Strategic Ad Sales Leader, Central Region

EngineersOfAI; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Duolingo is hiring an Ad Sales Lead in Chicago to own the Central region's direct ads strategy and revenue. This senior individual-contributor role focuses on building a high-quality pipeline, cultivating senior relationships with brands and agencies, and closing high-impact deals that align with our mission to deliver education to hundreds of millions of learners.

You will partner with cross-functional teams to influence pricing, packaging, and go-to-market motions, shaping the trajectory of

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in direct digital ad sales.
• Experience selling premium video and native/custom ad formats.
• Senior seller experience in an early-stage or evolving business.
• Strong commercial judgment on pricing, packaging, and negotiation.
• Ability to influence senior decision makers with cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong understanding of ad tech and mobile app ecosystems; data-driven proposals.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the Central region’s direct ads strategy and revenue outcomes, including pipeline development and forecasting.
• Build senior relationships across brands and agencies, expanding strategic accounts into long-term partnerships.
• Lead end-to-end deals from prospecting to close, renewal, and expansion.
• Translate Duolingo’s strengths into compelling commercial narratives for advertisers.
• Collaborate with Account Management, Ad Ops, Product, Design, and Engineering to move deals forward.
• Share actionable market feedback to inform pricing and future ad formats.
• Help establish repeatable systems for a growing ads business, including planning and CRM hygiene.

Skills

Senior ad sales

Premium formats

Strategic selling

Pricing & packaging

Influence senior decision makers

Ad tech knowledge

Communication skills

Job description

Duolingo is hiring an Ad Sales Lead in Chicago to own the Central region's direct ads strategy and revenue. This senior individual-contributor role focuses on building a high-quality pipeline, cultivating senior relationships with brands and agencies, and closing high-impact deals that align with our mission to deliver education to hundreds of millions of learners.

You will partner with cross-functional teams to influence pricing, packaging, and go-to-market motions, shaping the trajectory of