Local Advertising Account Executive

Axios•Chicago, IL

8h•$60,000 - $150,000•Remote

About The Position

The big picture: Axios is a media company dedicated to delivering trustworthy, award-winning news in an audience-first format. We are building a new category of local revenue generation and are hiring Local Market Builders to help scale Axios Local across key markets. This is not a traditional Account Executive role. This is a foundational, in-market revenue leader responsible for building Axios’ local advertising business from the ground up. Why it matters: The Local Market Builder is the face of Axios in their city or region—responsible for developing deep relationships with local business leaders and converting those relationships into long-term advertising partnerships. This role is critical to unlocking hyperlocal revenue and proving a scalable model for Axios Local expansion. Go deeper: Local Market Builders are highly entrepreneurial sellers focused on building a book of business through their existing network and local market presence. In this role, you will: Build and own a book of business from day one, leveraging existing relationships with local decision-makers Prospect, pitch, and close new local advertisers (restaurants, healthcare systems, law firms, real estate, financial services, dealerships, and more) Develop repeatable revenue streams through renewals and long-term partnerships Serve as the Axios brand ambassador in-market, attending events, building community presence, and collaborating with editorial teams Create and manage a high-volume pipeline of deals (typical deal size: $5K–$15K) Operate with a founder mindset—owning outcomes, testing approaches, and building momentum in-market Yes, but: This is not a traditional AE role with inbound leads or established accounts. No house accounts or inherited book — you are expected to bring and build your own Heavy reliance on your existing network to accelerate early revenue In-market presence is essential — this is a relationship-driven role Higher deal volume, shorter cycles, and community-based selling Success is driven by reputation, trust, and consistency, not just pipeline coverage Worthy of your time: Ideal candidates will embody a collaborative spirit, revenue mindset, and passion for the Axios mission. This position requires the following: 5–8+ years in sales, digital media, advertising, or related field Be deeply connected in your market and know how to turn relationships into revenue. Proven ability to build and monetize a book of business Demonstrated success in closing new business and generating revenue from personal network Strong relationships with local advertisers, agencies, or business leaders in your market Core Traits Entrepreneurial and self-starting — comfortable building from zero Highly networked in your local market Strong hunter mentality with a bias toward action Comfortable with ambiguity and longer ramp periods Excellent communicator and relationship builder Deep curiosity about local businesses and community dynamics What Success Looks Like Rapid activation of your existing network into revenue-generating clients Consistent pipeline of new local advertisers Strong renewal rates and repeat business Established presence as a trusted partner in your market This role is designed for highly motivated, network-driven sellers who want significant upside tied to performance. Competitive base salary + strong variable commission structure Uncapped earnings potential tied to revenue generation Early ramp support (non-recoverable draw) Additional incentives for new logo acquisition and early market traction This remote position offers a base salary of $60,000 annually, plus a commission structure that rewards performance and provides significant additional earning potential, with on-target earnings (OTE) of up to $150,000. Axios is committed to embracing artificial intelligence as a core part of how we work. All team members are expected to actively develop AI literacy and use AI tools to enhance their productivity, creativity, and efficiency. We invest in ongoing learning to ensure every employee is equipped to responsibly and effectively integrate AI into their daily workflows.

Requirements

5–8+ years in sales, digital media, advertising, or related field
Be deeply connected in your market and know how to turn relationships into revenue.
Proven ability to build and monetize a book of business
Demonstrated success in closing new business and generating revenue from personal network
Strong relationships with local advertisers, agencies, or business leaders in your market
Entrepreneurial and self-starting — comfortable building from zero
Highly networked in your local market
Strong hunter mentality with a bias toward action
Comfortable with ambiguity and longer ramp periods
Excellent communicator and relationship builder
Deep curiosity about local businesses and community dynamics

Responsibilities

Build and own a book of business from day one, leveraging existing relationships with local decision-makers
Prospect, pitch, and close new local advertisers (restaurants, healthcare systems, law firms, real estate, financial services, dealerships, and more)
Develop repeatable revenue streams through renewals and long-term partnerships
Serve as the Axios brand ambassador in-market, attending events, building community presence, and collaborating with editorial teams
Create and manage a high-volume pipeline of deals (typical deal size: $5K–$15K)
Operate with a founder mindset—owning outcomes, testing approaches, and building momentum in-market

Benefits

401(k) with employer match
Robust PPO and High Deductible health insurance options on the Blue Cross Blue Shield network
Employer Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution for the high deductible health plan option
Dental and vision coverage
Primary caregiver 12-week paid leave
Birth-givers will have an additional 6-8 weeks, depending on type of delivery, for a total of 18-20 weeks continuous leave
Generous vacation policy, plus holidays
One mental health day per quarter
Annual learning and development stipend
$100 monthly work-from-home stipend
Tele-mental health services through Headspace
OneMedical membership, including tele-health services
Personal health advocacy resources through HealthAdvocate
Inclusive fertility, hormonal health and family forming benefits through Carrot Fertility
Access to the Axios “Family Fund”, which was created to allow employees to request financial support when facing financial hardship or emergencies
Increased work flexibility for parents and caretakers
Virtual company-sponsored social events
A strong and positive work environment
A commitment to an open, inclusive, and diverse work culture