The salary range for this position is $47,847.96 (base pay, non negotiable) up to $110,000 per year (with commission, may vary).
This is a commissioned position with potential to earn an additional $60,000 or more per year. Commissions are determined based on each candidate's performance outcomes (number and amount of sales closed), and results are not guaranteed.

This position is open until filled, with first review of candidates to start after 4/28/2025.

KPBS ADVERTISING (UNDERWRITING) ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE:

Want to work for a beloved and most recognized mission-driven organization in San Diego?  

AND work in a highly desirable market, representing high-quality radio, TV, and web content that educates, inspires, entertains and promotes civic involvement?

Want to earn a SALARY GUARANTEE PLUS NO CAP ON COMMISSIONS?

Come work for KPBS, a leading NPR and PBS station in San Diego!  Apply to be considered for a role in our dynamic and collaborative advertising sales team (we call it underwriting in public media).

KPBS (through its affiliation with SDSU Research Foundation) offers the following:

• A collaborative, team-oriented, supportive culture
• Hybrid work environment
• Generous paid holidays and time off benefits, including additional vacation time for years of service
• Comprehensive health & welfare benefits with minimal payroll deduction out-of-pocket costs 
• Generous matching retirement contributions
• On-site childcare available
• Additional perks through affiliation with SDSU

Find out more information and apply.

The KPBS Mission

KPBS is your NPR and PBS station. For over 65 years we have been right here in San Diego providing locally and nationally-produced news, entertainment, educational, and lifestyle programming for all ages, as well as events and resources that help you build a strong and vibrant community. KPBS provides stories that make us think, help us dream, and keep us connected.

The KPBS Vision

KPBS connects, reflects and serves all of our communities with trusted programming and dialogue.

KPBS serves the greater San Diego community with informative, cultural, entertaining and educational television, radio, and digital programming.  KPBS TV/FM is the public television and radio station for San Diego.  Licensed to San Diego State University, KPBS supports and furthers the university’s educational and community service mission by informing, enlightening and empowering its audience.  It does so not only by presenting national and locally produced programming of value to its San Diego audience, but also by producing programming about San Diego and its people for distribution nationwide.

Perks you'll enjoy as a member of #teamKPBS

• Working on a college campus & in public media: Access to campus facilities and staff perks, farmer's market Tuesday's, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment, etc.
• Hybrid schedule (varies by position)
• 10 vacation days, 1 personal day & 13 holidays off (4+ days off over winter break – late Dec.)
• Enjoy a 'beautiful day in the neighborhood' with local employee discounts
• Opportunity drawings to attend events
• Discounts on local attractions (theme parks, entertainment, restaurants, memberships)
• Free wellness classes & programs
• Staff pop-up events
• Full benefits packages that are unmatched (medical, dental, vision, life)
• Sick leave accruals and paid leave options
• On-site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability)
• Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
• Flexible spending account(s) (FSA)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Voluntary retirement savings plan with generous company match

Here’s what the Account Executive does to support KPBS:

As an Account Executive (AE) you are responsible for building and maintaining client relationships, driving sales revenue by identifying new business opportunities, understanding client needs, presenting solutions, and closing deals to meet sales targets, Acting as the primary point of contact for assigned accounts; you will actively prospect for new leads, conduct sales presentations, negotiate contracts, and collaborate with internal teams to ensure customer satisfaction.

The KPBS Corporate Development Department is responsible for securing support from corporations, foundations, individual businesses and government agencies. That support is recognized in the form of advertisements, underwriting, sponsorships or credits in our local, regional and national television and radio programming. The Corporate Development Department is also responsible for generating digital revenue through support of the KPBS.org website and various KPBS events. The department consists of one Manager, six account executives, three support personnel and one student assistant.  

The following information is intended to be representative of the work performed by incumbents in this position and is not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific duty or responsibility will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of position responsibilities. Job descriptions may be changed at any time based on the needs of the department.

Sales 75%

• Secure financial commitments for Radio and Television programs, KPBS.org website and various KPBS events in the form of underwriting/sponsorships from the business community, individuals, foundations, agencies and media buyers
• Act as a liaison to the community; build and sustain strong relationships with our current and future supporters
• Develop and maintain all revenue generating accounts; prospecting/ new business development, initiating sales calls, sales appointments, presentations, proposals, and closing agreements
• nternal accounting and reporting to service and maintain accounts 
• Work with clients to produce underwriting credits and/or digital/web ads
• Attend KPBS activities including those related to Corporate Development
• Stay current with company offerings and industry trends
• Oversee and achieve organizational goals while upholding best practices
• Solve problems for clients by understanding and exceeding their expectations
• Develop strategic account plans to maximize revenue growth within assigned accounts. 

Administration 15%

• Manage monthly, quarterly and annual revenue goals by platform
• Collect payments due KPBS from their accounts in a timely manner

Other Duties and Responsibilities as Assigned 10%

Knowledge and Abilities

• Demonstrate strong communication skills, including diplomacy, negotiating, writing correspondence and oral presentation to individuals or groups. 
• Ability to relate well to others within the professional work environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Well organized, ability to meet deadlines, detail oriented; possess good judgment and common sense.
• Demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to work well on a number of projects simultaneously and effectively
• Ability to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures
• Ability to apply independent judgment, discretion and initiative to address problems and develop solutions
• Ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism in all circumstances
• Demonstrated strong analytic skills; ability to make complex decisions and problem solve
• Ability to work well as a member of a team and to coordinate activities on behalf of the group

Minimum Experience

• Four years relevant, full-time professional experience in the areas of sales, advertising sales, fundraising, or marketing.

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Graduation from a four-year college/ university or equivalent
• Five years media sales experience
• TV-Radio-web sales experience
• Experience with Nielsen, Arbitron and Scarborough
• Knowledge of public broadcasting  
  

Additional Applicant Information:

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from
  SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check
  results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research
  Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful
  discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or
  national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the
  job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that
  every employee has equal access to resources and support.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of
  1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities
  Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher
  Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California
  Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws
  including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities.
  Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that
  prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any
  other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and
  retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not
  limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits,
  disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.