Local Advertising Account Executive

About the role

Axios operates as a media company focused on trustworthy, award-winning news delivered through an audience-first approach. The organization is creating a new model for local revenue generation. This opportunity is for a Local Market Builder role, a position designed to scale Axios Local across specific geographic markets. This role differs from traditional sales positions. It represents a foundational, in-market revenue leadership position responsible for establishing Axios' local advertising business from the beginning. The position is critical for unlocking hyperlocal revenue streams. The Local Market Builder serves as the primary representative of the Axios brand within a designated city or region. Success requires developing deep connections with local business leaders and converting those connections into long-term advertising partnerships. This role is essential for proving a scalable model for local expansion.

Local Market Builders are highly entrepreneurial sellers. They are expected to build a book of business using their existing network and local market knowledge. Key responsibilities include building and owning a book of business from day one. This involves prospecting, pitching, and closing new local advertisers. The advertiser base includes restaurants, healthcare providers, legal practices, real estate companies, financial service providers, and automotive dealerships. The role focuses on developing repeatable revenue streams. This is achieved through renewals and long-term strategic partnerships. Local Market Builders act as the Axios brand ambassador within their market. They participate in community events, build a visible presence, and work closely with editorial teams. They are responsible for creating and managing a high-volume pipeline of deals. Typical deal sizes range from $5,000 to $15,000. The position requires a founder mindset. Individuals must own their outcomes, test different approaches, and build momentum independently.

This is not a conventional account executive role. It does not rely on inbound leads or pre-existing accounts. There are no house accounts or inherited books of business. Success depends heavily on the individual's existing network. An in-market presence is essential for relationship-driven selling. The environment values higher deal volumes, shorter sales cycles, and community-based methods. Reputation, trust, and consistency are the primary drivers of success, rather than pipeline metrics alone. The ideal candidate embodies a collaborative spirit. They must possess a strong revenue mindset and a passion for the Axios mission. Specific professional requirements include 5 to 8+ years of experience in sales, digital media, advertising, or related fields. Candidates must be deeply connected within their local market. They must demonstrate a proven ability to build and monetize a book of business. A record of closing new business and generating revenue from personal networks is necessary. Strong relationships with local advertisers, agencies, or business leaders are required. The role offers a competitive base salary combined with a strong variable commission structure. This position provides significant earning potential tied directly to performance. It is designed for self-motivated individuals who thrive on building something impactful.

What you'll do

• Execute the core responsibilities and scope defined for the
• Adhere strictly to the parameters, guidelines, and instructions detailed
• Establish and manage a comprehensive book of business from the ground up within the assigned Chicago market.
• Cultivate deep, trust-based relationships with key decision-makers at local businesses across the target region.
• Identify and secure new advertising partnerships with restaurants, healthcare providers, legal practices, real estate firms, financial services, and automotive dealers.
• Drive revenue generation through proactive prospecting, compelling pitching, and disciplined closing of deals.
• Champion the Axios brand by acting as a visible ambassador within the Chicago community and professional networks.
• Collaborate closely with editorial and production teams to ensure alignment between advertising offerings and audience value.
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of high-quality deals, consistently targeting the $5,000 to $15,000 deal size range.
• Implement strategies focused on maximizing renewals to build sustainable, long-term revenue streams for each client.
• Leverage personal networks and in-market presence to achieve higher deal volumes and efficient sales cycles.
• Prioritize community-driven selling methods that emphasize reputation, trust, and consistency as key performance indicators.
• Test and iterate on various sales approaches to discover effective, repeatable methods for local market success.
• Work independently with a founder's mindset, taking full ownership of outcomes and performance metrics within the designated market.

Requirements

• Must be located in or be able to work in the Chicago, IL market, as this role is explicitly defined for local market execution.
• Must possess 5 to 8+ years of cumulative experience in sales, digital media, advertising, or a directly related professional field.
• Must demonstrate a proven track record of building and successfully monetizing a book of business.
• Must have a history of closing new business and generating revenue primarily through personal networks and community engagement.
• Must have established, strong relationships with local advertisers, agencies, or influential business leaders within the Chicago area.
• Must thrive in an entrepreneurial environment with minimal direct supervision, relying on self-direction and initiative.
• Must be capable of managing multiple priorities and maintaining organization in a fast-paced, startup-like sales atmosphere.
• Must be comfortable with the absence of inbound leads and the reliance on outbound efforts and personal connections.

About the company

Smart, efficient news worthy of your time, attention, and trust. Covering local news, politics, health, climate, tech, media, business, sports, world, science and more.