Advertising Advisor

ADVERTISING ADVISOR
#1601

General Characteristics:

An Advertising Advisor is responsible for obtaining and producing advertisements and maintaining records on advertisements appearing in the Torch student newspaper; guides and trains students in advertising sales, design and production of advertising; sells ad space for advertising to businesses, advertising agencies and other accounts in and around the community; does related work as required. Work requires considerable initiative and excellent communication skills and sales techniques to instruct students in advertising methods, close deals and collect on contracts. Work requires knowledge of newspaper advertising, sales techniques and instructional methods.

Examples of Work:

Creates potential client lists; phones or makes in-person calls on prospective and current customers to sell ad space in the paper; discusses the size and cost of the advertisement; obtains sketches, business cards and other client information to use in the advertisement; may complete a contract for the advertising commitment; provides students with leads, rate sheets, publication calendars and suggestions for approaching clients.

Operates a microcomputer and uses several forms of software to develop or help students create camera-ready copy and art for printing; lays out and pastes up final copy for printing.

Proofs the advertisement with the client and makes changes as suggested by the client; acts as a liaison between accounts and the Torch; seeks to resolve problems related to accounts.

Assists student sales representatives in, all facets of their work.

Keeps records of sizes and publication dates of all published ads; includes a copy of the ad when billing the client; posts all payments received; collects delinquent accounts.

Keeps newspaper editorial staff informed about space sales for each issue, and special design and printing requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of and skill in selling newspaper advertising; knowledge of and skill in the operation of a microcomputer to lay out and produce advertising; ability to design publications; skill in computer/desktop publishing; knowledge of and skill in typesetting and type specification; ability to apply sales practices to the selling of advertisements; ability to develop advertising campaign strategies; ability to set up and maintain billing and payment records; ability to operate equipment such as process cameras and paste-up tools; ability to work with students effectively; ability to establish and maintain advertising clients; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to type and operate a calculator; ability to organize tasks and work independently; ability to generate leads and make "cold calls," in person and over the telephone, on prospective customers; ability to close deals; knowledge of libel and privacy laws; ability to drive safely; ability to make effective sales presentations; ability to work safely.

Supervision:

Works under the general supervision of the Director of Student Support Services. Day-to-day direction is provided by the faculty coordinator who is available to answer questions or troubleshoot problems on a daily basis. The employee works with considerable independence using previously gained newspaper or advertising experience. Problems with student Performance and advertising policy are discussed with the coordinator and supervisor. This position has responsibility to assign advertising tasks, provide priorities, train and monitor the work of student assistants, hourly employees and volunteers.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school graduation or equivalent supplemented by course work or training in newspaper operation, advertisement preparation, graphics or sales is required. One year of experience in retail advertising sales, layout, desktop publishing or related areas is required. A current Oregon driver's license is required.

Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered qualifying.

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