Sales Associate

Gannett Co; McLean (VA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Gannett Co. in McLean, VA is seeking a motivated Sales Associate to join Marketing Solutions. This entry-level role builds a foundation for growth into Media Specialist and Account Executive positions, focusing on prospecting, lead generation, and scheduling qualified meetings.

You'll work with Sales Managers and Account Executives to develop opportunities, maintain Salesforce data, and support territory expansion while delivering professional customer engagements in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent education/experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Desire to build a career in sales.

Responsibilities

• Generate new business opportunities and build prospect pipelines.
• Schedule qualified discovery meetings for senior sales staff.
• Maintain Salesforce data and support territory expansion.
• Collaborate with sales teams to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Multitasking

Customer service mindset

Learning new tools

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

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.