Would You Take This Job? Advertising Business Development Manager

Advertising Business Development Manager
Employer: Tennessee Society of Association Executives
Location: Louisville, KY (Remote — dedicated home office required)
Pay: Competitive base + uncapped commission (typical first-year earnings $60K–$80K)
Type: Full-time — Sales / Business Development

What You’ll Do:
• Manage and grow advertising sales across a portfolio of professional association partners (print, digital, events, sponsorships).
• Serve as the trusted liaison between association partners and advertisers; build long-term advertiser relationships.
• Own and achieve revenue targets for assigned associations; identify new revenue opportunities and close deals.
• Maintain an organized sales pipeline in Salesforce and collaborate with internal teams to ensure campaign fulfillment.
• Participate in client calls/meetings, support association relationship management, and assist with timely invoice collection.
• Work with a lead generation team to prospect and qualify new advertiser opportunities.

Why It Stands Out:
• Clear, transparent compensation structure with monthly commission payouts and real potential to exceed six figures.
• Remote role with strong support systems (lead gen team, cloud-based sales tools) and a collaborative, close-knit team culture.
• Opportunity to work with niche association audiences — high-value, targeted advertising opportunities across multiple channels.

Potential Trade-offs:
• Commission-driven role — earnings depend heavily on meeting sales targets and pipeline health.
• Frequent video calls and a requirement for a professional home office setup.
• Occasional travel to client events or association meetings may be required.
• High level of autonomy expected — self-motivation and strong pipeline discipline are essential.

Qualifications / Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Prior advertising sales experience (digital preferred); programmatic knowledge a plus.
• Strong consultative/solution-based selling skills and goal orientation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with high attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Salesforce (or similar CRM) and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Comfortable with frequent video calls and maintaining a professional remote workspace.

Perks / Benefits:
• Competitive base salary with generous uncapped commission plan.
• Flexible PTO and 12–13 paid holidays annually.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Monthly commission payouts and access to lead-generation support.
• Emphasis on work/life balance and autonomy for top performers.

Here is the link to view more job details or apply.

Would you take this job?

If you were applying, what would be your top three non-negotiables: (A) clear base salary + commission structure and quota transparency, (B) remote flexibility + clarity on travel and video-call expectations, or (C) a structured onboarding/mentorship plan and access to pipeline/lead-generation support? Which would you pick and why — and what would you ask the hiring manager before accepting (for example: “How is commission calculated and paid?”, “What is an average closed deal size and typical ramp timeline?”, “What percentage of leads does the lead-gen team deliver vs. you expected to source?”)?

Did a remote ad-sales role; “uncapped commission” paid ~$75k year one; ask about lead sources…

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Leaning yes if their “portfolio of professional” titles are tied to association events; those renewals around conference season make ramp sane. @walker0 nailed leads — I’d also ask average deal size and if there’s a draw, because that’s what makes $60–80k year one real. Small caveat: make sure that “dedicated home office” comes with a stipend and they cover travel to annual meetings.

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I’d take a hard look only if they’ll share last year’s “editorial calendar,” rate card, and a clean past-advertiser list — otherwise you’re hunting blind. In my last association role, bundling newsletter + event program placements was the difference-maker, but , slow invoicing killed momentum. Also clarify whether that “dedicated home office” includes an internet/phone stipend; small, but it adds up.

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When I sold into associations, the biggest swing factor was whether I could bundle display with e-news and webinars and not be stuck chasing invoices. Building on @tina28, ask “Who owns collections and CRM hygiene, and do reps control packaging/discounts?” — nothing kills momentum like a net-30 that turns into net-90. I’d take it if finance handles A/R and there’s a usable CRM with warm accounts; otherwise I’d push for a longer ramp or a guaranteed draw.

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