VP, Network Sports & Client Partnerships Ad Sales

VP, Network Sports & Client Partnerships

Are you ready to revolutionize how sports content drives advertising success? The E.W Scripps Company is seeking a visionary VP, Network Sports & Client Partnerships who will unlock new revenue opportunities by leveraging Scripps' growing sports portfolio as a strategic entry point to deepen relationships with national advertisers. This leadership role offers the unique opportunity to expand advertiser investment across Scripps' full network and entertainment platform while positioning the company as a leading destination for impactful, culturally relevant advertising solutions.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Engage directly with national and regional advertisers at the client level, using sports as a strategic anchor to grow revenue across the enterprise

• Partner with the President of Scripps Sports and Head of Networks Sales on the go-to-market strategies for Scripps' growing sports lineup, including current and future sports partnerships, that integrate linear, streaming/CTV, social and experiential assets into cohesive client ready offerings

• Build and manage revenue pipelines, set pacing benchmarks, and forecast against corporate targets across both linear and digital sports inventory

• Partner with President of Scripps Sports on non-spot monetization, sponsorship and serve as a strategic contributor during the sports rights acquisition process

• Collaborate with the heads of Network and CTV Sales to align efforts and maximize marketplace impact across all platforms; linear, streaming, digital, and social

• Establish yearlong partnership strategies with CMOs, heads of media, and sports sponsorship decision-makers that extend beyond campaign execution

• Build and deliver integrated sales packages that link sports with entertainment content and broader brand goals

• Co-create new ad products, branded content packages and sponsorship solutions that anticipate market needs and client innovation agendas

• Position sports offerings as premium, scalable, and relevant advertising vehicles

• Cultivate deep, senior-level relationships with clients and agencies to influence investment decisions and drive year-round engagement

• Partner with marketing, planning, research, and operations teams to ensure flawless execution of sports campaigns and integrated media buys

• Work closely with programming and league key stakeholders to maintain alignment between editorial content and commercial strategy

• Serve as an internal and external thought leader on the monetization of strategic sports enterprises

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• BS/BA in related discipline preferred or equivalent years of experience

• Generally, 10+ years of experience in related field preferred

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

• Adept in executive-C suite level engagement

• Ability to synthesize diverse marketing assets and channels into cohesive, client-facing offerings

• Existing relationships with sports marketers at major properties (e.g., NBA, NCAA, WNBA, NHL, NWSL), as well as relevant influencers, talent agencies, and branded content studios preferred

• Strong familiarity with client priorities and cycles across key categories—Auto, Retail, Finance, QSR, CPG, Spirits, Tech, and Pharma—especially in sports-specific contexts preferred

• Critical thinking and hypothesis-driven problem-solving abilities

• Strong analytical mindset coupled with the ability to translate first and third-party data to inform pricing, targeting, and measurement strategies across sports and general market campaigns

• Deep listening aptitude and ability to balance strategic advisory skills, consumer empathy, and exceptional communication abilities as a trusted partner

• Demonstrated success in sports sponsorship, national advertising sales, client partnerships, and/or integrated media strategy

• Expertise in sports media sales and sponsorships, especially around live events, and strategic and emerging leagues

• Strategic thinking, outstanding communication skills, and collaborative leadership

• Passion for elevating underrepresented voices and properties through strategic investment

• Track record of managing high-performing sales and partnership teams, with a focus on mentorship, inclusion, and cross-functional collaboration

#LI-SM2 #LI-Remote

SCRIPPS’ COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE THAT CREATES CONNECTION:

At Scripps, we are committed to a culture that reflects the audiences and communities we serve. We are intentional about creating an environment where employees, our audiences and other stakeholders feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential and create connections. To successfully deliver on this commitment, we must understand and reflect the values and perspectives those around us embody. That process begins by looking inward to build and celebrate a respectful workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection. By continuing to cultivate an environment where all employees have a fair chance to succeed, are included, valued, and seen, we will strengthen the connections that drive positive business impact and align with our core purpose. 

ABOUT SCRIPPS:

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlets Scripps News and Court TV and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Defy TV, Grit, ION Mystery and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps’ long-time motto is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

As an equal employment opportunity employer, The E.W. Scripps Company and its affiliates do not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, color, religion, age, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, citizenship or national origin, and military membership or veteran status, or on any other basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law. Furthermore, the company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the company.