Relationship Manager - Territory Lead (Independent Contractor)

Relationship Manager — Territory Lead

(Independent Contractor)

Reports to: Publisher & CEO

Location: California-based (Assigned Territory)

Type: 1099 Independent Contractor

Compensation: Commission-based 

About California Leaders

California Leaders is a statewide multimedia platform spotlighting influential leaders across business, government, nonprofit, and civic sectors. Through our magazine, podcast, events, and leadership summits, we share stories that shape California’s future.

Our mission is to connect mission-driven organizations with influential audiences—while remaining deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

Role Overview

The Relationship Manager serves as the primary owner of an assigned California territory, acting as both: Relationship & revenue lead for sponsors, advertisers, and partners, and

Local ambassador for content and community engagement within that territory.

This role blends relationship-driven sales, community visibility, and content contribution. It is ideal for individuals who are well-connected in their region, comfortable engaging with senior leaders, and excited to represent a trusted statewide media brand.

Territory Ownership

Each Relationship Manager is assigned one defined California territory

Responsible for:

Building and managing a book of business within that territory

Maintaining a visible presence among community and civic leaders

Serving as the primary point of contact for California Leaders in the region

Territories are clearly defined and tracked in the CRM system

Core Responsibilities

Relationship Management & Sales

Represent California Leaders with professionalism, integrity, and consistency

Identify, qualify, and develop new sponsor, advertiser, and partner relationships

Conduct outreach via email, phone, meetings, and in-person engagement

Present media kits and tailor proposals aligned with client goals

Close advertising, sponsorship, and event partnership agreements

Manage ongoing relationships, renewals, and follow-ups

Maintain accurate CRM records, including notes, activities, pipeline, and contracts

Community Engagement & Presence

Actively engage with business, civic, nonprofit, and industry leaders within the territory

Attend and represent California Leaders at:

Networking events

Panels, conferences, and receptions

Community and industry convenings

Build long-term trust and visibility for the California Leaders brand within the region

Content & Field Engagement

Relationship Managers are not required to be journalists, but are expected to support and contribute to content efforts within their territory by:

Identifying compelling leaders, stories, and events for editorial consideration

Supporting interviews, spotlights, and event coverage by:

Conducting brief interviews where appropriate, or

Coordinating with contributing writers or field reporters

Submitting story leads, interview notes, or event summaries to the editorial team

Helping facilitate sponsored content or partner storytelling in collaboration with internal teams

Depending on the territory, the Relationship Manager may act directly as a field contributor or help manage and coordinate local contributors.

Activity Expectations

Maintain an active and organized sales pipeline within assigned territory

Log meaningful engagement with each active account at least once every 90 days

Maintain consistent community presence and participation

Submit required materials (creative assets, contracts, payments) to production team

Attend internal sales, editorial, or coordination calls as scheduled

Meet minimum activity and performance expectations to remain in good standing

Ideal Candidate Profile

Experience in sales, relationship management, partnerships, or business development

Strong local network within assigned territory

Comfortable engaging with executives, public leaders, and community stakeholders

Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills

Self-motivated, accountable, and entrepreneurial

Genuine interest in leadership, storytelling, and community impact

Familiarity with media, sponsorships, or advertising is a plus, but not required

Compensation & Commission Structure

Advertising & Media

-25% commission on new print, podcast, digital, or bundled advertising sales

-10% commission on up to two renewals within 12 months

Events & Workshops

-10% commission on event sponsorships

-$500 per confirmed Leadership Workshop attendee referred

Terms

Commissions paid monthly for prior month’s collections

No commission on unpaid or refunded contracts

To maintain commission eligibility, at least one sale per quarter is required

Tools & Support

CRM system with territory assignment

Sales trackers, templates, and proposal documents

Media kits and editorial coordination support

Direct access to Publisher & leadership team

Available Territories 

California Leaders — Territory Coverage

Northern & Central California

Sacramento Capital Region

CRM: CA-T01

• Sacramento County

• Yolo County

• Placer County

• El Dorado County

North Bay

CRM: CA-T02

• Marin County

• Sonoma County

• Napa County

San Francisco

CRM: CA-T03

• San Francisco County

East Bay

CRM: CA-T04

• Alameda County

• Contra Costa County

Peninsula

CRM: CA-T05

• San Mateo County

Silicon Valley / South Bay

CRM: CA-T06

• Santa Clara County

Monterey Bay

CRM: CA-T07

• Santa Cruz County

• Monterey County

Central Valley — North

CRM: CA-T08

• San Joaquin County

• Stanislaus County

• Merced County

Central Valley — South

CRM: CA-T09

• Fresno County

• Kings County

• Tulare County

• Kern County

Central Coast

CRM: CA-T10

• San Luis Obispo County

• Santa Barbara County

• Ventura County

Northern, Rural & Mountain California

North Coast

CRM: CA-T11

• Mendocino County

• Humboldt County

• Del Norte County

North State

CRM: CA-T12

• Shasta County

• Tehama County

• Siskiyou County

• Trinity County

• Modoc County

Sierra Nevada & Gold Country

CRM: CA-T13

• Nevada County

• Amador County

• Calaveras County

• Tuolumne County

• Mariposa County

Eastern Sierra & High Desert

CRM: CA-T14

• Lassen County

• Plumas County

• Mono County

• Inyo County

Southern California

Inland Empire

CRM: CA-T15

• Riverside County

• San Bernardino County

Orange County

CRM: CA-T16

• Orange County

San Diego County

CRM: CA-T17

• San Diego County

Los Angeles County — 

District 1 (D1) | East LA, Downtown LA & San Gabriel Valley

CRM: CA-T18-LA-D1

• Los Angeles County (District 1)

Key Areas & Cities:

– Downtown Los Angeles

– Boyle Heights

– East Los Angeles

– Alhambra

– Monterey Park

– El Monte

– Pomona

District 2 (D2) | South LA & Southwest Cities

CRM: CA-T19-LA-D2

• Los Angeles County (District 2)

Key Areas & Cities:

– South Los Angeles

– Inglewood

– Compton

– Watts

– Carson

– Culver City

District 3 (D3) | Westside, Hollywood & San Fernando Valley

CRM: CA-T20-LA-D3

• Los Angeles County (District 3)

Key Areas & Cities:

– Hollywood

– West Hollywood

– Santa Monica

– Beverly Hills

– Malibu

– Brentwood

– Sherman Oaks

– Van Nuys

– Woodland Hills

District 4 (D4) | Southeast LA, Gateway Cities & Harbor

CRM: CA-T21-LA-D4

• Los Angeles County (District 4)

Key Areas & Cities:

– Downey

– Bellflower

– Norwalk

– Cerritos

– Lakewood

– Long Beach

– San Pedro

District 5 (D5) | Pasadena, Foothills & North County

CRM: CA-T22-LA-D5

• Los Angeles County (District 5)

Key Areas & Cities:

– Pasadena

– Glendale

– Arcadia

– La Cañada Flintridge

– Santa Clarita

– Lancaster