Marketing Director - HarperCollins Publishers

The Nelson Books team is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and highly values diverse backgrounds and insights that fuel our innovation.

Join a big-five publisher and be part of our mission to inspire and change the world.

The Marketing Director is a strategic and tactical leader in planning and managing marketing activities for frontlist books in the Nelson Books imprint. This position will lead the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns for several key authors, as well as serve as a strategic voice as it relates to our backlist efforts. Comprehensive campaigns for assigned frontlist titles include creating and executing marketing plans, marketing positioning, consumer messaging, media planning and buying, social media strategy & engagement, digital strategies, live & online events, budgeting, ROI analysis and author management for each campaign. In partnership with authors, agents, editors, vendors, retail sales and other team members, the Marketing Director applies an integrated approach to meet sales goals. 

Our ideal candidate is a marketing innovator, 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.

Our preference is to fill this position in Nashville, TN but we are also open to qualified candidates that are located outside of the area. Travel is required based on the need of the business.

• Develop strategies, goals, objectives to meet/exceed sales projections and to grow author brands
• 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
• Work with cross-functional partners including publicity, digital marketing, publishing, sales, research/consumer insights, design and video teams, 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
• Manage selected author/agent and other partner relationships, delivering timely, clear, and concise communication/responses to all inquiries
• 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
• Acts as a liaison with the sales team to ensure they are equipped to effectively sell in Nelson Books new releases
• As necessary and with assistance from consumer insights team, lead research efforts to mine key consumer and competitive insights and identify evolving trends that will guide and inform brand, product, packaging, and marketing strategies
• 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, Nelson imprint strategy meetings, and potential external partner presentations
• Proactively participate in weekly marketing meetings
• Manage fiscal year marketing and publicity budget for assigned projects
• Additional responsibilities as assigned

Work Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in marketing or related field
• Experience in creating and executing marketing strategy
• Experience working with and giving direction to outside design firms/creative agencies, preferred
• Experience in creating presentation decks and communicating plans clearly to small and large groups
• Project management experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred in marketing, communications, or related field; or equivalent work experience

Industry Knowledge:

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

Preferred: Working knowledge of publishing industry, specifically working with Christian authors. Existing relationships with ministries, advertising reps, and media outlets is a plus. Working knowledge of Canva, Photoshop, etc. a plus.

Skills:

• Strong communication skills – both external communication to potential readers, as well as internal communication to facilitate the planning & execution of marketing strategies with core constituents including authors & agents.
• 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.
• Technical proficiency with marketing tools and programs.

The salary range for this position is $85,000 – $120,000. We recognize that attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company.  As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure we are able to attract the best candidates.  The quoted salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what our ideal candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on the selected candidate's experience, industry knowledge, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the interview process.  

In addition to cash compensation, the company provides a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, with a variety of physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits, including "elective" benefits employees may select to best fit the needs and personal situations of our diverse workforce.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.