VALERIE SIMMONS
Chicago,IL
Summary
A results-driven and forward-thinking digital sales planner and administrative professional with a solid background in sales planning, media planning, end-to-end campaign management, proposals, inventory management, insertion orders, contract management and digital advertising. Partners with account executives to develop strategic media plans responding to client RFPs and business objectives. Proficient in Salesforce CRM, Operative, AdBook and CARTO platforms to drive seamless campaign execution. Delivers optimized campaign performance through strong cross-functional collaboration and data-driven problem solving. Committed to the long-range success of an enterprise. Detail-oriented Sales Planner recognized for strong contract management and effective communication across teams. Experience in campaign logistics ensures smooth execution and optimal performance. Ready to leverage expertise to drive impactful media strategies.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Planner
GSTV
Remote, IL
03.2025 - 04.2026
- Partnered with account executives to develop strategic media plans in response to client objectives, RFPs and proactive opportunities. Executed campaign planning and implementation, including inventory mapping, proposal development and platform integration (RetailStat, CARTO, AdBook).
- Optimized campaign performance and troubleshot delivery issues in partnership with internal teams.
- Managed campaign logistics, including contract routing, insertion orders, Salesforce documentation and handoff to Sales and Ad Operations for timely execution.
- Supported account management initiatives, including renewals, upsells and campaign adjustments.
Sales Planner, Sales Operations
BLAVITY INC.
Remote, IL
05.2022 - 08.2024
- Created media plans based on RFP-specific guidelines while adhering to tight deadlines.
- Recognized as proficient in placements, Salesforce and operative platforms.
- Filled in agency templates and spec sheets as requested in a timely manner.
- Communicated effectively with all internal teams, including Ad Ops, Creative Services and Sales, to ensure campaign success.
Sales Planner
SCREENVISION MEDIA
Chicago, IL
10.2017 - 10.2021
- Expediently created accurate media plans based on client's request-for-proposal requirements and expectations.
- Collaborated with various internal departments, including Research and Marketing, on development and implementation of client's campaigns.
- Provided clients / Sales with contracts per their insertion order requests.
- Booked each campaign order into IBMS and created an IPO with campaign's outlined prerequisites.
- Worked with Traffic Management team to provide clients / Sales team with necessary campaign reporting, including campaign's final post write-up.
Advertising Sales Assistant
CONDÉ NAST (GLAMOUR MAGAZINE & SELF MAGAZINE)
Chicago, IL
01.2014 - 04.2017
- Provided administrative and sales support for Midwest sales directors.
- Managed calendar management, expense reports, travel arrangements and office supply orders.
- Produced monthly issue mailings and processed insertion orders.
- Completed requests for proposals, including research requests, positioning and rate calculations.
- Created pre-calls, itineraries and monthly positioning reports.
Advertising Sales Assistant
TIME INC. (PEOPLE MAGAZINE & PEOPLE.COM)
Chicago, IL
07.2012 - 01.2014
- Provided administrative support to multiple sales managers for People, People.com, People StyleWatch and InStyle.
- Booked new and revised insertion orders, using Sales Plan and PeopleSoft BOSS.
- Coordinated meetings and prepared sales managers for sales meetings.
- Processed and managed monthly T&E expenses for sales managers.
Freelance Contributing Writer
PBG LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Stuart, FL
09.2010 - 10.2011
- Created three write-ups per month for Out and About section of monthly magazine.
- Researched, conducted interviews and wrote feature profiles.
Marketing Manager / Beauty Editor
TODAY'S CHICAGO WOMAN MAGAZINE
Chicago, IL
02.2006 - 05.2008
- Served as assistant to Sales and Production Department.
- Planned major promotional events including March '07 Bachelor Meet and Greet (450+ attendees) and May '07 One Hot Night event (500+ attendees with $50,000 raised).
- Prospected daily for potential new advertisers, generating list of ideas for Ad team.
- Launched monthly Beauty Best Bets feature.
- Devised concept for full-page beauty product spread.
Sales Specialist
BLOOMINGDALE'S
Chicago, IL
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Served as sales specialist in Luxury Goods and Jewelry Department.
Education
B.A. - Arts, Entertainment & Media Management, Fashion Retail Management
COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO
Chicago, Illinois01.2004
Skills
- Request-for-Proposal (RFP) Development
- Media planning
- Contract Management
- Insertion Order Processing
- Campaign Optimization
- Campaign Reporting
- Salesforce documentation
Websites
Timeline
Sales Planner
GSTV
03.2025 - 04.2026
Sales Planner, Sales Operations
BLAVITY INC.
05.2022 - 08.2024
Sales Planner
SCREENVISION MEDIA
10.2017 - 10.2021
Advertising Sales Assistant
CONDÉ NAST (GLAMOUR MAGAZINE & SELF MAGAZINE)
01.2014 - 04.2017
Advertising Sales Assistant
TIME INC. (PEOPLE MAGAZINE & PEOPLE.COM)
07.2012 - 01.2014
Freelance Contributing Writer
PBG LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
09.2010 - 10.2011
Marketing Manager / Beauty Editor
TODAY'S CHICAGO WOMAN MAGAZINE
02.2006 - 05.2008
Sales Specialist
BLOOMINGDALE'S
01.2005 - 01.2006
B.A. - Arts, Entertainment & Media Management, Fashion Retail Management
COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO