Sales Account Manager

This is a Full Time Job

Sales Account Manager – Print & Digital Media
Company: Maher Publications (DownBeat Magazine, Music Inc. Magazine, UpBeat Daily, the official NAMM Publication)
Location: Elmhurst, IL (Chicagoland Area) — On-Site preferred; Remote available for experienced media sales professionals
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Base Salary + Uncapped Commission, $50,000 – $60,000 base salary plus uncapped commission; target year-one OTE of $80,000 – $105,000

About Maher Publications (DownBeat, Music Inc. UpBeat Daily Magazines)
Maher Publications is the heritage media voice of the music industry. As the parent company of legendary titles including DownBeat Magazine, Music Inc. Magazine, and UpBeat Daily, we connect music enthusiast and professional audiences with industry-leading editorial content. We pride ourselves on deep advertiser relationships, editorial integrity, and a collaborative team culture that balances legacy print journalism with high-growth digital and experiential media products.

Role Overview
We are looking for an ambitious, self-directed Sales Account Manager to drive integrated print and digital advertising revenue across our music publication portfolio. In this role, you will manage a roster of established accounts while actively hunting new partnerships across musical instrument manufacturers, record labels, PR agencies, audio technology brands, and music education programs.
You will lead the complete sales cycle—from prospecting and high-level pitching to structuring custom sponsorship packages spanning print editions, high-traffic web properties, email newsletters, and live industry trade events.

Key Responsibilities
New Business Development: Prospect, pitch, and close new B2B advertisers, agencies, and sponsors across the music products and recorded music ecosystems.
Account Growth & Retention: Cultivate long-term relationships with existing clients; review campaign metrics, anticipate renewals, and cross-sell across print and digital media kits.
Integrated Solution Selling: Develop custom sponsorship packages pairing traditional print display advertising with digital banners, newsletter takeovers, and custom sponsored content.
Campaign & Production Coordination: Partner closely with editorial, marketing, and production teams to ensure creative materials are delivered, approved, and placed accurately ahead of hard print and digital deadlines.
Industry Representation & Travel: Represent Maher Publications’ brands at major industry events—including the annual NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, the Jazz Education Network Conference—and conduct select regional client visits.
Pipeline Management: Maintain accurate pipeline, activity tracking, and forecasting in our CRM to consistently hit and exceed monthly/quarterly revenue quotas.

Qualifications
Required:
2–5+ years of B2B sales, account management, or media advertising experience.
Documented track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets and managing a multi-stage sales pipeline.
Strong written, phone, and video presentation skills with a consultative, solutions-oriented sales approach.
High organizational discipline and deadline management skills to balance multiple publication calendars.
Ability to work from our Elmhurst, IL office (or proven success working remotely in media sales).
Preferred / Major Pluses:
Direct experience selling print publications, digital display, newsletter sponsorships, or event media.
Active personal interest in music, audio gear, or performance (musicians and music enthusiasts thrive here).
Existing contacts or familiarity with musical instrument brands, audio manufacturers, or music education programs.
Working proficiency with modern CRM software such as Daylite and sales pipeline tools.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive base salary with an uncapped commission structure.
Comprehensive health coverage (Company pays 70% of employee premium).
100% company-paid Dental coverage.
Company-matched SIMPLE IRA retirement plan.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) plus company-paid holidays.
Industry event travel (including annual trips to the NAMM Show in Southern California).