Are you a self-motivated, resourceful problem-solver with a “we’re all in this together” attitude? Are you passionate about connecting 417-landers to what’s best and what’s next in our community, helping them to fully enjoy their life in 417-land?
Whitaker Publishing is a regional lifestyle company in southwest Missouri. The multimedia company owns and produces 417 Magazine, Biz 417, 417mag.com, biz417.com, 417 Custom Publishing and high impact thought leadership events.
417 is looking for a Sales & Client Services Director to drive revenue growth while ensuring exceptional client experiences. This role will oversee both sales strategy and client services, ensuring seamless coordination between revenue generation, client retention, and new business development.
The ideal candidate will be both a strategic leader and a hands-on coach, responsible for developing and executing the sales and client service strategy to maximize revenue and client satisfaction. This person will provide structure, accountability, and leadership, fostering an environment where both sales performance and client relationships thrive.
This leader must be sensitive to high-performing, experienced sales professionals, providing the right level of support without micromanaging. At the same time, they must implement structured training and development plans for new sales hires, ensuring they ramp up effectively while maintaining the expectations of a seasoned team.
Experience in media, advertising, or agency environments is a plus. Ideal candidates should be well-versed in digital sales strategies and client retention models, with a strong ability to develop new business opportunities while nurturing long-term client relationships.
Sales Strategy & Revenue Growth
• Develop and execute the overall sales strategy, ensuring the team has the direction, tools, and support needed to achieve revenue goals.
• Lead, develop, and motivate the sales team to hit and exceed targets, using data-driven coaching and performance metrics.
• Optimize CRM use, sales tracking, and pipeline visibility to improve forecasting and efficiency.
• Identify new business opportunities and develop strategies to expand revenue streams.
• Attend client appointments with account executives as needed to provide leadership support and help strengthen client relationships.
Client Services & Account Management
• Oversee the Client Services department, ensuring smooth client onboarding, retention, and satisfaction.
• Develop and refine customer service processes to maintain a high standard of excellence.
• Implement client retention strategies, ensuring long-term business growth and reducing churn.
• Ensure seamless collaboration between sales, account management, and internal teams.
Coaching & Team Development
• Provide structured, actionable coaching to both the sales and client services teams.
• Tailor coaching approaches to different team members—providing strategic insight to seasoned professionals while offering hands-on training and development for new hires.
• Foster an environment where both client satisfaction and team performance thrive.
• Develop training programs and playbooks to ensure consistency in sales and client interactions.
Education Requirements and Work Experience:
• A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communication, or equivalent experience and education s required, along with 4+ years of experience supporting a sales team in a leadership, strategy, or client services capacity.
Evaluations and Outcomes:
• The position will be evaluated after 90 days with annual performance reviews.
Environmental Requirements
• Normal working conditions in an office environment absent extreme factors. Travel will be required, even after hours or on weekends, for local community events.
We’ve been doing this gig for 25 years, but there’s even more to come—we promise. Want to be part of it? Submit your cover letter, portfolio and resume to WorkFor417@417mag.com.