Job Board

The LPC maintains a list of jobs that incorporate library publishing roles. To be included in this list, the position must be located administratively in a library, or report directly to a library-based supervisor. The primary function(s) of the position must directly engage in the creation, dissemination, and/or curation of scholarly, creative, and/or educational works. Administrative positions that do not directly engage in these functions may be included if they include supervisory responsibility primarily for employees who are performing these functions.

March 7, 2018

Sales and Marketing Director

  • University of Michigan
  • Ann Arbor, MI
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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position, and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. If possible, please include a link to your electronic portfolio/dossier as part of your resume.

Job Summary

University of Michigan Press is an innovative publisher of 100+ scholarly books annually and is a leader in the fields of performing arts, disability studies, classical studies, political science, American studies, and area studies (with growing lists in Asian and African studies). The Press also produces several books a year about the Great Lakes region designed for a trade audience. The distinguished Michigan English Language Teaching (ELT) publishing program is run as a separate division.

As an integral part of the University of Michigan Library’s publishing division (also known as “Michigan Publishing”) the Press draws upon the infrastructure and expertise of one of the world’s largest academic research libraries. While it is a revenue-generating unit with financial goals, the Press is also the hub of innovation. We recognize that needs of our authors, readers, and supply chain partners are rapidly evolving and are actively engaging with change. The Press is a leader in exploring new forms of digital publishing and new business models such as Open Access. We are currently preparing to launch our own ebook collection for sale to libraries on Fulcrum, a next generation publishing platform built in-house. Gaining library engagement with the University of Michigan Press Ebook Collection, due to launch at the start of 2019, will be one of the first major projects for this position.

The Sales and Marketing Director is a key member of the senior leadership team of Michigan Publishing. In addition to playing an important role in strategic planning, the position also develops, oversees, and directs all programs and activities in sales, advertising, social media, website presence, direct mail, publicity, and exhibits. With oversight and responsibility for the department’s marketing and sales budget, the Sales and Marketing Director provides leadership for a talented team including a publicity/promotions coordinator, a publication sales manager, a rights/permissions/IP coordinator, and a marketing assistant. Internally, the position works especially closely with the acquisitions and production departments, as well as collaborating with the ELT and Publishing Services divisions which run their own marketing functions. Externally, the position works closely with the Press’ external vendor partners: Chicago Distribution Center (for North American sales, rights, and distribution), BiblioVault for digital asset management and distribution, Eurospan (for RoW sales and distribution), and Lyrasis (for direct sales of ebooks to libraries).

In our publishing program and work environment, we champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our work engages a broad and diverse community with wide-ranging needs and concerns, and we empower all employees to actively participate in the ongoing process of learning about and responding to these needs. We value the synergy that results from sharing and leveraging our different experiences, backgrounds, skills, talents, and interests to build an environment in which all our community members can flourish.

Responsibilities*

  • Develop and oversee implementation of sales and marketing strategy

  • Manage multiple, deadline-driven projects simultaneously

  • Oversee annual sales and marketing budget

  • Analyze market size and project potential sales, set pricing and discounts

  • Maximize performance of distribution and sales partners, wholesalers and retailers; includes travel as necessary

  • Recruit, train, and supervise staff and student interns

  • Manage the development of promotional content and scheduling of its dissemination through our Firebrand content management system

Required Qualifications*

  • A bachelor’s degree and at least five (5) years of relevant professional work experience. Experience working in a publishing environment preferred.

  • Demonstrated success in developing effective sales and marketing programs

  • Excellent communicator in both writing and speaking

  • Proficiency in leveraging social media and other digital tools

  • Experience of motivating and leading teams in a collaborative environment

  • Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in background, cultures, values and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment

Additional Information

The University of Michigan offers excellent benefits and wellness opportunities.

This position receives 24 days of vacation a year, paid sick leave with provisions for extended benefits, as well as opportunities for professional development and travel. TIAA-CREF and Fidelity Investments retirement options available.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.