Role overview

The Marketing Director of Frontlist at Frontlist is a strategic and tactical leader responsible for planning and executing marketing programs for Zonderkidz and Blink YA frontlist titles. This position will lead the development and execution of marketing campaigns for author-driven frontlist titles, serving as a strategist and relationship contact for authors. You will drive launch strategy and execution from positioning and messaging through launch, PR, and post-launch performance.

This role requires a marketing innovator capable of handling multiple projects at different stages of the marketing cycle with expertise and passion. The ideal candidate is a seasoned marketing leader with an interest in children’s publishing and familiarity with the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. You will work closely with the VP of Marketing to plan and manage marketing activities for frontlist books to achieve sales goals, develop integrated marketing strategies, and be responsible for ROI analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

Creates vision for and implements several key author-driven marketing programs.
Communicates with internal leadership, editors, authors, sales, and retailers.
Develops and implements strategic individual book marketing campaigns working closely with cross-functional partners including research/consumer insights, editors, authors, agents, sales, and retailers.
Pursues strategic partnerships with companies, retailers, and influencers to drive book sales.
Demonstrates creative ability to craft effective messaging, branding, marketing storytelling, and digital campaigns.
Focuses on continually improving existing marketing practices while staying attuned to trends and new opportunities.
Analyzes research and applies it to actionable, strategic decisions.
Develops and strengthens relationships with key sales accounts and sales representatives.
Manages title marketing budget for assigned projects, adjusting based on revenue expectation and goals.
Works closely with marketing managers to implement strategic Amazon marketing and advertising campaigns for each title, including stores, A+ content, SEO and keyword strategy, and advertising.
Builds video strategy for key titles and executes across video-centric platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Develops and executes eBook and audio book promotional strategies for Zonderkidz in collaboration with the Digital Sales team.
Measures success, trends, and ROI of marketing initiatives.
Participates in presentations for title alignment meetings, sales conferences, retailer-specific meetings, and other meetings with internal and external partners.
Proactively participates in regular marketing meetings.

Work Experience/Knowledge

7-8 years in a marketing or related field role.
Experience with product launches.
Well-versed in digital marketing campaigns.
2+ years of people management experience preferred.

Education

Bachelor's in Marketing, Digital Marketing, or related field.
Master’s degree preferred.

Industry Knowledge

Knowledgeable in digital marketing & analytics best practices.
Understanding of marketing, brand management, and publicity.
Some familiarity with book publishing, preferred.
Experience in a client-service role or author care, preferred.
Existing relationships with advertising reps and media outlets, preferred.
Knowledge in the inspirational, entertainment, or children’s product space, preferred.

Skills

Strong communication skills – both external communication to potential readers and retailers, as well as internal communication to facilitate the planning & execution of marketing strategies with core constituents including authors & agents.
Teamwork – ability to work cross-functionally with various team members throughout the organization.
Deep knowledge of digital marketing strategies and tools/applications within that space (including social media, pay-per-click advertising, email).
Proven ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with authors, agents, colleagues, and vendors.
Exceptional written and oral communications skills.
Exceptional organizational skills with ability to juggle many logistics and deadlines.
Strong analytical and metrics-based decision-making experience.
Technical proficiency with marketing tools and programs.
Amazon Marketing Services (AMS) ad platform expertise and best practices.
Experience managing multiple, competing priorities, duties and/or projects.
Ability to work independently under tight deadlines.
Skill to set priorities and problem-solve.

Personal Characteristics

Ability to interact and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people both internally and externally.
Flexibility and ability to prioritize various projects simultaneously.
Positive and team-oriented attitude.
Strong initiative and proactive approach.
Strategic and solution-oriented mindset.
Organized to meet high-volume workflow on time and on budget.
Self-starter.
Curious about new marketing tools and trends.
Passion for the Christian publishing industry and for children’s publishing, preferred.
Contributes to a team culture of collaboration, teamwork, and celebrating wins.

Location

Preference is to fill this position in Grand Rapids, MI, but qualified candidates located outside of this area will also be considered. Travel may be required based on business needs.

Marketing Director

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