Job Summary

Responsible for being the contact person for publishers distributed by the Press in Canada and Worldwide under the Press's agency agreements and for undertaking strategic sales and  marketing campaigns on their behalf (75%). This position is  also responsible for specific activities relating to UBC Press's own publications (25%).

Organizational Status

Reporting to the Marketing Manager.

Work Performed

• Develops and implements systems to support the promotion and sale of agency publishing partners' books to retail, institutional, and special markets as suitable to the books in question. These systems include the development of contact databases and the utilization of the Press's bibliographic database to produce and customize mail and email campaigns and website information for these books;
• Is responsible for being the main point of contact for agency publishing partners and for  answering or re-directing, as appropriate, all inquiries and requests as they arise;
• Is responsible for being the main liaison between UBC Press's marketing and distribution departments and UBC Press's agency publishing partners.
• Keeps in regular communication with the agency publishing partners, apprising them of news about any changes at the Press, special marketing initiatives, significant market changes, and so forth;
• In collaboration with the Marketing Manager, writes a semi-annual update for agency publishing partners that addresses market trends and changes in Canadian retail, institutional, and special markets, focusing on how these have influenced sales and marketing activities in the preceding six months;
• Works with the Academic Sales Manager to select agency publisher partner titles most suitable for course adoption campaigns;
• Plans and writes promotional materials to help market and sell agency publishing partner's books. Where these materials are made available by the agency publishing partners themselves, ensures that the information pertinent to the Canadian market is included, or revises the materials as required;
• Plans and builds suitable databases or other systems  for contacts, for tracking activities, and for assessing and reporting outcomes.
• Is familiar with the press-wide database and how best to use its potential for marketing purposes;
• Is responsible for gathering agency publishing partner's metadata, covers, and additional information as necessary for UBC Press's website and works with the distribution department to ensure the metadata is correct and complete for distribution to external vendors;
• Responsible for gathering agency publishing partner's forthcoming title data for seasonal and subject catalogues;
• In conjunction with the Finance Director, monitors agency publishing partner's sales on a monthly basis and reports fluctuations to the marketing department;
• Organizes the selection of UBC Press books for submission to appropriate awards, liaising with the editorial department, and keeping track of deadlines and other submission criteria;
• Produces "Just Published" notices for UBC Press and agency publishing partner's books, where appropriate;
• Enters transmittal data and updates into the press-wide data base, Klopotek;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Being the main UBC Press contact for the Press's agency publishing partners and for designing and implementing strategic sales and marketing campaigns on their behalf. In this capacity, the Agency and Marketing Coordinator develops and implements systems for the promotion of agency books to retail, institutional, and special markets..  The Coordinator also researches new markets for agency titles and acts as liaison between agency publishing partners and the appropriate UBC Press departments. This work comprises 75% of the position's remit. Additionally, the Agency and Marketing Coordinator is responsible for organizing and submitting UBC Press books for appropriate awards, for helping to update Klopotek, the press-wide bibliographic and management database, and for other marketing department support as required.

Supervision Received

Operates independently and reports to the Marketing Manager.

Supervision Given

Not applicable.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The incumbent is responsible for maintaining timely communication with the Press's agency publishing partners and for planning and implementing, in consultation with the Marketing Manager, strategic sales and marketing campaigns for their books. Revenue from the sales of agency publishing partners' titles contributes to UBC Press's financial viability; therefore consistent communication and effective marketing planning helps to ensure the Press's agency publishing partners find value in their distribution relationship with UBC Press as evidenced by  sales growth, consistent marketing efforts on their behalf, and effective communication with UBC Press.

The incumbent is the Press's principal contact with its agency publishing partners and is responsible for maintaining efficient and professional relations with them; the consequence of error in could be a net financial loss for the Press. Conversely, the impact of good decision-making will have a positive effect on these relations and on sales and could mean an increase in revenue.

UBC Press enjoys a reputation as one of the leading scholarly presses in Canada and an international reputation as the producer of high-quality books. In part this is due to the high number of book awards routinely won by UBC Press publications. The Press's reputation and the awards given both help to promote sales. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring UBC Press publications are selected and submitted in a timely way to the appropriate awards. The consequence of error in submitting books for awards consideration would have a negative net effect on UBC Press revenue.

Qualifications

Diploma in Marketing.  University degree Minimum of one year experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.  Five years of experience in increasingly responsible positions in marketing or sales in a scholarly book publishing environment, or a combination of education and experience. Experience in a number of aspects of book publishing and marketing. An in-depth understanding of the Canadian academic environment and the place of scholarly publications within it. Knowledge of trade, educational, and scholarly publishing. Experience in with the following activities: preparation of sales documents, press releases, and other promotional materials; researching potential markets; designing and planning systems to track marketing activities and outcomes; and report writing.

Knowledge of InDesign and database programmes related to successful online sales and marketing campaigns and tracking capabilities. Should also be experienced in the use of standard PC applications software and have the ability to learn and use new technologies as required for book marketing activities.

Strong written and oral communication skills; proficiency with figures; time management and negotiating abilities; capacity to work as a member of a publishing team; and a good understanding of information systems as used in the publishing industry are required.

Ability to travel.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. We especially welcome applications from members of visible minority groups, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities. Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.