Product Marketing Lead, Books

For over 30 years, Midwest Tape has served libraries and their patrons with unparalleled access to the best content available in the media world. That library-first mission drives everything we do: we share knowledge to help libraries thrive, and we have a passion for service that sets us apart. Our digital offering, hoopla Digital, combines the media and library expertise of Midwest Tape with the latest in web and mobile technology. hoopla delivers an all-in-one experience that combines customization and flexibility with the most robust catalog in the digital library world. We take great pride in working with libraries, patrons, and vendors to improve communities by connecting people to great content.

As we build our team to support the ongoing growth of our business, we are looking for enthusiastic team players dedicated to delivering best-in-class service for our library customers and their patrons. hoopla Digital is the leader in providing digital media content to libraries and their patrons throughout North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• 401k + match
• Profit sharing
• Paid vacation and personal time
• 10 paid holidays
• Company performance bonus
• Holiday bonus
• Training & career development opportunities

Position Summary:

The position of Product Marketing Lead, Books will create demand for products through effective positioning, messaging, and marketing programs working for and with libraries, leading to the fulfillment of business objectives for books on hoopla and with Midwest Tape.

Reporting to the Product Manager, Books, the Product Marketing Lead, Books will work in close collaboration with libraries and colleagues within the Publishing Vendor Team, Marketing Intelligence, Sales, Business & Product Innovation, Analytics and other internal stakeholders and business partners.

The Product Marketing Lead, Books will be responsible for high-level thinking, planning and research to target library customers, patrons, and vendors. In many instances the Product Marketing Lead, will own direct responsibility with vendor relationship management, working to assist in curation of optimal library collections and features. In conjunction with the Product Manager, the Product Marketing Lead outlines product positioning to best articulate the value proposition of audiobooks and eBooks in both digital and physical formats. This is further detailed in the messaging which links each feature to a customer-oriented benefit. The Product Marketing Lead, Books will also assist the Product Manager about reviewing and advising on market trends that influence the company’s position in the physical and online book solutions market.

In addition, the Product Marketing Lead, Books will be responsible for two direct reports of in-house experts to ensure clear direction for content curation, marketing support materials and any other special requests.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this position successfully, an individual must fulfill the knowledge, skill, and/or ability requirements listed below.

• Marketing Strategy – assisting with high level thinking, planning and research with data driven decision making to ensure success of the books format. This includes an in-depth knowledge of target markets and audiences, publishing landscape and vendors and competitive information.
• Marketing Execution – utilizing innovative and known marketing communications principles to create demand and/or pull through revenue.
• Marketing Program Guidance – assists with optimal positioning for books and category genres which articulates the value proposition of hoopla and Midwest Tape. Works with Organizational Marketing & Communications team to guide consistent messaging and with the Digital Engagement team for optimized approaches and touchpoints for library customers and patrons.
• Participate in development of others by facilitating training and providing feedback and guidance
• Initiates or maintains projects milestones
• Selects methods and techniques to lead a project to completion
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities, on occasion, as assigned
• Follow all policies and procedures.
• Perform all other functions as required, including any work assignments relating to the efficient flow of work within Midwest Tape

Skills:

• Demonstrated success in positioning and launching book/publishing products that meet and exceed business objectives
• Experience or understanding of public libraries and their role in the community
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, possibly including some copywriting skills
• Subject matter expertise in books/publishing industry (all formats)
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Possess the ability to work independently
• Excellent follow-up and follow-through skills and ability to meet deadlines

Preferred Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science, Business Administration, Marketing, or related field

Preferred Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years related work experience
• Previous experience managing a team

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks
• Must be able to view computer screen for long periods of time daily.
• Ability to regularly sit for extended periods of time
• Must be able physically present for meetings, presentations, and trainings as required.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.