community engagement activities.
• Work with staff to identify, research, engage, cultivate, solicit, and maintain effective, positive, professional relationships with program sponsorship and station membership prospects within KTWU’s 39-county broadcast region in Northeast Kansas.
• Retain and upgrade current underwriters through the timely renewal of contracts.
• Be able to recognize industry trends, assist with implementing course (strategy) corrections as identified and instructed by appropriate staff, and assist clients and sponsors in meeting their objectives through the various content, services, and products KTWU offers.
• Assist with researching, analyzing, and processing pertinent data from a variety of sources including PBS, CPB, TRAC Media, Nielsen, MRI, other local broadcasters, advertising agencies, print entities, etc.
• Attend and represent KTWU at local, regional, and national trainings, meetings, conferences, and conventions as requested.
• Research and recommend new selling techniques, products, and services that KTWU can offer. Participate in the development and promotion of the same.
• As needed, work cooperatively and collaboratively with the station’s production team to help create and produce client on-air spots and other content products.
• Work with station programming and traffic colleagues on the proper scheduling, monitoring, usage, and reconciliation of content and digital assets to ensure that sponsors' commitments in their underwriting agreements are met.
• Collaborate with station marketing and promotions staff to create sales and information pieces for station clients, members, and the public as appropriate.
• Assist with billing and collecting payments from underwriters.
• Provide support during budget planning and recommend revenue-generating opportunities for each fiscal year.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree with at least three years of effective work experience in advertising, sales, major gift fundraising, marketing, or public relations, OR
• A combination of post-secondary education and work experience in advertising, sales, major gift fundraising, marketing, or public relations equal to seven years.
• Experience working in public media, non-profit, or governmental organizations.
• Proven initiative to secure accounts and experience making cold-sales calls.
• Demonstrated knowledge of or experience with mobile technology and social media.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s License with a driving record that meets University standards.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Five to ten years of related experience.
• Experience selling digital assets.

Full time Exempt Mon-Fri
Background Check and Driving History Required

Washburn University is committed to providing an environment for individuals to pursue educational and employment opportunities free from discrimination and/or harassment. The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or marital or parental status.

Washburn University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants for employment. If you are an applicant who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please email benefits@washburn.edu or call 785-670-1538 at least five (5) business days in advance of the date you need the requested accommodation.