Senior Marketing Director - Children's Books - HarperCollins Publishers

Do you have a passion for creative, collaborative, and impactful marketing? As one of the industry leaders in children’s inspirational books, we make life-changing products with leaders such as Max Lucado, Joanna Gaines, Louie Giglio, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Sadie Robertson Huff, Levi Lusko, Emily Ley, Jennie Allen, and many more. We are also home to bestselling brands such as Jesus Calling and Indescribable Kids.

This position will lead the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns for authors, brands, and book products. Comprehensive campaigns for assigned frontlist titles include consumer messaging, media planning and buying, social media strategy & engagement, digital marketing and optimization, live & online events etc. The ideal candidate will have a successful track record in blending creative marketing with analytical rigor, including budgeting, ROI analysis, reporting and data analysis to successfully communicate the financial effectiveness of marketing efforts. In partnership with authors, agents, editors, vendors, retail sales and other team members, the Sr. Marketing Director applies an integrated approach to meet sales goals. 

Our ideal candidate is a marketing self-starter, an excellent communicator who inspires trust and confidence in our authors, as well as internal and external stakeholders, and a seasoned marketing leader capable of growing author brands and handling multiple projects all at different stages in the marketing cycle with confidence and passion.

This is a hybrid position based out of our Nashville, TN office.

• Clearly articulate and communicate the vision, purpose, and product/product suite positioning for each title and/or brand, presenting and executing innovative and effective marketing plans to authors and agents.
• Works within publishing division to harness market research, author relationships, and publishing trends to create and pitch targeted sales initiatives to account managers.
• Devises marketing strategies to ensure sell-through after product placement at retail.
• Review and provide input on select manuscript submissions ensuring the voice of the consumer is heard in acquisitions; participate in editorial discussions regarding direction of new book acquisition, as needed and directed by the VP of Marketing.
• Casts a wide vision beyond the individual product level of opportunities that exist in retail at the product category level (i.e. seasonal, holiday, lifestyle, etc.).
• Work with cross-functional partners including publishing, sales, research/consumer insights, supply chain, production, finance, and others to deliver winning consumer and customer plans via strong marketing strategy, including but not limited to social media, promotional and content videos, advertising, and publicity.
• Provide clear leadership for external stakeholders such as creative agencies, freelancers, etc.
• Ensure communication strategies, plans, and tactics are executed properly.
• Participate in sales conference, imprint strategy meetings, and potential external partner presentations.
• Manage fiscal year marketing and publicity budget for imprint.
• ROI analysis to successfully communicate the financial effectiveness of marketing efforts.

Work Experience:

• 10+ years of product marketing experience, specifically balanced between online retail and physical retail spaces, crafting integrated marketing programs in both areas.
• An understanding of the commercial book market and book buyer.
• Experience in creating and executing marketing strategy.
• Experience in creating presentation decks and communicating plans clearly to small and large groups.
• Project management experience.
• Comfortable working regularly with and making presentations to talent (i.e. authors, speakers, content creators, etc.) and their teams.
• Knowledge of retail marketing strategies, including digital marketing, merchandising, email marketing, etc.
• Financial acumen in how sales pricing strategy and marketing initiatives impact unit and division P&L statements.
• Experience in analyzine, measuring and interpreting marketing campaign performance data to inform decision-making.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, communications, or business-related field.

Industry Knowledge:

Required: Understanding of marketing, brand management, and publicity, knowledgeable in digital marketing & analytics best practices.

Preferred: Working knowledge of publishing industry. Experience in products for children or families. Existing relationships with advertising reps and media outlets is a plus.

Skills:

• Experience managing multiple, competing priorities, duties and/or projects. Strong organizational, time management skills with attention to detail. Must be able to work independently under tight deadlines and possess the skill to set priorities and problem solve.
• Teamwork – this role develops integrated marketing plans and works cross-functionally with various team members throughout the organization.
• Experience managing P&L statements and budgets.
• Proficient in basic computer applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as social media platforms and trends in that space.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with key personnel such as authors, agents, colleagues, and vendors.
• Exceptional written and oral communications skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with ability to juggle many logistics and deadlines.
• Proactive with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.