Sales Associate

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. and LocaliQ are seeking a motivated Sales Associate to join our Marketing Solutions team in Detroit. This entry-level role lays the foundation for growth into Media Specialist and Account Executive positions.

You will prospect new business, build pipelines, and qualify meetings, working with sales leaders to drive future revenue. Hybrid or remote work and regular business hours are supported.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with a desire to build a sales career.
• Experience with Salesforce or CRM (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Generate new business opportunities through outbound prospecting.
• Research local businesses and identify advertising opportunities.
• Maintain prospect lists using Salesforce and market data.
• Schedule qualified discovery meetings for Media Specialists and Account Executives.
• Support territories and account assignments through business development activities.
• Create and develop new sales opportunities contributing to territory growth.
• Monitor prospecting campaigns and update CRM.
• Partner with Sales Managers and Account Teams to support growth.
• Represent LocaliQ and USA TODAY Network with professionalism.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organized

Multitasking

Self-motivated

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions.

Sales Associate, Marketing Solutions

Position Summary

LocaliQ and the USA TODAY Network are seeking a motivated, career-driven Sales Associate to join our Marketing Solutions team. This entry-level sales role serves as the foundation for future growth into Media Specialist and Account Executive positions.

The Sales Associate is responsible for generating new business opportunities, building prospect pipelines, supporting open territories, and securing qualified meetings for the sales organization. Working closely with sales leaders and account teams, this role plays a critical part in driving future revenue growth through proactive prospecting, lead generation, and customer engagement.

What You'll Do

Prospecting & Business Development

• Conduct outbound prospecting through phone, email, LinkedIn, referrals, and other lead-generation channels.
• Research local businesses and identify potential advertising and marketing opportunities.
• Build and maintain prospect lists utilizing Salesforce, market intelligence tools, and industry resources.
• Schedule qualified discovery meetings for Media Specialists and Account Executives.
• Support open territories and transitional account assignments through business development activities.
• Create and develop new sales opportunities that contribute to territory growth.

Sales Activity & Pipeline Management

• Execute daily activity plans designed to achieve prospecting, meeting, and opportunity goals.
• Maintain accurate prospect, activity, and pipeline data within Salesforce.
• Follow established sales processes for lead qualification and opportunity management.
• Monitor and update prospecting campaigns and outreach efforts.
• Research industries, customer needs, and competitive insights to support sales strategy.

Collaboration & Sales Support

• Partner with Sales Managers, Media Specialists, Account Executives, and Account Coordinators to support business growth.
• Ensure qualified opportunities are documented and transitioned effectively.
• Participate in ongoing coaching, training, and professional development programs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support exceptional customer experiences.

Customer Engagement

• Serve as an initial point of contact for prospective customers.
• Conduct basic needs assessments and qualification conversations.
• Build professional relationships with local business decision makers.
• Represent LocaliQ and the USA TODAY Network with professionalism and integrity.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong customer service mindset.
• Ability to learn new sales tools, platforms, and processes quickly.
• Self-motivated with a desire to build a sales career.

Preferred

• 1-3 years of experience in sales, customer service, account support, business development, or related fields.
• Experience using Salesforce or other CRM platforms.
• Experience working in a deadline-driven environment.
• Familiarity with digital marketing, advertising, media, or customer acquisition strategies.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

This position offers a structured pathway into a full-cycle sales career. You'll receive hands‑on experience in prospecting, pipeline management, customer engagement, and sales strategy while working alongside experienced media sales professionals. Successful Sales Associates will develop the foundational skills needed to advance into Media Specialist and Account Executive opportunities.

Technology & Tools

• Salesforce CRM
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
• Sales engagement and prospecting tools
• Market research and business intelligence platforms

Work Environment

• Hybrid or remote work environment
• Regular business hours
• Occasional travel for meetings, training, and team events
• Collaborative, growth-oriented sales culture

Why LocaliQ?

LocaliQ combines the strength of the USA TODAY Network with leading digital marketing technology, helping businesses attract, convert, and retain customers through innovative marketing solutions. As a Sales Associate, you'll gain exposure to digital advertising, search marketing, social media, programmatic advertising, SEO, AI-powered marketing technology, and more while building a rewarding career in media sales.

This role is ideal for competitive, curious, and coachable individuals looking to launch a career in consultative sales and digital marketing.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee's race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant's disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals' application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.