Marketing Specialist

ANDREWS MCMEEL UNIVERSAL INC•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

The Marketing Specialist serves as the primary communications lead and strategic liaison between authors and the AMU marketing group. This role is responsible for implementing high-impact, strategic marketing and publicity plans for books across core content areas: humor, inspiration, poetry, self-care, middle grade and YA, and activity. Working within a cross-functional team, including sales, editorial, operations and digital products, the Specialist will manage a consistent roster of creators to ensure their books are positioned for maximum impact in the marketplace.

Requirements

Patient & Personable: Professional, conscientious, and adept at collaborating with a variety of personalities and management levels.
Strategically Smart: Ability to understand business objectives and prioritize tasks to maximize results for both the author and the company.
Exceptional Communicator: Superior writing skills and the ability to speak articulately and comfortably before an audience or to an author.
Highly Organized: Superior attention to detail with the ability to handle multiple complex and sensitive issues efficiently.
Proactive Problem Solver: Driven and tenacious with a “can do” attitude; a results-driven worker who seeks creative solutions.
Pop Culture Savvy: A deep passion for pop culture and a genuine interest in working directly with authors.
Experience: 2–4 years of experience in marketing or publicity.
Education: Four-year Bachelor’s degree (Journalism, English, Marketing, or Mass Communications preferred).
Technical Proficiency: Command of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe InDesign, and Photoshop.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience in book publicity and working directly with authors is highly preferred.
Industry Tools: Experience using Cision, Meltwater, Podchaser, or similar media database software is a plus.

Responsibilities

Campaign Management: Execute publicity and marketing campaigns for approximately ten books per season, acting as the project manager for each author/book.
Strategic Positioning: Partner with internal AMU teams to develop unique consumer product positioning and creative hooks for each book to drive marketplace results.
Creator Relations: Manage multiple authors at one time, maintaining a steady project flow while juggling multiple needs.
Media Outreach: Write compelling press releases, pitch letters, and targeted emails. Research and secure high-impact placements in traditional media, podcasts, and digital outlets.
Digital & Influencer Coordination: Collaborate with the digital marketing team to identify and procure influencers for social promotions and awareness campaigns.
Trade & Sales Support: Work with the sales and trade teams to ensure awareness of each book at trade shows and among key bookseller and librarian networks.
Material Development: Work with designers to develop effective marketing materials for media, authors, influencers, retailers, etc.
Events & Logistics: Coordinate author events and manage associated travel and scheduling.
Media Databases: Research and compile targeted media lists using media database software.
Reporting: Generate insightful and effective marketing reports to keep all stakeholders informed of campaign progress.