Remote opportunity at
DuolingoDirector of Ad Sales - West
Duolingo is seeking a Director of Ad Sales to lead and establish its direct advertising business across the West Coast region. Operating within a startup-like environment,…
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About This Role
Duolingo is seeking a Director of Ad Sales to lead and establish its direct advertising business across the West Coast region. Operating within a startup-like environment, this remote position involves shaping regional go-to-market strategies, building a predictable sales pipeline, and managing revenue goals across major agency holding companies and priority verticals. The person in this role will act as a player-coach, cultivating senior-level brand relationships, partnering with leadership on pricing…
Job Description
Duolingo is seeking a Director of Ad Sales to lead and establish its direct advertising business across the West Coast region. Operating within a startup-like environment, this remote position involves shaping regional go-to-market strategies, building a predictable sales pipeline, and managing revenue goals across major agency holding companies and priority verticals. The person in this role will act as a player-coach, cultivating senior-level brand relationships, partnering with leadership on pricing and packaging, and personally driving high-impact deals while building out a high-performing sales team over time.
This opportunity is well-suited for an experienced digital ad sales professional who thrives in high-velocity settings and has a strong background in mobile app or premium consumer environments. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience closing complex agreements, managing regional sales strategies, and working closely with account management and ad operations teams to ensure smooth campaign delivery.
Duolingo focuses on creating accessible, world-class education for its massive global user base, relying on a free, ad-supported application model to deliver its core mission. By joining the company, the selected candidate will play an essential role in defining how advertisements appear for millions of learners, balancing commercial success with a positive user experience.
Responsibilities
- Manage West Coast revenue targets, forecasting, and pipeline development across named accounts and agency groups
- Design and execute the regional go-to-market strategy encompassing territory creation, vertical focus, and coverage planning
- Recruit, mentor, and lead a sales team while establishing standardized operating rhythms, deal reviews, and CRM practices
- Forge and expand relationships with senior decision-makers at brands and agencies to open new accounts
- Handle complex advertising deals from prospecting and initial positioning to negotiation, closure, renewal, and expansion
- Provide actionable market insights to product and sales leadership regarding measurement, pricing, and ad formats
Requirements
- Minimum of 8 years of direct digital ad sales experience featuring a consistent history of hunting and closing deals
- Demonstrated success selling video, native, and custom advertising formats to top-tier advertisers and agencies
- Ability to engage executive decision-makers while personally managing collateral creation and deal troubleshooting
- Comprehensive knowledge of mobile app ecosystems and ad technology
- Proficiency in leveraging data to evaluate performance and guide pricing and packaging decisions
- Strong communication and presentation abilities with comfort operating amid ambiguity and high velocity
Qualifications
- Established professional network among West Coast brand and agency decision-makers
- Background in introducing or scaling a novel advertising product from the ground up within a platform or publisher setting
- Experience shaping regional go-to-market strategies, sales processes, or coverage models
- Familiarity collaborating with ad operations and account management on native or custom programs and live campaigns
- Vertical expertise in streaming, gaming, entertainment, or technology
Core Skills
Benefits
- Equity compensation supplementing the base salary
- Programs dedicated to employee holistic well-being
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
What is the location and remote policy for this role?
This position is remote, with headquarters located in California.
What is the salary range for the Director of Ad Sales - West position?
The annual base salary ranges from $183,200 to $274,800 USD, which is supplemented by equity compensation.
What level of experience is required to apply?
Candidates must have at least 8 years of direct digital ad sales experience with a proven track record in premium mobile or consumer app environments.
How can an applicant request interview accommodations?
Applicants needing assistance or accommodations can contact accommodations@duolingo.com.
Sample Interview Questions
AI-generated questions tailored to this specific role — a preview of the full practice set.