Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College.

Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*.

Sponsor Support Specialist, Broadcast Media Center- Montana Public Radio

This motivated sales representative will act as one of the station’s ambassadors to communities across our broadcast area in a highly visible outside position. Under the direction of the Director of Development, the person in this role will develop and grow new and existing local and regional support by targeting markets, initiating cold calls, setting appointments, presenting, prospecting, proposing marketing solutions, and closing sales with business owners, decision-makers, advertising agencies, nonprofits, arts groups and media buyers using a consultative sales approach. Primary responsibilities include securing media buys for locally produced broadcast programming, podcasts and online media, and special event sponsorships.

The Sponsor Support Specialist will generate revenue for the station to support operations and programming, and will act as a representative of the station - positively portraying Montana Public Radio as a vital community service worthy of financial support. S/he will take initiative in prospect research, cultivating prospects, setting client meetings, public speaking engagements and travel schedules. This person will exercise sound judgment in following station policies and FCC guidelines regarding sponsorship, and will be responsible for keeping apprised of current FCC enforcement trends and best practices in FCC non-commercial script compliance. S/he will participate in setting sponsorship rates, researching and implementing new sponsorship strategies, meeting monthly, quarterly and yearly revenue goals, and strategizing to diversify sponsorship revenue streams. The Sponsor Support Specialist will be required to work closely with diverse station personnel to coordinate special programming and event details with sponsorship opportunities, implement contracts, facilitate payments, and maintain clear communications.

The Sponsor Support Specialist will regularly interface with business and organization leaders throughout western and central Montana, and virtually with those elsewhere. S/he will be expected to travel periodically in western and central Montana to establish relationships and meet performance goals. This person must be able to independently conduct research, set priorities, manage detail, utilize a complex database, meet on-air deadlines, meet revenue goals, manage nuances of language to meet station and FCC regulations, and other duties within the organization, as necessary.

The Sponsor Support Specialist reports to the Director of Development and works closely with others in the organization, including sales, traffic, and programming.

Responsibilities

Work within a team-based collaborative department to achieve department and organizational goals.
Meet and exceed annual sales performance goals both individually and as a part of a team.
Develop and nurture positive relationships with clients and prospects.
Research, contact and develop new prospects for the financial support of MTPR.
Develop proposals for existing clients and prospects and maintain a high “close ratio” on proposals delivered.
Engage with current and prospective clients online, over the phone, virtually, and in-person.
Build and maintain long-term organizational relationships between MTPR and businesses/organizations across Western Montana
Submit and analyze reports of sales activities as necessary.
Review and analyze the following metrics with the sponsorship, management, and programming teams: broadcasting ratings, podcast downloads, website traffic, streaming, e-newsletter subscribers.
Identify prospective customers and develop solicitation strategies.
Regularly audit on-air spot content and adherence to FCC guidelines, and train other staff accordingly, to maintain station wide compliance, creating training materials as needed with consultation with General Manager of MTPR.
Voice, record and produce sponsorship spots for sponsors using Adobe Audition.
Manage progress on client development and sales initiatives utilizing Salesforce, a cloud-based CRM system.
Maintain accurate client and prospect files and records that are current, organized, and accessible.
Maintain correct billing and contract information for all clients/prospects.
Adhere to accounting department payment and collection procedures.
Regularly participate in organizational fundraising and represent organization at community and outreach events.
Work towards an understanding of the unique nature of public radio to be able to advocate for the products and services effectively.
Network professionally in communities MTPR serves, both virtually and in person.
Attend staff, team, and development meetings.
Perform other development, outreach, and general station job-related duties as assigned.

The Sponsor Support Specialist may co-supervise the Sponsor Support Coordinator. The person assigned to this position will be required to work closely with diverse station personnel to maintain open communication and continually coordinate interdepartmental details, in order to maximize sponsorship revenue implement contracts, facilitate payments and maintain clear communications. The Sponsor Support Specialist may supervise interns, student employees and volunteers.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Salary for this position is $45,000- $50,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications.
Occasional evening work required

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Business, Marketing or a related field and two (2) years of sales experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Excellent communication skills, verbal, written and visual
Ability to enthusiastically engage as a member of a high functioning team, including the disposition to happily meet both team and individual goals
Ability to conduct needs analysis for sponsors and to create meaningful, custom solutions
Ability to be a valued business advisor, build relationships and secure client meetings
Ability to manage projects, execute multiple tasks and handle multiple demands with minimal supervision
Ability to recommend successful organizational procedures and respond to rapid change and growth
Ability to take initiative in prospect research and cultivation
Demonstrated skilled in public speaking and presentations
Ability to exercise sound judgment in following station policies and FCC guidelines regarding sponsorship
Knowledge and experience in consultant style sales, and 21st century marketing and communications best practices
Ability to meet monthly, quarterly and yearly revenue goals
Ability to travel and to efficiently organize trips for maximum benefit of the organization Experience with Microsoft Office products: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
Ability to rapidly learn or adapt to new systems, scheduling/billing software, CRM systems and others.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Marketing/Sales, Business, and/or Communications, as well as at least five (5) years of experience in media or marketing related sales; or any combination of experience and education
Extensive knowledge of (Montana) public radio, its audience, mission and service goals
Working knowledge of public media sponsorship, public media research and sponsorship strategies

About UM And Montana Public Radio

The University of Montana is flagship, research-intensive R1 institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.

Mission

Montana Public Radio enriches the mind and spirit, inspires a lifetime of learning, and connects communities through access to exceptional programming.

Vision

Montana Public Radio will be the essential and trusted source for information and cultural programs.

representing the unique character of Montana
expanding the community of informed, engaged citizens
adding depth to the civic discourse
presenting many voices and diverse views
connecting people to each other and the world
including people of all ages
sparking curiosity and discovery
crafting authentic moments of beauty, originality, and fun
celebrating the arts, artists and cultural traditions of the world

Values

Montana Public Radio has at its foundation the core values of independence, excellence, integrity, and innovation.

We insist on meeting the highest standards of journalism with trustworthy, balanced and inclusive content
We balance a major commitment to locally produced programs with acquisition of national and international content -
We require excellence in the quality of our craft
We commit to providing reliable access to our service
We strive for innovation in our content and in improving our service
We welcome both critique and praise and respond with openness and candor - assuring a constructive approach in all our interactions
We are prudent and accountable with the resources entrusted to us
We promise that our fundraising activities will be positive and principled

To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

University of Montana
- Video: Mission First, People Always
- UM on YouTube
City of Missoula
- Video: There's This Place
- Destination Missoula
- Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce
The State of Montana
- Visit Montana

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment.

In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference.

Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

References *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant.

Testing Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility. All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

Must be eligible to work in the United State upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

How To Apply

Priority Application Date: Wednesday. July 26, 2023

Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit all of the following materials.

Please submit the following application materials** by clicking "New Resume/CV" button. Please do not apply through Indeed.com*.

Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
Three (3) professional references- Names and contact information
Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application. Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above.
Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

Required Skills

Required Experience

University of Montana

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Sponsor Support Specialist, Montana Public Radio