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The Guardian

VP Head of Sales

The Guardian, New York, NY


Job Description

The Guardian is a global news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture, and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences' understanding of America and the world.

Headquartered in New York City, Guardian US is an entirely digital operation that seeks to engage US readers by combining the Guardian's international coverage with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, digital privacy, etc. Guardian US launched in 2011 and has bureaus in New York, Washington DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. The Guardian is an independently owned, mission-driven organization funded by readers around the globe.

It's the talent, energy, and commitment our people bring to The Guardian that makes us who we are. Across our business, we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond, award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial teams, digital talent, and more.

Job Overview
The Guardian is seeking a strategic and experienced VP, Head of Sales to lead our US sales operations, overseeing all aspects of digital advertising, including both direct and programmatic channels, across the country. This role will drive revenue growth, expand market presence, and foster a high-performing sales team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in achieving ambitious sales targets, managing nationwide sales teams, and building client relationships that align with The Guardian's values and mission.

Department: Sales

Reports to: VP, Head of Sales

Location: New York

Hybrid/Remote/In-Person: Hybrid

Terms and conditions: Full-time, permanent

Salary range: $265k - $275k, with a commercial incentive

Key Responsibilities
  • Nationwide Leadership & Team Development: Oversee and lead the US sales team, setting clear performance expectations and providing coaching to enable team members across the country to achieve their full potential.
  • Sales Strategy & Execution: Develop and execute a comprehensive US sales strategy focused on maximizing revenue through direct and programmatic digital advertising channels, ensuring alignment with The Guardian's objectives.
  • Revenue & Forecasting: Set and achieve ambitious national sales goals, manage quotas, and prepare detailed forecasts and reports to guide strategic decision-making and optimize resources.
  • Market Insights & Competitive Analysis: Conduct ongoing analysis of US market trends, competitor activity, and client needs to shape effective, data-driven sales approaches.
  • Budget Management: Create, manage, and optimize the US sales department budget, ensuring resources are strategically allocated for maximum impact and ROI.
  • Digital Advertising Expertise: Utilize deep knowledge of digital advertising, particularly in direct and programmatic channels, to develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of US clients.
  • Cross-Department Collaboration: Collaborate closely with marketing, revenue operations, editorial, and product teams to develop promotional strategies and materials that enhance client engagement and amplify advertising impact.
  • Client Relationship Building: Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with clients, partners, and agencies across the US, ensuring a high level of satisfaction and identifying growth opportunities.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; MBA or equivalent experience is a plus.
  • 10+ years of experience in digital advertising sales, with a strong background in both direct and programmatic channels.
  • Proven track record of driving significant revenue growth and achieving challenging sales targets on a national scale.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in managing and developing a successful, high-performing sales team across multiple regions.
  • Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify and act on market trends.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on client relations and collaborative work environments.

This role is ideal for a results-driven sales leader passionate about media and digital advertising, committed to furthering The Guardian's mission to inform, engage, and inspire audiences across the US.

How to Apply

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself.

All candidates interested in applying should upload a resume and cover letter.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Salary: $265k - $275k, with a commercial incentive
  • 20 days of vacation leave in addition to 11 company holidays
  • Unlimited sick time
  • 401(k) Match
  • Subsidized healthcare coverage including medical, vision, and dental
  • Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Generous parental leave with 100% pay
  • Long Term and Short Term Disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Commuter benefits
  • Work/Life balance: Flexible hybrid schedule

Culture & Wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day.

We offer great tools to help you prioritize your wellbeing including a free Headspace subscription and access to Employee Assistance Programs. Headspace is a company that offers evidence-based meditation and mindfulness tools, mental health coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and EAP services.

Learning & Development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Sustainability

Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.

Guardian News & Media is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, national origin or citizenship.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.