Account Executive - Ad Sales

Valnet is hiring an Account Executive to spearhead its content commercialization and direct revenue programs across their Tech portfolio. This role involves driving commerce-related initiatives by prospecting, pitching, and closing high-value partnerships and sponsorships with tech brands and agencies.

Responsibilities:

• Drive Revenue: Prospect, pitch, and close high-value direct partnerships, affiliate partnerships, and sponsorships with tech brands, agencies, and affiliate networks to consistently meet or exceed quarterly and annual revenue targets
• Manage the Sales Cycle: Own the end-to-end sales process, from initial outreach and lead generation to negotiation, closing, and post-sale account management
• Sell Multi-Surface Packages: Pitch and sell integrated advertising and sponsorship packages across a multi-product suite, including sponsored articles, branded integrations, high-intent newsletters, on-site commerce hubs, landing-page funnels, seasonal deal franchises, and evergreen utility experiences
• Sell Direct and Programmatic Packages: Sell both direct IO and programmatic advertising packages to brand and agency buyers, with a strong understanding of paid media performance, viewability, and campaign optimization
• Build the Pipeline: Maintain a robust and healthy sales pipeline using CRM tools, providing accurate revenue forecasts to leadership
• Develop Pitch Materials: Create compelling, data-driven sales decks and customized pitch materials tailored to specific brand and agency needs, particularly within consumer electronics, SaaS, mobile, peripherals, and broader tech categories
• Client Relationship Management: Act as the lead negotiator for commerce and sponsorship placements, ensuring long-term retention and upselling opportunities with key accounts
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the primary liaison between external clients and internal Product, Editorial, and Commerce teams to design custom sales funnels and promotional campaigns that align with client goals while preserving audience trust
• Campaign Reporting: Track sales performance, ensure campaign delivery, and report on key KPIs, including CPM, CPA, CVR, RPM, ROI, and viewability, to prove value and secure renewals
• Strategic Growth: Partner with internal leadership to expand fully launched, repeatable business offerings into highly monetizable assets, such as buying guides, product reviews, seasonal deal franchises, newsletter SKUs, landing-page packages, and commerce content programs

Requirements:

• 5+ years of proven B2B sales experience in digital media, ad tech, sponsorships, e-commerce, or affiliate marketing
• Proven track record of closing direct partnerships and sponsorships with tech brands, including consumer electronics, SaaS, mobile, peripherals, or related categories
• Strong programmatic and paid media knowledge, with fluency in CPM, CPA, CVR, RPM, viewability metrics, and performance-based campaign measurement
• Experience selling both programmatic and direct IO packages to brand and agency buyers
• Publisher-side or media company sales experience, ideally selling commercial inventory such as sponsored content, branded integrations, newsletter placements, commerce hubs, or affiliate-driven content programs
• Existing network of decision-maker relationships at tech brands, digital agencies, or affiliate networks, with the ability to convert warm connections into revenue
• Affiliate and performance marketing fluency, including familiarity with affiliate network mechanics such as Impact, CJ, ShareASale, or equivalent platforms
• Understanding of commerce content monetization, including buying guides, reviews, comparison content, and seasonal deal franchises
• Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding sales quotas and driving measurable revenue growth
• Exceptional presentation, negotiation, and closing skills, with the ability to confidently pitch to marketing directors, agency buyers, and senior decision-makers
• Proficiency in CRM software for pipeline management and forecasting
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple client accounts and projects simultaneously