Head of Sales

About Open Campus

Open Campus is a national, nonprofit news organization that partners with local newsrooms across the U.S. to deliver independent, in-depth reporting to ensure communities have the information they need about higher education. Through a cooperative model, we place expert reporters in local communities to help people understand and influence the institutions shaping their future opportunities.

We’re currently  expanding our team and our newsroom network and building something ambitious – and we’re looking for a strong sponsorship sales expert to help us get there.

Position overview

Open Campus seeks a dynamic, results-driven Head of Sales to develop and run an expansion of our earned revenue strategy. This new role will serve as the lead to grow and refine a thought-leadership program that leverages our trusted brand, deep expertise in higher education, and growing national network of newsrooms.

We’re looking for an experienced, creative sales leader who can build strong relationships across the higher education business community and develop compelling sponsorship, underwriting, and advertising opportunities. This is a hands-on role, responsible for shaping proposals, pitching campaigns to industry leaders, securing partnerships and managing their successful launch.

The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator with a proven track record in consultative sales and a strong understanding of the higher education landscape. This role reports to the Chief Revenue Officer and works closely across the Open Campus collaborative team.

What you will do

• Collaborate with the CRO on sponsorship programs with opportunities for underwriting, sponsorships, ad placements and sponsored content to prospective and existing clients.
• Develop strong relationships with corporations, agencies, institutions, associations and nonprofit organizations to grow our pipeline of mission-aligned prospects.
• Take the lead on new and early-stage earned income initiatives such as sponsorship sales, digital media advertising, a new thought leadership program and events.
• Create and customize sales proposals and marketing materials for corporate clients.
• Oversee and execute scheduling of sponsorship placements and deliverables.
• Produce analytics reporting for all advertisers, oversee quality control of ads running on all channels, and support client communications throughout the invoicing process.
• Identify and create opportunities for cross-channel promotion with our local partner newsrooms via media partnerships, events, and other partnership possibilities. 
• Collaborate with other revenue team members to achieve organizational and revenue goals, which may include working on events, member initiatives and other revenue-focused tasks.

 Your qualifications and skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and training.
• Three plus years in sales, development, or a revenue-earning leadership role.
• Proven success in a revenue-generating role, including developing and supporting new strategic partnerships for revenue growth.
• A strong understanding of and interest in digital media.
• Experience working with databases, CRM systems and analytics tools. Familiarity with Google Ad Manager, Broadstreet, Salesforce, Mailchimp, WordPress, Google Analytics, Parse.ly or other similar tools is preferred. 
• Innovative in developing and implementing new strategies and systems. We’re seeking someone comfortable in a start-up working environment who is ready to build new programs from end to end.
• Persuasive communicator who is comfortable engaging with stakeholders in a variety of settings.
• Familiarity with the higher education business space is a bonus.

What we offer

• Competitive salary with bonus structure
• Benefits package including insurance (medical, dental, vision and life)
• Up to six months of paid family leave
• 401k plan match
• Paid time off and 11 paid holidays
• Paid winter holiday

Location: Remote, U.S. based
Reports to: Chief Revenue Officer
Salary range: $110,000-$125,000 depending on experience. 

Benefits and revenue growth-based bonus structure   

How to apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and 1-2 relevant work samples (ex: media kit, a sales proposal or presentation you have helped develop and present) using this form by Jan. 15, 2026. In your cover letter, explain how your experience aligns with the new position and describe a successful revenue-generating initiative you led.

Some great candidates might not check all these boxes or hold important skills we haven’t listed. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself and how you could make a difference in this role. Open Campus is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring employees from diverse backgrounds. 

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