Affiliate Marketing Specialist

Barnes & Noble•New York, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Barnes & Noble is the leading book retailer in the United States, with roots dating back to 1873 and a long history of growth through innovation and expansion. Today, under CEO James Daunt and private ownership by Elliott Advisors, Barnes & Noble operates approximately 700 bookstores nationwide, serves over 700 communities across all 50 states, and maintains a robust digital presence through BN.com, NOOK® eBooks and audiobooks, and educational resources such as SparkNotes. The company also includes complementary retail brands such as Paper Source, Books Inc., Tattered Cover, and B. Dalton, further strengthening its market reach. Following a period of revitalization, Barnes & Noble is experiencing strong momentum, with plans to open approximately 60 new stores in 2026, underscoring renewed confidence in physical retail and local bookselling. Combining expansive store networks, curated selections, enhanced in-store experiences, and growing omnichannel capabilities, Barnes & Noble remains the #1 bookseller in the U.S. and a trusted, evolving partner within the publishing and retail ecosystem. Are you a driven and enthusiastic individual with a passion for books, crafting, or gifting? Join our team as an Affiliate Marketing Specialist and help grow the Barnes & Noble and Paper Source affiliate marketing programs through strategic partnerships, performance optimization and innovative marketing initiatives. We pride ourselves on fostering meaningful partnerships with content-focused affiliates and influencers that resonate with our brands. We're on a mission to expand our network and collaborate with fellow book lovers, authors, crafters, DIY enthusiasts, party planners, and creators who share a deep connection with our brands.

Requirements

3-5 years of relevant affiliate marketing experience, preferably in an ecommerce environment
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related field
Familiarity with affiliate marketing software and tracking tools such as Impact
Up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, regulations, and best practices
Exceptional communication, relationship-building skills, problem-solving skills, and strong negotiation skills
Highly motivated self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
A passion for books & reading
A positive, personable, can-do personality who can be flexible and is team-oriented

Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day execution and optimization of the affiliate programs for Barnes & Noble, Paper Source, and SparkNotes
Research, recruit, onboard, and cultivate relationships with new affiliate partners to scale the program with a focus on content publishers and influencers
Develop and implement strategies to drive engagement and sales for the brands with a focus on profitability
Manage affiliate program terms, commission structures, and partner communications through newsletters, individualized outreach and ongoing relationship management
Have a strong understanding of our product catalog and categories that are relevant for article inclusion
Collaborate closely with our campaigns and commercial teams to align affiliate promotions with business priorities, product launches, and seasonal campaigns
Build and maintain strong relationships with agencies, top affiliates and strategic partners by communicating business and brand priorities & updates, sharing promotional opportunities, identifying growth opportunities & negotiating strong partnership terms
Analyze daily, weekly, and monthly affiliate performance reports and adjust strategies to hit business goals and channel KPIs
Manage affiliate budget inclusive of commissions, placement fees, CPA rates and bonuses while making data-driven recommendations to maximize return on investment
Monitor industry trends, competitor affiliate programs and emerging partnership opportunities to identify new avenues for program growth