Pennsylvania State University

University Press Sales Specialist 

Penn State University Press, a distinguished leader in academic publishing, seeks a results-oriented Sales Specialist to join our dynamic team in University Park, Pennsylvania. This pivotal role focuses on driving revenue, expanding market reach, and fostering strong relationships with customers and partners. Reporting to the Sales & Marketing Director, the Sales Specialist will play an integral role in the Press's commitment to delivering groundbreaking scholarship to global audiences.

About Penn State University Press

PSU Press is renowned for publishing groundbreaking scholarship across its three imprints:

• Penn State University Press: scholarship in the arts and humanities and regional trade titles.
• Eisenbrauns: specialist publications in biblical studies, ancient Near Eastern studies, archaeology, ancient languages, and Islamic studies.
• Graphic Mundi: trade graphic novels for general readers on important topics.

The Press combines tradition and innovation, producing scholarly and trade books that inspire, educate, and engage global audiences.

Position Overview 

The Sales Specialist will develop and implement strategic sales initiatives, optimize distribution channels, and maximize revenue growth across all publishing imprints. Collaborating closely with the Sales & Marketing Director, the Sales Specialist will ensure that sales strategies align with broader organizational goals while directly managing customer accounts, partnerships, and promotional campaigns. This position combines strategic planning with hands-on execution and is ideal for a motivated professional eager to make an impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sales Strategy & Execution:

• Develop and execute annual sales plans to achieve and exceed revenue goals.
• Identify new market opportunities and develop targeted strategies for growth across domestic and international markets.
• Manage direct and wholesale accounts, including bookstores, online retailers, libraries, and academic institutions.

2. Sales Team Management:

• Lead and manage external sales representatives, both domestically and internationally.
• Pitch lead titles and lists to buyers and sales representatives on a rolling basis.
• Provide guidance, offer support, and conduct reviews to ensure high performance across all sales teams.
• Establish clear sales objectives and regularly review performance metrics to drive success. 

3. Relationship Management:

• Build and nurture strong relationships with customers, distributors, and sales agents to optimize sales performance.
• Act as the primary liaison for major accounts, ensuring top-tier service and responsiveness.
• Represent the Press at industry events, exhibits, and academic conferences.

4. Data-Driven Sales Strategy & Forecasting:

• Develop book pricing strategies in collaboration with the Sales & Marketing Director and other stakeholders at the Press based on sales data and market trends.
• Produce detailed sales forecasts and reports for the Sales & Marketing Director.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to integrate sales data into promotional strategies.

5. Inventory & Distribution Oversight: 

• Coordinate with the distribution team to ensure efficient inventory management and fulfillment processes.
• Monitor stock levels and initiate reprints or print-on-demand orders as needed.

6. Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support:

• Work closely with the marketing and acquisitions teams to align sales efforts with new book launches and promotional campaigns.
• Provide feedback on product development, including pricing, market positioning, and distribution channels.

Who We Seek

We seek a proactive and adaptable sales professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate is a relationship builder, a strategic thinker, and an enthusiastic contributor to a collaborative team culture.

Education and Experience

This position will be filled at the level of Advanced Professional or Senior Professional, depending on the final applicant's experience and education. The Advanced Professional level requires a minimum of a Bachelor's degree (business, marketing, or a related field preferred) and three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional education and/or experience are required for higher-level positions.

Additional Qualifications:

• Proven ability to manage accounts, negotiate contracts, and drive revenue growth.
• Outstanding analytical skills with proficiency in sales forecasting and data interpretation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a customer-focused mindset.
• Familiarity with distribution and inventory management in the publishing industry.
• Technological proficiency, including familiarity with database systems and sales tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in university press or scholarly publishing.
• Sales experience in academic or trade publishing.
• Knowledge of trends in academic and trade markets, including open access and digital formats.
• Familiarity with metadata best practices and industry standards.

Additional Details 

• Occasional travel, including attendance at trade shows and conferences, will be required.
• This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
• The University Press and University Libraries are supportive of flexible work arrangements, such as remote or hybrid work opportunities, when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work and/or remote arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
• Application review will take place by April 17, 2025.

Join Our Team 

At Penn State University Press, you'll find a passionate team dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation. This role offers: 

• The opportunity to shape the sales strategy of a respected institution.
• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.
• Professional growth and development within the dynamic world of academic publishing.

Join us in the vigorous pursuit of excellence in publishing. Apply now to become a part of our innovative team!

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

Apply online at https://apptrkr.com/6108479

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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The Pennsylvania State University is a multi-campus, land-grant, public research university that educates students from around the world and supports individuals.