Sales Director

University of Pittsburgh Press has expressly engaged Jack Farrell & Associates (www.jackfarrell.com) to find the winning candidate for this important hire. Interested candidates should contact Mike Bennett (mike@jackfarrell.com).

The University of Pittsburgh Press publishes distinguished lists in a wide range of scholarly and cultural fields for general readers, scholars, and students. In its efforts to acquire the best available scholarship, the Press has focused on select academic areas : Latin American studies, Russian and East European studies, Central Asian studies, composition and literacy studies, environmental studies, urban studies, the history of architecture and the built environment, Asian and African Studies, and the history and philosophy of science, technology, and medicine. Their books about Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania include history, art, architecture, photography, biography, fiction, and guidebooks. The renowned Pitt Poetry Series represents many of the finest poets active today and has garnered many prestigious awards over four decades. The Press is home to the Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize, the Donald Hall Prize for Poetry, and, in rotation with other university presses, the Cave Canem Poetry Prize. The Press also sponsors the prestigious Drue Heinz Literature Prize, which recognizes the finest collective works of short fiction.

The Press is seeking a Marketing and Sales Director (MSD) with a strong passion for books and their promotion, and for selling books in local and global markets. The MSD will work to increase book sales through existing channels while also investigating new outlets. The MSD provides feedback on potential book acquisitions, book descriptive copy, and sets publication dates. The position is ideally based in Pittsburgh, PA, and relocation assistance is available. Fully remote candidates who meet all necessary criteria will be considered.

Essential Functions

• Manages the Marketing and Sales team of three, which includes a publicist and two marketing managers; the MSD will also manage all external sales partners.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates the publicity process and assists in the development of content and communication objectives.
• Serves as a member of the Pittsburgh Press senior management team.
• Serves as liaison with external vendors and contracted services including the Press’s new distribution partner, Longleaf Services.
• Ensures accuracy of all information in regards to University, state, federal, and copyright laws and regulations.
• Oversees the marketing budget, product pricing, and the bibliographic database.
• Reviews media outreach, Edelweiss database, and all sales and promotional planning functions for the Press‘s booklist.
• Works to increase book sales through existing channels while also investigating new outlets.
• Provides feedback on potential book acquisitions, book descriptive copy, and sets publication dates.
• Stays atop book industry trends and both trade and academic sales.

Requirements

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and diversity. EOE, including disability / vets.

For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check.

The University of Pittsburgh Press has expressly engaged Jack Farrell & Associates (www.jackfarrell.com) to find the winning candidate for this position. Interested candidates should provide a resume and 2-page cover letter by email to Mike Bennett (mike@jackfarrell.com). In addition to a resume, candidates should supply a 2-page cover letter that addresses : why am I interested? and how am I qualified? Thank you. JO 202412061 Pitt ID 24008668

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