Marketing, Sales Publicity Director

Overview

Marketing, Sales, & Publicity Director — Department: PROV University Press.
Advertised Salary Range:
Part/Full Time: Full Time

About UofSC
From the Upstate to the Low country, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning.

All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

Advertised Job Summary
The University of South Carolina Press, located in Columbia at the state’s flagship university, seeks a full-time Marketing, Sales, and Publicity Director to oversee all aspects of marketing, sales, and publicity for USC Press books.

The Marketing, Sales, and Publicity Director will:

• Be a key member of the leadership team of USC Press, responsible for marketing, sales, and publicity initiatives in support of approximately 35 new print and digital books each year, as well as a backlist of more than 1,200 titles.
• Set annual budgets, forecast sales, oversee department staff, and liaise with the Press’s partners in distribution and sales.
• Demonstrate leadership and collegiality, and a track record of creativity, growth, collaboration, and innovation.

The University of South Carolina Press, established in 1944, is one of the oldest, most distinguished publishing houses in the American South. Our editorial profile features critically acclaimed peer-reviewed books in South Carolina and Southern history and culture, African American studies, civil rights, Southern Jewish studies, literary studies, and rhetoric and communication. We are committed to sharing select projects with the world via our open access platform, Open Carolina, and we are expanding into new publishing formats.

We publish regional trade titles in the categories above as well as cooking, nature, music, and memoir. By publishing works that educate readers, expand scholarship, and provoke community conversations, we further the mission of the University of South Carolina.

We encourage applicants to read our vision, mission, and values statements here.

Primary responsibilities of the Marketing, Sales, and Publicity Director:

• Create, execute, and oversee all marketing, sales, and publicity strategies to distribute and promote scholarly and trade titles to wholesalers, retailers, and direct to consumers.
• Drive sales growth by ensuring strong market presence and adopting data-driven sales strategies.
• Work closely with bookstores and other key retail accounts in South Carolina. Manage house accounts and work closely with Southeastern Book Travelers, our contracted regional sales representatives, to reach sales accounts across the South.
• Develop and oversee publicity plans for all trade titles and/or guide the work of freelance publicists.
• Partner with authors to communicate marketing and publicity strategies.
• Forecast book sales and evaluate sales performance.
• Manage annual marketing, sales, and publicity budgets.
• Act as principal contact for and manage relationships with vendors, distributors, and other partners.
• Manage and oversee inventory and call reprints.
• Manage and inspire department staff, including performance evaluations and feedback, recruitment, and development of talents and skills.
• Collaborate with USC Press Director and other department heads to envision, collaboratively develop, and execute strategic plans and process improvements.
• Serve on the Press’s Acquisitions Committee, contribute to cover design planning, and support the development of book projects.

A cover letter and résumé are required to be considered for this position. A background check is required after a conditional job offer is made.

The salary…