Head of Business Development & Strategy

The Minnesota Star Tribune is more than a trusted source of news—we are the heart and voice of the North. Our mission is to champion local journalism, empower regional businesses, and foster a thriving Minnesota community.

We are launching something entirely new—North Star Rising, a first-of-its-kind, best-in-class digital platform designed to showcase the incredible impact businesses and foundations are making across Minnesota. This innovative, high-visibility initiative will set a new standard for cause marketing, connecting brands with purpose-driven storytelling like never before. Nothing like this exists in our market today.

Your Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to lead the launch of a brand-new, game-changing product. As Head of Business Development and Strategy, you will own the sales strategy, drive corporate sponsorships, and shape the go-to-market approach with senior leadership for North Star Rising. You’ll build something from the ground up—crafting strategic partnerships, collaborating with content creators, and working alongside our large sales team to drive revenue and impact.

We’re looking for an entrepreneurial, sales-driven leader with a passion for cause marketing, corporate social responsibility, and purpose-driven brand storytelling. If you thrive on building something new, creating industry-leading solutions, and driving meaningful business growth, this is your chance to make a lasting mark.

What You’ll Do

• Launch & Lead: Own the rollout of North Star Rising, developing and executing a strategic plan to drive corporate sponsorships and advertising partnerships.
• Sales & Business Development: Identify, engage, and secure corporate sponsors looking to align their brand with high-impact, purpose-driven content.
• Strategic Partnerships: Build and nurture relationships with top corporate and foundation leaders, helping them integrate North Star Rising into their corporate social responsibility efforts.
• Sales Collaboration: Work closely with our sales team, leading joint sales calls and providing the tools and messaging needed to introduce North Star Rising to their clients.
• Best-in-Class Content & Campaigns: Collaborate with creators from our content agency to develop compelling, high-quality sponsored content that showcases businesses’ impact.
• Brand Advocacy: Serve as the face of North Star Rising, positioning it as the premier cause marketing platform in Minnesota, and an essential tool for companies looking to make a difference.

What You Bring

• Experience: 8 years of cause marketing sales experience, successfully selling to corporate brands and businesses investing in purpose-driven campaigns.
• Sales & Partnerships: Proven ability to develop high-value prospect lists, lead the sales process, and close major sponsorship deals independently or in collaboration with Account Executives.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Passion for launching and scaling a new, market-leading product, with the ability to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strategic Thinking: Deep understanding of cause marketing, corporate social responsibility, and how brands leverage storytelling to enhance reputation and engagement.
• Leadership & Influence: Strong ability to inspire, collaborate, and drive results across sales, content, and executive teams.
• Communication & Storytelling: Exceptional ability to craft and present compelling sales narratives that connect businesses to meaningful brand impact.

Why This Role?

You’re not stepping into an existing sales role—you’re launching something new, innovative, and best-in-class. You will be at the forefront of redefining cause marketing in Minnesota, helping businesses elevate their brand while uplifting their community.

If you’re ready to build, innovate, and lead a groundbreaking product from day one—this is your moment.

More about The Minnesota Star Tribune

At The Minnesota Star Tribune, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to their happiness, growth, and well-being. Here’s a snapshot of the exceptional benefits we offer:

• Modern Downtown Office: Enjoy a state-of-the-art workspace with a free fitness center, collaborative center, golf simulator, and a rooftop patio.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Includes commuting subsidy, medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness & Work-Life Balance: Participate in our wellness program with financial incentives, generous paid time off, flexible holidays, one volunteer day, and two wellness days.
• Financial & Family Support: Benefit from a 401(k) with company match, paid parental and caregiving leave, hybrid work arrangements, and tuition reimbursement.
• Additional Perks: Access to an employee assistance program, pet insurance, flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.

Honored in 2023 with Diversity MBA's inaugural Top 25 Outstanding Leadership and Diversity Impact Awards, we are proud of our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Even if you don't meet every single requirement for this role, we encourage you to apply. At The Minnesota Star Tribune, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Salary/Wage Range

$140,000 - 200,000 / year

Compensation for the role will depend on several factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience and may fall outside of the range shown. The Minnesota Star Tribune offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401(K) match, healthcare coverage – medical, dental, and vision, life, disability, paid time off, and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at benefits.startribunecompany.com.

Salary : $140,000 - $200,000