Job Title: Performance Sales Manager (Contract)
Type: Contract / Temporary (Structure dependent on candidate)
Term: Initial 6 Months (with potential for extension based on performance)
The Arena Group is seeking a high-impact, results-driven Performance Sales Manager on a contract basis. Your objective is to identify and pitch affiliate partners for sponsorship opportunities across our portfolio of brands, including Parade, Men’s Journal, The Street, and Athlon Sports. This is not a traditional brand sales role. You will be targeting affiliate and performance marketing budgets, selling premium placement and flat-fee sponsorships to brands that are already seeing conversion success on our platforms.We are open to structuring this role based on the right candidate (e.g., independent contractor or temporary employee), with flexibility to align on the best engagement model.
The Arena Group’s expected annualized base salary range for this position is currently $60,000 - $96,000. Actual salaries will vary based on multiple factors including location, education, experience and other factors permitted by law. The listed salary range is but one component of The Arena Group’s total compensation and benefits available to its employees. Please note: Due to the volume of applications we receive, only applicants selected for consideration will be contacted.
5+ years in Affiliate Marketing, Performance Sales, or Commerce Partnerships at a major digital publisher.
Deep contacts at major affiliate networks (Impact, CJ, Rakuten, etc.) and performance marketing agencies.
You can speak comfortably about ROAS, EPC, and attribution windows.
You are an independent operator, but can collaborate with internal teams to ensure smooth execution of sponsorships.
Proactively outreach to Affiliate Managers and Performance Agencies to secure fixed-fee investment for premium "Featured Brand" slots and high-visibility placements that complement existing CPA models.
Expand partner investments by pitching custom branded content as a core ad product. Act as the primary point of contact for the client review process, ensuring that brand feedback is successfully integrated while protecting the editorial integrity and "voice" of the The Arena Group brands.
Develop integrated hybrid models (Fixed Fee + CPA) by leveraging historical conversion data and audience insights.
Collaborate with the internal commerce and data teams to deliver "Proof of Performance" reports, ensuring high retention and long-term fixed-fee renewals from top-tier partners.
Audit our top-performing evergreen commerce guides and "Best of" lists to identify high-conversion ad real estate for flat-fee sponsorships.
Compensation
$5,000 – $8,000 per month, commensurate with experience
Commission structure to be discussed based on candidate profile and scope
Additional Notes
Engagement structure (1099 contractor vs. temporary W-2 employee) will be determined based on candidate qualifications and preferences
This role is designed to test and scale a high-impact revenue channel, with future opportunities evolving based on performance and business needs
About Us:
The Arena Group Holdings, Inc (NYSE:AREN) is a brand, data and IP company that builds, acquires, and scales high-performing digital assets. We combine technology, storytelling, and entrepreneurship to create deep content verticals that engage passionate audiences across sports & leisure, lifestyle, and finance. Through our portfolio of owned and operated brands including TheStreet, Parade, Men's Journal, Athlon Sports, the Adventure Network (Surfer, Powder, Bike, etc) ShopHQ and others, we deliver trusted content and meaningful experiences to millions of users each month. Visit us at thearenagroup.net to learn more.The Arena Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.