Marketing Manager, Books

SAGE Publications, a leading academic and professional publisher of books, journals, and electronic media, located in Thousand Oaks, California, with offices in London, India, and Singapore, is currently seeking a Marketing Manager, Books.The role of the Marketing Manager is to plan and implement effective marketing strategies for academic books, with an emphasis on textbooks and reference works. The Marketing Manager works closely with and supports the efforts of both the Sales and Editorial staff.  Success is measured in terms of achievement of sales goals and the timely and efficient execution of direct marketing campaigns.

Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Champion marketing and sales of all products in assigned disciplines/markets
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to maximize book sales while maintaining or minimizing budgeted expenses
• Budget and forecast sales and expenses
• Provide sales materials for in-house sales staff and prepare for, and present at, sales meetings
• Create and carry out comprehensive marketing plans for selected titles and disciplines
• Gain and maintain product and market knowledge for assigned disciplines through editorial, author, and customer communication
• Plan, execute, and analyze targeted direct response campaigns, both print and electronic, in conjunction with the Marketing Associate.
• Determine and place appropriate space advertising in both in-house and external publications
• Provide sales/marketing input and support during the book proposal process in conjunction with the editorial department
• Write, edit, or freelance copy for all titles within the assigned disciplines
• Work closely with the art/design department staff to provide input on book covers
• Attend 3-6 professional conferences per year
• Spend at least 6 days a year on campus, making at least 10 needs-satisfaction based customer calls each day
• Assist in the organization of, prepare, participate, and present at company sales meetings worldwide, as needed
• Work with and communicate effectively with colleagues in all departments throughout the company worldwide
• Communicate with and maintain solid, professional relationship with authors and customers
• Work closely with freelance copy writers and designers to manage assigned projects
• Oversee all marketing initiatives and activities within the assigned responsibilities with minimal supervision
• Conduct market research as required
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Create and implement annual discipline marketing plans, taking into account key product information, market information, competitive information, planned promotional activities, schedule/calendar of marketing etc.
• Co-ordinate pre-publication activities for high-revenue potential titles, including the co-ordination of regular cross-departmental team meetings
• Create sales materials for in-house reps at start of calling season, and provide further support throughout season as required
• Set budgets and targets for comp copies, pending qualified business, and closed adoptions, and monitor throughout selling season taking action as necessary
• Review and revise marketing plans monthly to ensure original plans are being followed, and to adjust marketing spend and activities
• Work closely with SAGE US Journals, and SAGE UK & India Books to integrate marketing activities, and maximize sales of India and UK titles in US territories.
• Plan and execute direct marketing efforts, to schedule and within budget
• Continously conduct list research to identify new markets/audiences and users of competing titles
• Utilize full marketing mix, including implementation of multi-wave campaigns
• Analyze response data, and amend plans accordingly
• Budget and forecast sales of assigned products and expenses within your control on an annual and quarterly basis
• Monitor sales of assigned products and adjust marketing efforts and expense spending accordingly to ensure maximum sales and profitability
• Gain and maintain knowledge about products and markets within assigned disciplines
• Communicate with editorial staff, authors, and customers for increased product and market expertise

Editorial and Production Input and Support
• Provide input, constructive suggestions, and ideas to editorial staff on sales projections, product content, market placement, and product classification of proposed and forthcoming titles
• Support signing efforts of editorial staff through communication of marketing and sales process and expectations with authors, as needed
• Work closely with Editorial and Production staff to relay market needs and feedback, suggested product improvements, and timing requirements for forthcoming titles
• Work with Art department to provide design input and back cover copy for books in a timely fashion

Copy Writing, Editing, Proofreading
• Ensure quality writing, editing, and proofing of all promotional and back cover copy for all books in assigned disciplines/markets.
• Manage and supervise staff or freelance writers, as needed, for all copy not directly written

Conference Attendance
• Travel to and represent company at 3-6+ conventions each year
• Set up and break down booth as scheduled
• Conduct sales of product at booth, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery (to Customer Care) of orders
• Arrange and host special events, as needed
• Arrange for and produce any display advertising, as necessary
• Interact professionally with authors and customers

Customer/Author Relations
• Act as representative of the company when dealing with potential or existing customers and authors

Job Qualifications:

 

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• 2-4 years proven experience in publishing or marketing
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Superior planning and organizational skills
• Proven project/product management experience preferred
• Budgeting and forecasting experience helpful

 Qualified candidates kindly apply online at www.sagepublications.com/careers.  No calls please.