Executive Director - Advertising & Media Sales

We are seeking an Executive Director of Advertising & Media Sales to lead Christianity Today's (CT) advertising sales strategy. In this role, you will develop and execute revenue-generating strategies that include brand collaborations between Christianity Today and like-minded organizations, sales for integrated media campaigns, video sponsorships, native advertising, and other forms of branded content. As a key leader, this individual will collaborate with other leaders to align advertising initiatives with broader strategic goals across the ministry.

Functions and Responsibilities

1. Drive Sales Strategy & Advertising Revenue Growth

•  Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive advertising strategy aligned with CT’s mission and growth goals.
• Champion a customer-centric approach to advertising that enhances user experience and balances other revenue streams (e.g., memberships, subscriptions, donations).
• Identify and evaluate emerging market trends and opportunities for product-led advertising initiatives, ensuring advertising offerings reflect CT’s commitment to thoughtful Christian journalism and ministry service.
• Drive sustainable revenue growth across CT's platforms through direct and programmatic advertising, sponsorships, and custom solutions.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Product teams to identify high-impact monetization strategies that complement editorial priorities and ministry objectives.
• Implement performance metrics and KPIs to measure and report on advertising effectiveness and ROI, while also monitoring impact on audience trust.
• Engage in direct sales efforts as needed to maximize revenue growth, with sensitivity to theological and denominational diversity.

2. Advertising Team Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead and mentor the Advertising team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, ethical sales practices, and spiritual stewardship.
• Set team goals, provide regular feedback, and support professional growth opportunities that enhance both business acumen and ministry understanding.
• Serve on relevant project teams as needed, representing advertising strategy and ensuring alignment with cross-departmental initiatives.
• Partner with the Technology, Marketing, and Product teams to ensure cohesive monetization strategies that preserve audience trust, editorial integrity, and Christian witness.

3. Christian Marketplace Engagement & Ministry Stewardship

• Develop deep understanding of the unique Christian audience segments and their needs, demonstrating sensitivity to diverse theological perspectives.
• Leverage current audience advertising opportunities and expand audiences through initiatives, pastors, and other new avenues. 
• Create advertising solutions that serve the broader church community while maintaining CT's distinctive voice and theological position.
• Establish processes for content review that ensure appropriate messaging for Christian audiences while respecting denominational differences.
• Steward advertising relationships as ministry partnerships, seeking opportunities that build up the body of Christ while achieving business objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field required.
• 7+ years of experience in digital advertising, media sales, or ad strategy, with at least 3 years in a management role.
• Experience working in a mission-driven, editorially focused organization preferred.
• Proven track record of driving revenue growth through innovative ad products and cross-platform campaigns; especially in the areas of email, podcast and video sponsorships.
• Deep understanding of the digital media landscape, including programmatic advertising, native content, CRM technology, and direct sales.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Christian marketplace, church dynamics, and ministry needs.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Able to balance long-term vision with practical execution; skilled in navigating complex tradeoffs.
• Customer Empathy: Committed to designing ad experiences that respect and serve CT’s diverse readership.
• Revenue-Minded: Results-oriented with an eye for new monetization models that align with CT’s mission.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Effective at building consensus and alignment across product, editorial, and revenue teams.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Embraces new technologies and approaches; experiments thoughtfully and iterates based on data.

Additional Information

Benefits

• Christianity Today offers a comprehensive benefits package
• Check out our careers page to learn more

Employment Details

• CT headquarters are located in Wheaton, Illinois
• Work Location: Fully Remote
• Type: Full time, 37.5 hour workweek
• Classification: Salary, Exempt FLSA status

Exact compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and location.