Director of Development and Sponsorships

Hearst Bay Area is the leading media and marketing organization in Northern California, home to the San Francisco Chronicle, SFGATE, and a portfolio of award-winning platforms and publications that reach millions across the region and beyond. As a trusted voice in journalism and an innovator in digital storytelling, we connect brands with influential audiences through cutting-edge media solutions. Our properties are home to signature editorial franchises and cultural touchstones including Top 100 Restaurants, Best of the Bay Awards, and Bay Home and Living. These celebrated programs, alongside our robust content and event platforms, offer premier opportunities for advertisers to engage with passionate, high-value consumers across the Bay Area.

The Director of Development and Sponsorships is a senior revenue-driving role responsible for developing and executing integrated, custom sponsorship and brand partnership strategies that unlock new, non-traditional revenue (NTR) streams for Hearst Bay Area. Reporting directly to the VP of Strategic Partnerships, this individual will be a dynamic builder, collaborator, and creative strategist focused on amplifying the value of Hearst’s custom solutions, branded content, and multi-platform sponsorship opportunities.

This leader will work cross-functionally across sales, editorial, events, marketing, and product teams to conceptualize, package, and deliver high-impact sponsorship opportunities that resonate with regional and national advertisers.

Key Responsibilities:

Revenue Development

• Identify, pitch, and close sponsorships and brand partnerships that leverage Hearst Bay Area’s platforms, talent, and content.
• Work in close partnership with the Strategic Partnership Sales team to co-develop non-traditional revenue (NTR) programs that align with client objectives and drive incremental growth.
• Lead the go-to-market strategy for non-traditional revenue opportunities, including branded content, custom publishing, experiential marketing, podcasts, newsletters, and digital-first campaigns.
• Develop and monetize high-impact sponsorships, custom solutions, and editorially aligned content hubs that provide measurable value to both clients and audiences.
• Engage with large brand partners, regional businesses, and agencies to create innovative sponsorship solutions that serve both local and national marketing goals.
• Consistently meet or exceed revenue targets by cultivating a robust pipeline of prospects and managing sponsorship deal flow from concept through execution.

Sponsorship Strategy & Packaging

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to create integrated, custom solutions tailored to client objectives across verticals such as tech, lifestyle, real estate, healthcare, and more.
• Oversee the development of pitch decks, proposals, pricing strategies, and performance metrics for sponsorship campaigns.
• Proactively identify white space and create packaging that monetizes tentpole editorial moments, proprietary research, or emerging audience engagement opportunities.

Internal Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a strategic liaison between the Strategic Partnerships team and departments including Marketing, Creative Services, Sales, Editorial, and Events.
• Inspire and lead a high-performance culture of innovation and collaboration within project teams.
• Represent the Strategic Sponsorships Team in leadership meetings and client presentations.

Market Intelligence & Innovation

• Stay current on media trends, sponsorship best practices, and competitor offerings to ensure Hearst Bay Area remains a market leader in custom revenue solutions.
• Introduce and pilot new concepts for monetizing media, content, and event assets, with a strong focus on scalability and ROI.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in media partnerships, brand sponsorships, business development, or integrated marketing—preferably within a media company or agency environment.
• Proven track record of driving seven-figure revenue through non-traditional sales efforts and custom sponsorship deals.
• Exceptional storytelling, pitching, and negotiation skills with the ability to translate ideas into revenue-generating partnerships.
• Strong understanding of digital media, branded content, experiential marketing, and audience monetization strategies.
• Experience developing high-touch proposals and managing sponsorship activations end-to-end.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Creative thinker with a commercial mindset and entrepreneurial drive.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field; advanced degree a plus.

What We Offer:

• Dynamic Environment: A great work environment where it's never boring.
• Comprehensive Training: Paid in-depth sales and product training.
• Competitive Compensation: Competitive base salary with uncapped commissions for unlimited earning potential.
• Collaborative Culture: Ideas and input are always welcome.
• Learn more about Hearst Newspapers at: Hearst Bay Area Careers

Our Benefits:

At Hearst Newspapers we not only support our employees through personal and professional development, but we also believe in promoting each individual’s physical, financial and emotional wellbeing (and that of their family). Our industry-leading benefits include:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• Invest for the Future: Competitive retirement plan with matching program in most markets.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Recharge with ample time off, including holidays and vacation.
• Paid Parental Leave: Support for growing families, with paid leave for new parents.
• Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement: Financial support for the care of your loved ones.
• Emotional Wellbeing: Be your best self with our mental wellness benefits.
• LGBTQ+ & Inclusive Health Services: Inclusive healthcare designed for every individual’s unique needs.
• Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support: Helping you along every step of your family journey.
• Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits: We care about your pets, too – helping you keep them happy and healthy.
• And more. Click here for additional benefits and details.

In accordance with applicable law, Hearst is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role if hired in California. The reasonable estimate is between $120,000 and $125,000. Please note this information is specific to those hired in San Francisco. If this role is open to candidates outside of San Francisco, the salary range would be aligned to that specific location. A final decision on the successful candidate’s starting salary will be based on a number of permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to skills and experience, training, certifications, and education.