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, networking, and in-person meetings?
• Have you sold to local or regional businesses before?
• What types of products or services have you sold most recently?

Experience:

• B2B sales: 1 year (Preferred)
• advertising, media, sponsorship, or marketing sales: 1 year (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Peoria Heights, IL 61616