Publications Manager

Job Description

Hours: 35 hours/week
Salary: $36,400
Supervisory Responsibility: No
Reports to: Publications Director
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
Location: Based in Portland, occasional statewide travel
Last Update: 08/18/2022

Position Overview

The Publications Manager supports all efforts to empower Telling Room authors and extend the reach of their books to new and existing audiences through outreach and events, and sales and distribution. The Publications Manager interacts with all staff and contractors associated with Telling Room publications; coordinates with vendors; and assists the Publishing Director with the creation, strategy, operation, and administration of publications. Successful candidates will demonstrate passion for The Telling Room’s mission, interest in youth publishing and literature, and excitement about developing relationships with bookstores, schools, libraries, printers, and distributors. To thrive in our work culture, they must be comfortable being part of many teams as well as working independently, and have a strong and positive work ethic.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Publications Manager performs a wide range of duties, including but not limited to the following:

Outreach & Events

• Works with Publications Director and Communications Manager to share authors and publications with new and existing audiences

• Partners with Publications Director to manage existing and develops new relationships with booksellers, libraries, schools, organizations, and retailers

• Organizes author and book events, appearances, and presentations

• Plans, organizes, and oversees book launches and events

• Partners with the Communications Manager to create content for:

• Collateral and marketing for book launches and events

• Newsletters and website

• Helps document book and author events and collects testimonials and book reviews

• Submits books for prizes and awards

• Solicits and coordinates annual writing prizes, contests, and submissions

Sales & Distribution

• Works with the Publications Director to develop and monitor the areas of the financial budget focused on post-production operation and sales

• Works with the Publications Director to create and execute sales targets and goals

• Works with Publications Director to develop a local, national, and international distribution plan for core annual publications

• Coordinates and manages book distribution locally, nationally, and internationally

• Coordinates and manages new book orders and annual book inventories

• Manages book distribution at all book launches and events

Partners with the Communications Manager to:

• create sales & borrowing displays related to publications reaching bookstores, organizations, schools, and libraries

• maintain and update content for online book catalog, sell sheets, rack cards, and online bookstore

Working Conditions

• The Telling Room’s Publications Manager usually works in a shared office environment and also travels locally instate to schools, libraries, bookstores, and other organizations.

• The Telling Room’s Publications Manager works a 35-hour work week and may be required to work some evenings and weekends to participate in organization-hosted events.

• The Telling Room’s Publications Manager may schedule their 35-hour week in accordance with the TR’s Flex-Time Policy.

• Access to a car is required and a clean driving record is mandated per employee handbook.

• Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is required.

To support our staff, we offer benefits that include health and dental insurance, a Simple IRA plan, life insurance, generous paid vacation, holiday, and sick time off.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required:

Experience

• 2 years of demonstrated project management skills

• 2 years of sales or relationship management experience

• 2 years of marketing or communications experience

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Word

• Skills and Abilities

• Superior verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Ability to multi-task & manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Ability to work with several teams and independently with limited supervision

• Deadline driven & detail oriented

• Excellent analytical & research abilities

Preferred:

Experience

• Knowledge of book publishing

• Familiarity with youth-centered nonprofit organizations

Computer Skills

• Project Management Software: Asana

• Social Media and Management Software: Hootsuite, Later, MailChimp

• Design Software: InDesign, Canva

• Website and Book Sales: Squarespace, Square

• Book Sales and Distribution: Amazon, Goodreads, Ingram

• Submission Management: Submittable