The Marketing Specialist serves as the primary communications lead and strategic liaison between authors and the AMU marketing group. This role is responsible for implementing high-impact, strategic marketing and publicity plans for books across core content areas: humor, inspiration, poetry, self-care, middle grade and YA, and activity. Working within a cross-functional team, including sales, editorial, operations and digital products, the Specialist will manage a consistent roster of creators to ensure their books are positioned for maximum impact in the marketplace.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
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Campaign Management: Execute publicity and marketing campaigns for approximately ten books per season, acting as the project manager for each author/book.
- Strategic Positioning: Partner with internal AMU teams to develop unique consumer product positioning and creative hooks for each book to drive marketplace results.
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Creator Relations: Manage multiple authors at one time, maintaining a steady project flow while juggling multiple needs.
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Media Outreach: Write compelling press releases, pitch letters, and targeted emails. Research and secure high-impact placements in traditional media, podcasts, and digital outlets.
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Digital & Influencer Coordination: Collaborate with the digital marketing team to identify and procure influencers for social promotions and awareness campaigns.
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Trade & Sales Support: Work with the sales and trade teams to ensure awareness of each book at trade shows and among key bookseller and librarian networks.
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Material Development: Work with designers to develop effective marketing materials for media, authors, influencers, retailers, etc.
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Events & Logistics: Coordinate author events and manage associated travel and scheduling.
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Media Databases: Research and compile targeted media lists using media database software.
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Reporting: Generate insightful and effective marketing reports to keep all stakeholders informed of campaign progress.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
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Patient & Personable: Professional, conscientious, and adept at collaborating with a variety of personalities and management levels.
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Strategically Smart: Ability to understand business objectives and prioritize tasks to maximize results for both the author and the company.
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Exceptional Communicator: Superior writing skills and the ability to speak articulately and comfortably before an audience or to an author.
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Highly Organized: Superior attention to detail with the ability to handle multiple complex and sensitive issues efficiently.
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Proactive Problem Solver: Driven and tenacious with a “can do” attitude; a results-driven worker who seeks creative solutions.
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Pop Culture Savvy: A deep passion for pop culture and a genuine interest in working directly with authors.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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Experience: 2–4 years of experience in marketing or publicity. Direct experience in book publicity and working directly with authors is highly preferred.
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Education: Four-year Bachelor’s degree (Journalism, English, Marketing, or Mass Communications preferred).
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Technical Proficiency: Command of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe InDesign, and Photoshop.
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Industry Tools: Experience using Cision, Meltwater, Podchaser, or similar media database software is a plus.