Director, Business Development

Job description

Apply to: Position Summary The Director, APAC Business Development position, based in China, will represent The Weather Channel's digital product lines to mobile manufacturers, carriers, portals, media companies and other prospective digital media partners. The person in this position will primarily focus on increasing the distribution and revenue generation of our ad-supported mobile and web products in Asia, and particularly in China, along with a dedicated focus on locally supporting global mobile partnerships. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Work to source and create partnerships with mobile manufacturers, carriers, regional digital media companies, portals and other digital media technology partners Evaluate business and partnership opportunities across various digital platforms, including but not limited to web, mobile, tablets, connected TV Source and close deals that enhance our advertising sales and technology capabilities in the region, including but not limited to advertising representation and targeting capabilities, and source local ad providers to maximize the value of our APAC digital inventory Work closely with the Content team to identify valuable, local content offerings that will drive increased user engagement in the region, including news, video and sponsor-based vertical content Research and qualify potential partners, manage pipeline discussions, negotiate and execute agreements as required. Own deal-related financial models and business case efforts to inform financial expectations, timing and expected results. Research and make recommendation on new business and market opportunities including assessing opportunity, competitive positioning, resource requirements and keys to success. Develop marketing partnerships that help to enhance the TWC brand and increase brand awareness in desired markets Collaborate closely with Global Product and Ad Sales teams, and Global BD counterparts in London and Atlanta, in order to implement and create partnerships that maximize long-term value for the business Education, Experience, Certification Requirements B.S. in a business discipline required, M.B.A. preferred. Ability to based in China required, Beijing highly preferred 7-10+ years digital media/mobile business development experience with at least 3-5 years working closely on partnership development initiatives with global or Asia-based mobile carriers and handset manufacturers Must be able to travel to key cities in Asia and also occasionally to the U.S. and London Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to speak Mandarin Chinese and/or Korean highly preferred Comfortable with constant and rapid change while also comfortable working very autonomously Demonstrable success in pursuing, capturing, and negotiating complex and high-value digitally-focused agreements with strategic partners. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, plus the drive and initiative to overcome obstacles in a new and rapidly changing space Experience negotiating mobile distribution agreements with major partners Extensive working knowledge of digital media advertising business Highly motivated and self-directed with a strong business work ethic, positive attitude and professional demeanor. Proven ability to achieve and exceed business development goals in highly technical and complex sales environments. Strong network of existing senior relationships with business development, product and/or marketing contacts at Asia-based mobile/web companies and divisions of handset manufacturers, knowledge of Asian distribution channels required Strong understanding of the APAC digital landscape with active engagement in industry workgroups and an established network. Understanding of APAC technical and regulatory requirements as they relate to working in the digital media and mobile industries. Apply to: The Weather Channel is the world's leading cross-platform media company with a portfolio that includes The Weather Channel television network, TWC digital properties (, mobile and tablet applications) and Weather Services International (WSI). Headquartered in Cobb County since 1982, The Weather Channel brand has connected millions of consumers by providing the most accurate weather forecasts, 24 hours a day. Seen in more than 100 million U.S. households, The Weather Channel network is one of the most widely-distributed cable networks. The Weather Channel online properties reach 60 million unique Web consumers each month. This includes 32 million consumers monthly through on mobile Web and mobile apps. TWC has the No.1 app on all smartphones and is the second most used app on all smartphones. WSI provides business-to-business weather services to media, aviation, marine and energy sectors.