Senior Director, Media Sales & Brand Partnerships

Big Think Media | Remote (New York-Based Candidates Only)

So much of media today feels small. Optimized for short attention spans, hot takes, and fleeting trends. At Big Think Media, we believe the world deserves something better and we're building the world's biggest platform for the world's biggest thinkers. 

Our flagship publication, Big Think, reaches millions of readers and viewers through original journalism, in-depth interviews, newsletters, video, and a premium quarterly print magazine. We cover the ideas shaping science, technology, business, philosophy, and culture.

We're guided by four values: curious, thoughtful, open, and constructive. We believe great ideas deserve serious attention, that complex questions rarely have simple answers, and that media can help people better understand the world.

We're looking for people who share those beliefs and care about these ides too.

We're hiring a Senior Director, Media Sales & Brand Partnerships to grow our editorial sponsorship business with direct-to-brand enterprise clients and media agencies. This is a high-energy hunting role which demands outstanding communication, ruthless prioritization, a sharp read on partner business priorities paired with creative problem-solving, and proven lead development.

Build and close major partnerships

• Report directly to the General Manager  and work closely with them to grow this business
• Own the full sales cycle on $100k-$500k+ opportunities, from identifying prospects and developing relationships to pitching, negotiating, and closing deals.
• Own a personal revenue target and be responsible for achieving quarterly and annual sales goals
• Work closely with internal teams to develop comprehensive sales proposals

Help define our go-to-market strategy

• Develop a clear point of view on which industries, brands, agencies, and decision-makers represent our strongest opportunities.
• Identify the most effective ways to generate new business, whether through direct outreach, agency relationships, strategic networking, RFPs, or other approaches.
• Bring market intelligence back to the team to inform our sponsorship offerings, positioning, and commercial strategy.

• An experienced premium media seller. At least 5 years of experience is required. You have a successful track record selling high-value sponsorships, integrated media partnerships, or custom programs at a respected publisher or editorial media company.
• A proven seller. You've personally developed and closed six-figure partnerships with major brands and have achieved targets north of $1.5M annually.
• A strategic business developer. You know how to identify the right prospects, reach decision-makers, build relationships, and create opportunities rather than simply waiting for inbound demand.
• Well connected or exceptionally good at getting connected. You understand the agency and brand marketing landscape and know how major media investments get made.
• An excellent storyteller. You can communicate the value of an editorial brand, develop persuasive proposals, and connect ideas to business objectives.
• Commercially ambitious and intellectually curious. You care about winning business, but you're also genuinely interested in the ideas, people, and conversations that define Big Think.
• An independent operator. You're comfortable owning your pipeline, setting priorities, and working in an entrepreneurial environment with significant autonomy.
• A person with good judgment. You understand that the best editorial partnerships create value for brands without compromising the integrity of the publication.

• Join a supportive, collaborative team with opportunities to grow in a fast-paced environment.
• Comprehensive wellness benefits: memberships to HealthAdvocate, Teladoc, OneMedical, and Talkspace.
• Competitive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, 401(k), and more!

Location: Remote, but candidates must be based in NY.

Compensation: Competitive base salary plus performance-based commission, with target total compensation of approximately $250,000 annually. Final compensation will depend on experience and the agreed commission structure.

Interested?

We'd love to hear about the major partnerships you've built, how you approach developing new business, and why Big Think's mission resonates with you.