Ad Sales Director at Chess

About Chess.com

Chess.com stands as one of the world's largest gaming websites and the premier platform for playing, learning, and enjoying chess. We are a dynamic team of over 600 fully remote professionals spread across more than 60 countries, dedicated to serving the expansive global chess community. Our mission is to support over 250 million chess players worldwide by providing the best possible product, engaging content, and essential tools. We operate as a tech company, a gaming company, and a content company, all driven by a profound passion and commitment to the game of chess. At our core, we value a mission-driven, flat, life-celebrating, and non-corporate culture. We look forward to connecting with you and discovering what unique contributions you can bring to our team.

About The Role & You

We are seeking an experienced digital ad sales professional with a proven track record of collaborating with top advertising agencies and major brands. You possess a deep understanding of direct sales strategies for both web and mobile platforms and know how to effectively build and scale a direct sales business - from product development to data analytics, marketing, and client relationship management. You bring a robust network of digital ad buyers, encompassing both agencies and brands, and are adept at proactively generating new leads and skillfully responding to RFPs (Request for Proposals). This role calls for an individual who is both analytical and creative, driven equally by revenue growth and the commitment to fostering a positive experience for our vibrant chess community and our valued advertising partners.

Key Responsibilities & What You'll Do

• Lead and manage our direct ad sales business, taking full ownership of strategy development and flawless execution.
• Successfully sell Chess.com's comprehensive web and app advertising solutions, including programmatic direct, exclusive sponsorships, tailored custom packages, and innovative new-to-market ad formats.
• Oversee the entire end-to-end sales process, encompassing strategic marketing initiatives, proactive prospecting, skilled negotiations, successful deal closure, seamless execution, and ongoing account management.
• Enhance market awareness of Chess.com's direct advertising business by cultivating and expanding strong relationships with leading brands and advertising agencies.
• Collaborate closely with our Business Development team to craft and deliver bespoke advertising solutions specifically designed for our partners.
• Work in partnership with our Product, Engineering, and Data teams to identify, develop, and implement cutting-edge ad solutions that are highly attractive to the market while strictly adhering to our brand guidelines.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Possess 8+ years of extensive experience in direct digital sales, demonstrated by a strong and consistent track record of growing revenue.
• Exhibit a deep and comprehensive understanding of the digital advertising ecosystem, covering both web and mobile advertising landscapes.
• Maintain existing, valuable relationships with key leaders at prominent advertising agencies and major brands.
• Comfortable and capable of building a business from the ground up, even with limited existing processes and infrastructure in place.
• Demonstrate a strong ability to think both strategically and creatively, coupled with a genuine passion for rolling up your sleeves and executing tasks effectively.
• Possess excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• A chess player and/or enthusiast is highly preferred.
• Committed to lifelong learning and continuous personal development.

About The Opportunity

• This position is available as a full time or contract opportunity, depending on your specific location.
• We operate as a 100% remote company, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere globally.
• However, USA timezones are strongly preferred for this role to ensure optimal timezone alignment and meet critical business needs.