Advertising Sales Representative

Reasons to be Cheerful, an online magazine about solutions, is seeking a motivated Advertising Sales Representative to help grow revenue through newsletter sponsorships and sponsored content by bringing mission-aligned brands to our readers.

Role Overview

This is a part-time, independent contractor position that reports to the Executive Editor. You will be responsible for prospecting, pitching and closing sponsorship deals for Reasons to be Cheerful's email newsletter. Compensation includes a base rate plus a tiered commission structure that rewards you as your sales grow. This is an ideal opportunity for a candidate who excels at self-management, values flexibility and is eager to establish a new source of revenue for a growing publication.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prospect potential newsletter sponsors — including brands, foundations, nonprofits, universities and cause-driven organizations — whose values align with our editorial mission.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of leads through outreach via email, LinkedIn, phone and your existing network.
• Craft compelling sponsorship pitches and media kit presentations tailored to each prospective advertiser.
• Negotiate and close sponsorship agreements for newsletter ad placements, including dedicated send and in-newsletter banner slots.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for advertiser accounts, ensuring smooth onboarding and strong ongoing relationships.
• Coordinate with the Reasons to be Cheerful editorial and operations team to ensure sponsor deliverables are fulfilled accurately and on time.
• Track your pipeline, outreach, and closed deals, and provide regular updates to the team.
• Gather post-campaign performance data and share results with advertisers to encourage repeat business.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in advertising or sponsorship sales, ideally within digital media, email newsletters, or online publishing.
• Proven ability to independently prospect, pitch and close deals — you are comfortable working without a sales team or warm lead list.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to write crisp, persuasive outreach and deliver confident presentations.
• Self-directed and organized: able to manage your own time with minimal oversight.
• Familiarity with the digital media landscape and how newsletter advertising works (pricing models, audience metrics, open rates, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing relationships with advertisers, agencies, or brands that are a natural fit for solutions-focused journalism.
• Passion for or familiarity with Reasons to be Cheerful's coverage areas: urbanism, public health, environment, or democracy.
• Experience selling to nonprofits, foundations, or impact-driven organizations.
• Comfort using CRM tools (e.g., HubSpot, Notion, or similar) to track outreach.
• Proficient with design tools used to create media kits and marketing materials (e.g., Canva).

Compensation

This role includes a base rate and a tiered commission structure — the more you sell, the higher your commission rate.

Base Rate: $1,000/month

Commission: 15%

Commissions are paid to all revenue closed (defined as when the invoice has been paid by the client) within a given month. This is a contractor (1099) position — you are responsible for your own taxes and benefits.

How to Apply

Please send a brief cover letter describing your relevant sales experience and why you're excited about Reasons to be Cheerful, along with your resume or LinkedIn profile. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

About Reasons to be Cheerful

Founded by musician David Byrne, Reasons to be Cheerful is an independent, nonprofit media outlet dedicated to evidence-based, solutions-focused journalism. Launched in 2019, RTBC has 800,000 annual visitors and a newsletter audience of over 110,000 highly engaged readers who care deeply about building a better future. Reasons to be Cheerful is the flagship project of the nonprofit Arbutus.

Reasons to be Cheerful is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds.