Director of Automotive Sales

Position Overview

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) helps people thrive in their local communities by providing trusted local news and services. As part of TEGNA, Premion – an award-winning OTT/CTV advertising platform – is seeking a Director of Automotive to lead and expand its automotive vertical focused on Tier 2 and Tier 3 dealerships. This strategic role drives revenue growth, deepens dealer group relationships, and positions Premion as a thought leader in the automotive digital and streaming landscape. Reporting to the Head of Direct Sales, you will collaborate with regional and national teams to execute sales strategies, develop partnerships, and build long-term growth in the automotive category.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Automotive Growth: Lead the go-to-market strategy for the automotive vertical, focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 dealerships across all markets.
• Strategic Partnerships: Build and strengthen relationships with dealer groups, OEM co-op teams, agencies, and automotive marketing partners.
• Industry Leadership: Represent Premion as an expert voice within the automotive community by attending, speaking at, and networking within key trade shows, conferences, and associations.
• Revenue Leadership: Own P&L responsibility for the automotive category; forecast, track, and achieve revenue targets.
• Sales Enablement: Develop and implement category playbooks, training, and best practices for local and regional sales teams.
• Market Insights: Provide competitive intelligence and field feedback to inform product development, data partnerships, and innovation in go-to-market strategies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, product, and analytics teams to create performance storytelling, case studies, and attribution proof points.
• Thought Leadership: Champion the evolution of OTT/CTV in automotive advertising and educate the market on measurement, attribution, and the convergence of linear and digital video.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in digital or video advertising sales with a strong focus on automotive clients and dealer groups.
• Deep understanding of Tier 2 and Tier 3 automotive advertising models, OEM co-op structures, and dealer marketing operations.
• Proven success driving revenue in performance-based video, OTT/CTV, or programmatic solutions.
• Established network across auto groups, dealer associations, and automotive agencies.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage and influence at all levels.
• Strategic mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment and willingness to travel as needed.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical Coverage: Two medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, plus dental, eye, fertility, surrogacy, adoption assistance, disability, and life insurance.
• 401(k) Match: Opportunity to contribute pre-tax funds with a 100% match up to the first 4% of pay.
• Telehealth: Access to nine free virtual doctor’s appointments via Teladoc and twelve free annual therapy sessions through Spring Health.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO along with nine paid holidays per year.