Advertising & Business Manager
Our Purpose
Committed to building an informed and engaged community, The Owen News delivers reliable and unbiased local news that empowers our readers and strengthens our county. We believe in the power of knowledge to drive positive change, and we are passionate about keeping readers informed about the issues that matter most to Owen County.
Position Summary
TheAdvertising & Business Manager is a part-time, salaried position averaging 30 hours per week. Reporting directly to the Executive Editor, this role collaborates closely with the Board of Directors, community partners, student interns, volunteers, and other staff members.
TheAdvertising & Business Manager develops strategies to drive revenue, achieve annual benchmarks, and ensure the long-term sustainability of The Owen News. Success metrics are defined in partnership with the Board of Directors, Executive Editor, and funding partners. The role includes direct supervision of student interns assisting with sales and marketing. This role is critical to ensuring the financial sustainability of The Owen News, with growth opportunities as revenue expands.
Key Responsibilities
Sales
• Develop and update account and prospect lists.
• Implement annual advertising sales, marketing, and revenue goals, plans, and procedures.
• Supervise and support sales and marketing student interns, assigning clients and setting quotas.
Client Relations
• Provide excellent customer service to advertisers by preparing contracts and invoices promptly and accurately.
• Proofread and approve ads.
• Serve as the main contact for advertisers, addressing inquiries and resolving concerns.
Ad Design & Production
• Oversee daily ad sales and production workflow.
• Establish and enforce sales and production deadlines.
• Collaborate with the Executive Editor to develop and update advertisement rates.
Marketing & Promotion
• Develop community partnerships to expand advertising opportunities.
• Explore new revenue streams such as digital advertising, sponsorships, and membership tie-ins.
• Promote The Owen News through advertising and marketing initiatives.
Administration
& Reporting
• Maintain accurate weekly records of ad sales and revenue.
• Track KPIs and provide regular revenue and performance reports to the Executive Editor and Board of Directors.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of The Owen News.
Qualifications & Skills
Required
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of one year of advertising sales experience.
• Working knowledge of computer applications, including graphic design software (e.g., Canva).
• Effective organizational and management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Frequent local travel required.
Preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, or a related field (other degrees considered with relevant professional experience).
• Experience in newspaper or media advertising sales.
• Familiarity with newspaper business practices.
• Skills in advertising layout and design, copywriting, and editing.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with social media and digital advertising platforms.
Work Environment & Logistics
• Hybrid work model: 2–3 days in-office at our Spencer location and 2–3 days remote/flexible.
• Mileage reimbursement for travel outside a 5-mile radius of the office, at the IRS standard mileage rate.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for events or meetings.
• Owen County residency is preferred.
Classification
Exempt Compensation
• Salary: $36,000 for a part-time, 30-hour work week.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Ten (10) paid holidays annually.
Start Date
November 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Application Process
To apply, please submit the following materials:
• Resume
• Cover letter
• Portfolio (if available)
• Three (3) professional references
Send application materials to: ceo@owencountycf.org