Publicist, University Press

Position Information

Posting Details


Posting Number
046448

Position Title
Publicist, University Press

Number of Vacancies
1

School/College/Division/Institutes/Centers
52 - University Press

Primary Department
H5201-University Press

Working Conditions
Wayne State University requires all students, faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at:WSU Covid-19 Website

Normal office environment, some travel, some nights/weekends.

Essential Functions (Job Duties)
JOB PURPOSE:
The Publicist promotes the books of Wayne State University Press, its authors, and its work; builds and strengthens relationships with media. Reports to the Sales and Marketing Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Researches, creates and implements media plans for books (reviews, press coverage, direct mail, email, book signings, author interviews, tours, etc.) and pursues media opportunities for the Press.

• Cultivates relationships with journalists and various media outlets (including bloggers, podcasters, and others for current and future collaboration, while maintaining database of contacts).


• Writes, edits, and distributes press releases, media alerts, and press kit materials.


• Creates and maintains good relationships with diverse authors, leverages their personal connections, and their social media presence; collaborates on relevant opportunities with Social Media Coordinator.


• Researches, compiles and deploys targeted email lists, tailored to each book's subject and author.


• Crafts monthly newsletter/manages regular rotation of blog posts to leverage media coverage, promotes events, and conveys information about the press.


• Records all work in applicable databases.


• Assesses the value of expenditures, understands and shares measures of success, meets deadlines.


Plans, organizes, staffs, and manages promotional events (book signings, book festival appearances, and conferences. Represents the university professionally at these events and with media and partners.

Participates in writing descriptive copy for metadata, seasonal and subject catalogs.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Unique Duties

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree, in Marketing, English, Mass Media Communications/Journalism or a related field from an accredited college or university. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE:
Requires 1 to 3 years experience in book publishing, marketing, public relations, or journalism.
Experience with marketing tools Constant Contact, Cision, MailChimp, Meltwater, or similar is desired.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Requires ablity to work with diverse authors and colleagues, understand disciplinary practices and be attentive to individual needs.


• Creativity in crafting marketing plans to maximize a book's reach to largest potential audience.


• Enjoys connecting with people and creating mutually beneficial relationships.


• Excellent communication, reading, and writing skills.


• Must possess attention to detail and accuracy in writing; ability to express ideas with concise and impactful writing.


• Ability to balance multiple, competing deadlines.


• Ability to receive and accept constructive feedback.


• Ability to practice critical thinking and to evince strong decision-making skills.


• Able to represent the press at public events and deliver excellent customer service.


• Knowledge of and willingness to learn and utilize software tools.


• Understands the role of social media influencers and is attentive to changes in mass communication, which media help sell books.


• Demonstrated understanding of antiracist and inclusive workplace practices.


• Interest in book publishing, communities of readers, with the ability to understand the value of books on topics of personal indifference.


Preferred Qualifications

Testing Requirements
Not Applicable

Test Scheduling

Job Type
Full-Time

Job Category
Professional/Administration & Supervisory/Management

Duration of Posting

Fiscal Year of Job Open Date
2022

Job Open Date
(When job is posted in the system)
10-05-2022

Job Close Date
(or until suitable candidate is found)
10-19-2022

Is this position reposted?
No

Reposting Reason:
None (New Posting)

Application Information

Background Check Requirements
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting to work. If you are offered employment, the University will inform you if a background check is required.

Instructions for submitting your application:

Represented Position Message
This position must be filled pursuant to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, and as such may be filled by a qualified bargaining unit member, should one apply.

Funding/Salary Information

Salary (Minimum)
(Non-Academic Only)
45,783

Salary (Hire Max)
(Non-Academic Only)
54,941

Salary (Maximum)
(Non-Academic Only)

Hourly Rate
(Non-Academic Only)

Salary Range
(Academic Only)

Is Position Bump Ineligible?
(Non-Academic, Represented positions only. Select 'No' for Academic. Select N/A if Non-represented.)
**NOTE: If 'Yes' is selected, then this is a Bump Ineligible Position (BIP). The person who bids or hires into this 100% grant funded position has no bumping rights upon grant expiration or in a reduction of force.
Yes