The China Project (formerly SupChina)

New York City- or Washington DC-Based Sales Director

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Sales Director to join our team. As The China Project’s Sales Director, you will play a crucial role in driving the growth and revenue of our B2B subscription sales, while also contributing to strategic partnerships, event sponsorships, and advertising initiatives.

About The China Project

The China Project (formerly SupChina) is a New-York based, China-focused news, information, and business services platform. We exist to help a global audience understand China better. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York City, The China Project was created to fill the gap between increasing media censorship in China and insufficient China expertise in international reporting. With decades of experience living in and writing about China, our staff provides reporting, research tools, and networking opportunities for anyone who wants to understand China beyond the headlines.

Our website, newsletters, podcasts, conferences and database tools reach 2 million people a month, and we count major universities, think tanks, and foreign embassies among our subscribers. Our content covers all things China – business, technology, politics, foreign affairs, society, culture, arts, history, and more.

About the position

* Please note that this is NOT an editorial position. This is a managing position on the business side of The China Project’s operations.

The Sales Director reports directly into the Head of Business Development, and will oversee one Sales Associate. They will be responsible for managing our B2B subscription sales strategy, with a primary focus on growing the number of accounts and increasing renewal rates. In addition, they will leverage their relationships in the industry to widen our sales funnel and increase the number of accounts, while also building new and meaningful relationships with industry leaders working in China-related fields. The ideal candidate has a background in or curiosity about China, and is able to use that background to promote our mission here at The China Project to help a global audience understand China beyond just the headlines.

This role is a full-time position, based in New York City or in Washington, DC. The salary range for this position is $85-95K, with a commission on each sale. This position is open right now and can be filled ASAP.

Responsibilities:

B2B Subscription Sales Strategy

Carry forward and optimize our comprehensive sales strategy to drive B2B subscription sales for The China Project. This includes widening the sales funnel, increasing the number of accounts, and maximizing the renewal rate of existing customers.

Account Management

Manage a robust pipeline of accounts, build strong relationships with key stakeholders, and proactively identify opportunities to upsell, cross-sell, and retain customers. Ensure excellent customer satisfaction and maintain a high level of client engagement.

Business Development

Collaborate closely with the Head of Business Development to identify and onboard new event sponsors, forge strategic partnerships, and increase revenue from advertising. Actively contribute to the overall top-line growth of the organization.

Market Analysis

Leverage industry relationships and market knowledge to identify areas of strategic growth for subscriptions. Conduct market research, analyze customer needs and preferences, and provide insights to inform product development and sales strategies.

Team Leadership

The Sales Director will oversee one Sales Associate, and should be able to provide guidance, coaching, and support to ensure individual and team targets are met or exceeded. Foster a collaborative and results-driven culture within the sales department.

Sales Performance Tracking

Carry forward and optimize effective sales processes, systems, and metrics at The China Project so we can continually monitor sales performance, track progress against targets, and generate regular reports for the greater team. Identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.

Qualifications

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive sales or business development experience, preferably in the news and media industry, with a strong focus on B2B subscription sales. Proficiency in using CRM software and sales analytics tools.

Innate curiosity for China: Interest in Chinese culture, politics, geopolitics, business, etc.

Language skills: Fluency in English is required; fluency in Mandarin is not required but preferred.

Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the news and media landscape. Familiarity with subscription-based business models, digital media trends, and the competitive landscape.

Self-motivated: Proactive, and able to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment. Proven track record of consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets and driving revenue growth.

Strategic Thinker: Ability to think strategically, identify market opportunities, and develop effective sales strategies. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess market dynamics, customer needs, and develop tailored solutions.

Relationship Management: Exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to establish and nurture strategic partnerships with clients, sponsors, and stakeholders. Strong negotiation and persuasion abilities to drive win-win outcomes.

Bonus Points

4-year bachelor's degree or master’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field
Time spent living and/or working in China
Mandarin fluency

The China Project

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