Corporate Sponsorship Representative

About WHYY

WHYY serves the Philadelphia region with trusted journalism, eye-opening storytelling and intimate local arts programming. Our curiosity and commitment to this community is what drives our programming. It’s also what drives our hiring.

Below you’ll find an employment opportunity in the fast-paced setting of the Philadelphia region’s leading public media provider. The award-winning professional staff of WHYY sets the bar high in television, radio and online. Whether it’s preparing a program to air or a behind-the-scenes role in support, all positions are vital to continuing—and growing—our impact in our community.

WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyone’s stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about our Social Responsibility Program. It’s how we live.

About the Role

The Corporate Sponsorship Representative is responsible for generating and growing sponsorship revenue for WHYY across FM radio, television, digital platforms, podcasts, events, and community engagement initiatives. This position develops and manages relationships with corporate sponsors, advertising agencies, and business leaders to secure multi-platform sponsorship investments that align with WHYY’s mission and audience.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and results-driven sales professional with the ability to identify new business opportunities, cultivate long-term sponsor relationships, and consistently achieve year-over-year revenue growth. This individual must effectively communicate the value of public media and the benefits of aligning a business brand with WHYY’s trusted reputation, engaged audiences, and community impact.

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

• Generate sponsorship revenue across WHYY FM, television, digital media, podcasts, newsletters, events, and community engagement initiatives.

• Meet and exceed annual and quarterly revenue goals through new business development, account retention, upselling, and strategic sponsorship planning.

• Build, cultivate, and maintain strong professional relationships with corporate sponsors, agencies, and community partners that result in long-term sponsorship revenue growth.

• Prospect and secure new sponsors through networking, research, outreach, referrals, and relationship building.

• Develop customized sponsorship proposals and integrated marketing solutions that align with client business objectives and marketing goals.

• Clearly communicate the value of public media and the benefits of a business association with WHYY’s trusted brand, loyal audiences, educational mission, and community leadership.

• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure sponsorship campaigns are executed accurately, on schedule, and in compliance with FCC and public media underwriting guidelines.

• Manage sponsor accounts with a high level of professionalism, responsiveness, and customer service.

• Maintain accurate records of prospecting activity, sponsor communication, proposals, pipeline development, and revenue forecasting within the WHYY CRM system.

• Stay informed about industry trends, audience insights, media consumption habits, and sponsorship opportunities to effectively position WHYY in the marketplace.

• Represent WHYY at networking events, community functions, sponsorship activations, and industry meetings as needed.

• Maintain strong knowledge of WHYY programming, platforms, mission, and strategic priorities.

• Contribute positively to a collaborative team culture and support departmental and organizational initiatives.

Periodic Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provide revenue and activity updates to the supervisor.

• Participate in department and company-wide initiatives and group meetings.

Education: A four-year college degree, preferably including coursework in marketing, or the equivalent knowledge gained through experience, is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of three to five years of successful sales experience, preferably in media, sponsorship, advertising, nonprofit fundraising, or integrated marketing sales. Experience selling multi-platform sponsorships, including broadcast, digital, and live events, is strongly preferred. Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals and building long-term client relationships required.

Technical Skills: Highly proficient use of Microsoft Office software and CRMs.