Promotions and Marketing Communications Director

University of Chicago

About Us:

The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world.

We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government.

About the Unit:

The Books Division of the University of Chicago Press has been publishing books for scholars, students, and general readers since 1892. Its mission is to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard, promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life. The Press’s acquisitions editors acquire and develop books that fulfill this mission, working closely with authors, agents, and institutions.

https://www.uchicago.edu

Position Details

Promotions and Marketing Communications Director
Job
Full-time
12/20/2018
Chicago Illinois
Chicago, IL

Job Summary:

The Promotions and Marketing Communications Director in the Books Division oversees the development and implementation of publicity and promotion activities, both print and online, for books and e-books published by the University of Chicago Press or distributed for its client presses.

The Promotions and Marketing Communications Director is also the lead person for internal and external Press communications, which includes working with other departments in the Books Division and with the Chicago Distribution Center and Journals Division to create, coordinate, and disseminate public and internal announcements.

Responsibilities:

  • Supervise the work of several promotions managers and senior promotions managers, promotions assistants, and departmental managers (Advertising Manager, Exhibits Manager, and Graphic Design Manager), who oversee additional staff members 
  • Participate in the work of the Editorial Committee and evaluate the publicity potential of book projects 
  • Works with other marketing managers on planning and managing the Marketing Distribution program 
  • Sign off on promotion and publicity campaigns 
  • Personally handles the Press's highest visibility books 
  • Plan and manage the overall promotions budget 
  • Make publicity calls on media

Competencies:

  • Knowledge of specific markets required 
  • Supervisory skills required 
  • Budget management skills required 
  • Analytical skills required 
  • Problem-solving skills required 
  • Decision-making skills required 
  • Computational skills required 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills required 
  • Creativity required 
  • Interpersonal skills required 
  • Customer service skills required 
  • Negotiation skills required 
  • Attention to detail required 
  • Organizational skills required 
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality required 
  • Ability to work as part of a team required 
  • Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative required 
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines required 
  • Ability to manage stressful situations required 
  • Ability to represent organizations positively to internal and external clients required 
  • Strategic leadership skills preferred

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree required. Master’s degree or higher preferred.

Experience:

  • Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in book publicity, promotion, and management required

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

  • Microsoft Office required 
  • Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software required 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

  • Requires some domestic and international travel

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