Sales Associate

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is seeking a motivated Sales Associate to join LocaliQ and the USA TODAY Network. This entry-level role lays the foundation for growth into Media Specialist and Account Executive positions, focusing on prospecting, lead generation, and customer engagement.

You will build prospect pipelines, use Salesforce, and collaborate with Sales Managers and Account Executives to drive territory growth while learning digital marketing solutions.

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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Prospect new business through calls, emails, LinkedIn, referrals and other channels.
• Research local businesses and identify advertising opportunities.
• Build and maintain prospect lists using Salesforce and market tools.
• Schedule discovery meetings for Media Specialists and Account Executives.
• Support territories and transitions through business development activities.
• Create and develop new sales opportunities contributing to territory growth.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Highly organized

Multi-tasking

Customer service mindset

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

|Current USA TODAY Co. Employees- Please ensure you are using our abbreviated process on the internal Careers site by logging into Dayforce through MyApps|

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

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.

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 who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at [e-mail]. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.