ION Media Networks is hiring: VP, Network Sports & Client Partnerships Ad Sales

VP, Network Sports & Client PartnershipsAre you ready to revolutionize how sports content drives advertising success? The E.W Scripps Company is seeking a visionary VP, Network Sports & Client Partnerships who will unlock new revenue opportunities by leveraging Scripps' growing sports portfolio as a strategic entry point to deepen relationships with national advertisers. This leadership role offers the unique opportunity to expand advertiser investment across Scripps' full network and entertainment platform while positioning the company as a leading destination for impactful, culturally relevant advertising solutions.What you'll doEngage directly with national and regional advertisers at the client level, using sports as a strategic anchor to grow revenue across the enterprisePartner with the President of Scripps Sports and Head of Networks Sales on the go-to-market strategies for Scripps' growing sports lineup, including current and future sports partnerships, that integrate linear, streaming / CTV, social and experiential assets into cohesive client ready offeringsBuild and manage revenue pipelines, set pacing benchmarks, and forecast against corporate targets across both linear and digital sports inventoryPartner with President of Scripps Sports on non-spot monetization, sponsorship and serve as a strategic contributor during the sports rights acquisition processCollaborate with the heads of Network and CTV Sales to align efforts and maximize marketplace impact across all platforms; linear, streaming, digital, and socialEstablish yearlong partnership strategies with CMOs, heads of media, and sports sponsorship decision-makers that extend beyond campaign executionBuild and deliver integrated sales packages that link sports with entertainment content and broader brand goalsCo-create new ad products, branded content packages and sponsorship solutions that anticipate market needs and client innovation agendasPosition sports offerings as premium, scalable, and relevant advertising vehiclesCultivate deep, senior-level relationships with clients and agencies to influence investment decisions and drive year-round engagementPartner with marketing, planning, research, and operations teams to ensure flawless execution of sports campaigns and integrated media buysWork closely with programming and league key stakeholders to maintain alignment between editorial content and commercial strategyServe as an internal and external thought leader on the monetization of strategic sports enterprisesWhat you'll needBS / BA in related discipline preferred or equivalent years of experienceGenerally, 10+ years of experience in related field preferredWhat you'll bringAdept in executive-C suite level engagementAbility to synthesize diverse marketing assets and channels into cohesive, client-facing offeringsExisting relationships with sports marketers at major properties (e.g., NBA, NCAA, WNBA, NHL, NWSL), as well as relevant influencers, talent agencies, and branded content studios preferredStrong familiarity with client priorities and cycles across key categories Auto, Retail, Finance, QSR, CPG, Spirits, Tech, and Pharma especially in sports-specific contexts preferredCritical thinking and hypothesis-driven problem-solving abilitiesStrong analytical mindset coupled with the ability to translate first and third-party data to inform pricing, targeting, and measurement strategies across sports and general market campaignsDeep listening aptitude and ability to balance strategic advisory skills, consumer empathy, and exceptional communication abilities as a trusted partnerDemonstrated success in sports sponsorship, national advertising sales, client partnerships, and / or integrated media strategyExpertise in sports media sales and sponsorships, especially around live events, and strategic and emerging leaguesStrategic thinking, outstanding communication skills, and collaborative leadershipPassion for elevating underrepresented voices and properties through strategic investmentTrack record of managing high-performing sales and partnership teams, with a focus on mentorship, inclusion, and cross-functional collaborationIf you are a current Scripps employee, please do not apply on this site. Please access our internal career site at WorklifeMy InfoView Open Positions at Scripps.SCRIPPS COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE THAT CREATES CONNECTION :At Scripps, we are committed to a culture that reflects the audiences and communities we serve. We are intentional about creating an environment where employees, our audiences and other stakeholders feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential and create connections.