Strategic Partnership Account Executive

Role Overview

Join Hearst Newspapers and help businesses grow through multi-platform marketing solutions that combine the reach of our trusted brands, innovative advertising capabilities and the power of AI. The Strategic Partnership Account Executive develops and sells high-value sponsorships and custom partnerships across Houston Chronicle events, audience experiences, premium content and integrated marketing solutions. This consultative seller builds client relationships, understands business objectives and works with the Director, Event Strategy & Sponsorships, Revenue Operations, Marketing and event operations to shape and sell approved solutions that deliver measurable value and grow revenue.

Hybrid: This hybrid role is based in Houston, TX and requires working in the office 3 days per week.

What You’ll Do

Build a Strategic Sponsorship Pipeline

• Prospect and develop sponsor and partnership opportunities, focusing on advertisers and categories investing in live experiences, audience engagement and community impact.
• Research client businesses, marketing priorities and category trends; build account plans, maintain a qualified pipeline and forecast accurately.
• Build relationships with senior marketing leaders and agencies; lead discovery conversations that clarify client needs and success measures.
• Manage opportunities from discovery through proposal, negotiation, close, renewal and expansion.

Shape Custom Partnership Solutions

• Partner with the Director, Event Strategy & Sponsorships to develop sponsorship and activation concepts that connect client objectives with relevant event content and audience experiences.
• Bring client insight and ideas to concept development; assess audience fit, feasibility, production needs and deliverables with event and creative partners.
• Build integrated proposals combining approved options such as event sponsorships, custom activations, digital and social media, video, branded content, email, research, hospitality, executive access or community programs.
• Create executive-ready presentations and business cases that explain the opportunity, audience value, deliverables, investment and proposed success measures.

Price and Close with Internal Alignment

• Work with Director, Event Strategy and Revenue Operations on approved packages and custom pricing.
• Negotiate and close within approved pricing, legal and business parameters; coordinate accurate agreements and confirm that proposed benefits and delivery commitments are feasible and approved.

Coordinate Delivery and Grow Partnerships

• • Align sold sponsorships with the approved event experience and activation; work with the Events Specialist on logistics and sponsor fulfillment.
  • Coordinate with the Senior Marketing Specialist on sponsor visibility in event campaigns and recap presentations. Marketing builds recap decks from verified event results; the assigned seller presents the recap and leads sponsor follow-up.
  • Use client feedback and recap discussions to support renewals and account expansion; share market insights with the Sr Director and event team to inform future revenue opportunities.

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Consultative and solution-based selling
• Prospecting, pipeline development and negotiation
• Executive communication and presentation
• Strategic account planning and relationship management
• Creative problem-solving and partnership development
• Business acumen and commercial judgment
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Organization, follow-through and accountability

Preferred Qualifications

• Achievement of assigned sponsorship and partnership revenue goals.
• Qualified pipeline, forecast accuracy and consistent prospecting activity.
• New client acquisition, average deal size and multi-year agreements.
• Sponsor retention, renewal and account expansion.
• Partnerships are sold within approved packages, pricing and delivery parameters.
• Sponsor recaps and follow-up support strong client relationships and future revenue.

Additional Information

• Sponsorship: This position does not provide immigration sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the U.S. without immigration sponsorship.
• Accommodations: We are committed to an accessible application process. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact hnpemployment@hearst.com. This email address is for accommodation requests only.

Benefits

We support our employees through personal and professional development and promote physical, financial and emotional wellbeing for employees and their families. Our benefits include:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, dental and vision coverage to help keep you and your family healthy.
• Invest for the Future: Competitive retirement plan with a matching program in most markets.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Ample time off, including holidays and vacation.
• Paid Parental Leave: Paid leave to support growing families and new parents.
• Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement: Financial support for the care of your loved ones.
• Emotional Wellbeing: Mental wellness benefits to support your emotional wellbeing.
• LGBTQ+ & Inclusive Health Services: Inclusive healthcare designed for individual needs.
• Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support: Support throughout different stages of your health and family journey.
• Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits: Support to help keep your pets happy and healthy.
• And more: Learn more about additional benefits and details here.