Jobs

The Contracts Associate is responsible for support and administrative tasks related to acquiring and creating content, specific to the K-12 school and library publishing industry, and associated to all aspects of the business.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Creating draft contracts from existing word document templates and providing clerical support during the negotiation process through to final signing and filing of fully executed documents.
2. Tracking intellectual property sales from contract through payment and properly maintaining related details throughout the process. Oversee proper allocation to contributors and support to Accounting.
3. Create contract documents, navigate them through full execution and maintain related records to insure timely payments to contributors (specifically including “Freelance,” “Work-for-Hire” and “Packager” agreements from drafting, signing, initial payment and entry into CR&R and tWYNK – proprietary royalties and title maintenance systems.)
4. Coordinate and administer various tasks via CRR and effectively communicate issues and concerns regarding the setup and implementation of contracts in contract management system. Validate the integrity of all/any data entered into the contract database or the title management system (tWYNK), and ensure that coding structures and contract rules are applied consistently and other data is updated properly.
5. Partner with the contracts and accounting teams in the documentation of policies, procedures, contract templates, and guidelines.
6. Assist the Rights Director and various Executives in research regarding contracts and rights.
7. Resource and contact for author and illustrator royalty/contract questions. Establish competency to independently respond to common inquiries.
8. Partner with Accounting on royalty reporting preparation and processing via contract database system (CRR).
9. Perform other related business duties assigned by immediate supervisor and/or other management as required.

Experience and Necessary Skills:

1. Attention to detail, including, a high level of accuracy in both written and oral communication skills.
2. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
3. Ability to manage multiple projects and possession of strong organizational skills.
4. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel.
5. Ability to maintain a positive and calm demeanor during times of high stress.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience preferred.

Company/organization: Lerner Publishing Group
Location: Minneapolis MN

• Communicate with existing or new accounts to achieve additional sales through developed relationships with customers.
• Sales lead for assigned top tier trade accounts.
• Conduct account reviews annually on accounts determined by supervisors. Analyze individual accounts and current sales trends and make effective recommendations for additional titles and ways to increase sales of current titles.
• Lead sales department efforts maintaining account databases and corresponding with top accounts. Provide quantitative reports to key accounts; and internally documenting sales trends, forecast sales, and budget expenses.
• Oversee and maintain use of Salesforce to support trade accounts and be knowledgeable of in-house order entry system. Understand terms and discounts, special promotions, and shipping schedules for all Free Spirit trade customer types.
• Supervise work of Sales and Marketing Assistant.
• Stay current on SEL and publishing industry trends and topics to ensure go-to-market strategies and terms are useful and timely.
• Work closely with Marketing Department to implement trade marketing plan including email and social media marketing as well as direct mail (including catalog) and other collateral.
• Travel to represent Free Spirit at major trade shows and library conferences.
• Plan and coordinate with the sales team the preparation and dissemination of sales support materials promoting front and backlist FSP books. This would include, sales kits, review copies, pre-show mailings and follow-up letters, targeted mailings to increase sales on a specific product, or to a specific account type, and individual book promotions to selected trade markets.
• Participate in strategy meetings, attend product launch meetings and other company meetings involving the marketing of Free Spirit resources within the education market, and help Free Spirit reach overall company goals.
• Provide digital eBook administration & support (includes metadata maintenance and file preparation and delivery of digital files to Firebrand).

• Desire to work for a mission-driven, independently owned company and demonstrated understanding of the importance of social and emotional learning and the benefit our books bring to people’s lives.
• A bachelor’s degree and 2-plus years of relevant professional work experience. Experience in educational sales and marketing preferred.
• Excellent communication skills in both writing and speaking; strong customer service orientation.
• Experience with a variety of databases
• Able to pack and unpack boxes, lift 40 pounds, and set up booths.
• Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in background, cultures, values, and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment.
• Travel required.

This position will be based at our office in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Remote candidates will not be considered. Free Spirit follows all EEOC hiring and employment regulations and encourages all qualified candidates to apply. Send resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to humanresources@freespirit.com.

Company/organization: Free Spirit Publishing
Location: Golden Valley, MN

Redleaf Press, a nationally known publisher of books for early childhood professionals located in St. Paul, is accepting applications for unpaid internship positions during the summer and fall and spring semesters. The publishing internship program is designed to expose participants to all areas of book publishing but with an emphasis on editorial, production, and design.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Qualified candidates will be a junior or senior enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in English, journalism, liberal arts, early childhood education, or a related field. Recent graduates may apply as well. Strong organizational, writing, communication, and time-management skills are necessary. The ability to act professionally in a professional environment is required, as is the ability to multitask and to meet deadlines. Excellent computer skills, including Word, Excel, and Adobe PDFs, are required. Familiarity with the Macintosh platform is a plus.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist in the development of the annual publishing lists by logging, reading, and evaluating selected project proposals and manuscripts; create summaries for staff for unsolicited proposals and manuscripts.
• Assist in proofreading and fact checking manuscripts.
• Contact academic and peer reviewers to review materials; process feedback.
• Assist in the preparation of final manuscripts for transmittal to production.
• Provide quality checks on epub files.
• Participate in interior design and cover design reviews.
• Provide editorial administrative support, including generating new boilerplate contracts and agreements for freelance writers, freelance editors, and authors; maintaining files and records; updating databases and doing general word processing; corresponding as directed; making travel arrangements; and requisitioning payments for advances and other related expenses.

Application Submission Submit the following electronically:

• Cover letter explaining your interest in the internship and your career goals • Résumé outlining your education and work experience
• Writing sample
• Letter of recommendation from an academic advisor, college professor, or employer familiar with you and your work

Send materials to internships@redleafpress.org.

Company/organization: Redleaf Press
Location: St. Paul MN

Part-time Marketing Specialist

Wise Ink is searching for a part-time remote marketing specialist to join our team! The marketing specialist will work closely with the marketing director to craft creative and impactful marketing content that supports Wise Ink’s mission-driven authors. This role is designed for marketing professionals looking for fulfilling remote work with the potential to grow. Savvy book lovers or self-published authors interested in joining the dynamic world of publishing are especially encouraged to apply.

About Wise Ink

Wise Ink is a creative publishing agency for game-changers. Wise Ink publishes stories that support building a better and more equitable world. We share stories that uplift, inspire, and inform. We love to shepherd stories from voices not typically heard in publishing. Our authors are thought leaders and experts in their fields who want their writing to contribute to a movement. We’re an agile group who are passionate about what a well-written word can achieve—and we believe words can change the world.

Core Marketing Responsibilities

• Design basic marketing materials, such as sell sheets, press kits, bookmarks, and graphics for websites and social media
• Write creative, compelling book descriptions for back covers and online listings
• Identify metadata for book titles (keywords, categories, and comparative titles) and run strategic Amazon advertising campaigns
• Conduct market research to build genre-specific media lists of social media influencers, bloggers, events, and partnership opportunities
• Design PowerPoint presentations for speaking engagements
• Craft dynamic articles, blogs, and newsletter content for Wise Ink and Wise Ink authors

Content Management Duties

• Create and publish relevant, well-designed, high-quality digital content featuring Wise Ink’s authors, services, mission, and values
• Implement a content calendar for the Wise Ink blog, newsletter, and social channels for specific, timely marketing campaigns
• Manage website maintenance, keeping the title catalog, events calendar, and blog up-to-date
• Manage or oversee all social advertising campaigns
• Write blog and newsletter content and implement strategies to build the audience
• Create and manage Google SEO and ads, ads on Instagram, and ads on Facebook

Skills

The ideal candidate would have proven experience in the following; however, applicants who lack skills in some of these areas who are interested in learning are still encouraged to apply. Workshops and training sessions will be provided for the ideal candidate. There are no education requirements.

• Dynamic creative writing skills
• Proficiency with Canva or Photoshop
• Familiarity with all social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and TikTok)
• Strong command of English language and grammar
• Experience with Mailchimp or Constant Contact preferred
• Experience with advertising campaigns and PowerPoint preferred
• Experience with Amazon KDP and Amazon advertising preferred
• Sense of aesthetics in digital media creation

 Hours and Compensation

$20 / hour with an estimate of 40 – 60 hours per month, averaging 10 – 15 hours per week.

To Apply

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and basic design sample (social media graphic, sell sheet, flier, etc.) to hanna@wiseink.com. Please include your LinkedIn profile, if applicable, and a list of relevant skills.

The 2019 Diversity Baseline Survey found that 79 percent of the publishing industry identifies as White, 88 percent were straight, and 92 percent were non-disabled. The book industry has the power to shape culture in big and small ways, and the people behind the books make a huge difference in determining which stories are amplified and which are shut out. Wise Ink is committed to diversity in publishing and will prioritize applications from marginalized groups.

Company/organization: Wise Ink Creative Publishing
Location: Minneapolis, MN

Job Responsibilities

• Issue new account welcome kits – compile discount data and product recommendations, provide sample product lists and information on how to place orders, etc.
• Run reports to manage inactive accounts with the goal of either capturing a new account or canceling an obsolete account.
• Prepare, sort, and filter weekly order management reports and follow through with problem solving as necessary, i.e. backorders, pending orders, frozen orders, etc.
• Actively respond to daily customer inquiries by following up with internal resources, as well as with customers via phone or email. Examples include confirming orders, providing tracking information, forwarding packing slips, responding to lost or damaged concerns, etc. Troubleshoot issues and/or forward to customer service as appropriate.
• Assist the Accounts Manager in the preparation for sales events, trade shows, and store visit travel by sending samples, tracking shipments and delivery confirmation, etc.
• Assist in the creation and sending of emails to announce new products, notification of out-of-prints, price changes, delayed or early arrivals, etc.
• Attend sales related meetings on a routine basis to gain exposure to products and customers’ needs, to enhance knowledge, and to better provide customer recommendations.

Skills, Education and Experience

• Skilled, professional communicator, both verbally and written, with excellent customer service skills
• Two-years of college or two years of previous experience with sales administration, preferably in publishing.
• Interest and knowledge of our products and subjects
• Detail oriented and tenacity to follow through
• Highly organized with the ability to successfully multitask priorities.
• Experience with MS Outlook, Excel, and Word, with an ability to navigate a database management system.

Company/organization: Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd
Location: Woodbury, MN
More information about this opportunity...

Position Summary

The Art Director plans, directs, and coordinates all activities of the art department. Responsible for overseeing the design of all book covers, book interiors, card products and packaging, and annuals (calendars, datebooks, almanacs) in conjunction with the Acquisitions and Editorial departments.

Job Responsibilities

• Management of Art Department design and support staff including workload management, performance appraisals, project assignments (cover designers), and other related tasks.
• Prepare, implement and track departmental budget and art-related budgets for all projects.
• Manage outside vendors and resources (color correction, printers, etc.). Monitor costs and processes as needed to meet schedule and budgetary requirements.
• Coordinate internal and external staff to complete projects and deliver desired results.
• Monitor hiring and contracting of interior illustration resources, working with internal staff and external resources as needed. Develop artist network and resources to ensure products meet company objectives.
• Assist in new product development as needed. Advise staff on artistic requirements, limitations, budgets, etc.
• Oversee book interior design process, reviewing designs as needed, advising on interior art required to complete projects.
• Proofread and verify accuracy and print viability of art-related materials (covers, book interiors, packaging).
• Monitor cover and interior images for permissions and licensing compliance.
• Facilitate and attend meetings regularly (departmental, individual staff, cover, illustration, design review,  ) to ensure deadlines, project requirements, and budgets are met.
• Provide input and expertise to other departments and developmental functions.
• Coordinate the R&D and educational efforts of the department to ensure new technologies are used effectively and that staff is trained and challenged.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 5-10 years of managerial experience including performance management, staffing, budgeting, and workload management.
• 5 or more years experience in art direction, 4C print production, and related technologies.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ongoing knowledge of publishing industry, audience requirements, and production processes.
• Expertise in effectively managing multiple priorities and projects.
• Experience in assessing, critiquing, and direct graphic designs of staff and external resources.
• Ability to work diplomatically with individuals at all levels of the organization.

Company/organization: Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd
Location: Woodbury, MN
More information about this opportunity...

Department:      Production                                                            

Supervisor:         Purchasing Manager

Responsible for running the Konica Accurio C3070 (high speed copier) and other department equipment in the production room. Konica output includes advance copy readers (ARC’s), F&G’s, other marketing and pre-sale promotional printing such as catalogs, sell sheets, brochures, and teaching guides.

Assist with receiving deliveries of supplies, stocking supplies and recycling breakdown.

Assist in quality inspection function for all first run, frontlist and backlist sample books which arrive daily.

Order misc. Marketing projects from short run vendors. Juggle multiple, deadline driven projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assist with production work orders in SharePoint. Output and finish marketing and sales projects including ARC’s, F&G’s, sell sheets, catalogs, brochures and teaching guides on the high speed copier, trim and box.
2. Assist with print, layout, and pagination questions.
3. Assist with coordinating maintenance and calibration of Konica and Epson printers with contracted service.
4. Assist with inventory management of paper, inks and consumables.
5. Assist with quality inspections of first run, front list and back list titles.
6. Assist with receiving deliveries of these supplies, stocking supplies and recycling breakdown.
7. Assist with file uploads and tracking purchase orders.
8. Assist with tearing down film library and coordinate recycling.
9. Perform other related business duties assigned by immediate supervisor and/or other management as required.

Experience and Necessary Skills:

1. Experience running high speed digital copiers, trouble-shooting problems
2. Knowledge of Mac, Windows and Unix commands used to maintain the RIPs.
3. Knowledge of PhotoShop, InDesign, Acrobat, Excel, FileMaker and Kodak proofing software.
4. Detail oriented and ability to adhere to specific workflow specifications.
5. Skilled in math and spatial concepts.
6. Understand aspects of the printing process including marks, trims, press layouts, etc.
7. Understanding of different print specifications for book printing
8. Experience with finishing equipment: hydraulic cutter
9. Time management skills; ability to juggle multiple projects and prioritize projects to meet deadlines.
10. Strong troubleshooting skills. Ability to resolve technical and mechanical problems with creative solutions.

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma
• 1 year experience at a copy shop or other graphics centered work center
• 1 year experience with Mac and Windows

Physical Requirements:

• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Bend to load paper in the high speed copier
• Unload finished units from the high speed copier and deliver within the office building
• Use a hand truck or pallet jack to move cases of paper
• Stand at the copier and walk within the office building (more than 50% of the time)
• Sit at a desk for computer work (less than 50% of the time)

Company/organization: Lerner Publishing Group
Location: Minneapolis, MN

Department: Publisher and Contracts

Supervisor:  CEO and Director of Contracts

This position provides administrative support for the president/publisher and the contracts department. Responsibilities include coordination of travel needs for meetings and conferences; scheduling; preparing and compiling material for major intradepartmental meetings; managing copyright registration, complimentary copies and CIP book processing; etc.  At times will handle highly confidential and sensitive information.  Deals with a diverse group of important external callers and visitors as well as internal contacts at all levels of the organization. Ability to prioritize and organize a diversified workload and possession of a strong attention to detail is a requirement.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manage CEO’s daily schedule, contacts and maintain calendar. Ensure complete information is available for all events.
2. Review emails and calls when CEO is out of office. Use discretion to address matters, and communicate as necessary.
3. Schedule meetings as requested by executives.
4. Meet and greet CEO’s guests and visitors.
5. Screen calls, file, and organize incoming mail and outgoing correspondence including, drafting traditional business letters. Use discretion to address requests for information.
6. Work closely with CEO to ensure that files and records are organized and readily available. Requires establishing and maintaining a variety of records, including some considered highly confidential.
7. Archive CEO’s emails monthly and digitally file various electronic reports.
8. Support appointment scheduling for the CEO at foreign and domestic book fairs. Coordinating with other staff members’ schedules for aforementioned fairs and shows.
9. Resolve computer problems with IT.
10. Act as informal liaison with department heads.
11. Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned by the CEO and various members of management team.
12. Register, track and maintain all department contracts files and activity reports, including scanning and filing, as necessary.
13. Register and track all copyrights for foreign and domestic projects as defined by the USCR and LPG.
14. Collaborate with customer service to ensure the timely shipping of author complimentary copies and CIP copies to the Library of Congress.
15. Maintain royalty spreadsheet and act as point person for various royalty related questions.
16. Miscellaneous database entry and directed by contract’s team.
17. Works with Facilities Manager on guest protocol.
18. Meet weekly with CEO and director of contracts to discuss workflow and priorities.

Experience and Necessary Skills:

1. Attention to detail, including, a high level of accuracy in both written and oral communication skills.
2. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
3. Ability to manage multiple projects and possession of strong organizational skills.
4. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel.
5. Ability to maintain a positive and calm demeanor during times of high stress.

Education: Requires a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.

Company/organization: Lerner Publishing Group
Location: Minneapolis, MN

Company/organization: Red Line Editorial, Inc.
Location: Mendota Heights/remote

The Role

At Capstone, our Manager of Project Management Office (PMO) drives success by developing a high-performing PMO team that delivers well-executed projects. The PMO is integral to Capstone’s success and our growth strategy. We’re looking for an excellent communicator who can define, prioritize, and develop projects within all areas of Capstone’s business.

This role develops a best-in-class PMO team and is responsible for defining project management best practices, developing PM methodologies and tools, managing resource prioritization across projects, ensuring a consistent approach to project management throughout the organization, and serves as the PM on higher profile projects. Scrum Master certification is preferred.

Why You’ll Want to Join Capstone

Do you want to join an innovative company whose mission is to improve the educational experiences of children and the educators who serve them? Capstone is a fast-paced growth company committed to cultivating a love of reading and learning.

At Capstone, we believe reading is for everyone. For more than 30 years, Capstone has been a national leader in K-5 educational content including digital products (PebbleGo, PebbleGo Next, Capstone Interactive, Capstone Connect) and award-winning books. We combine a passion for helping foster a powerful love of reading and learning with the talent to create amazing content.

We are a mission-driven company that provides opportunities for professional learning and development and a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

• Participates in strategic analysis and develops project charter and related artifacts to identify project goals, scope, budget, deliverables, role assignments, resource requirements, schedules, timelines, methods for measuring results, security and risk assessment.
• Develops and manages communications plans for project team members, project steering committee, and senior leadership teams to ensure transparency and awareness to project status, risks, and KPI’s. Creates a forum and format for ongoing open communication within functional area or among departments.
• Embrace and embed agile methodologies within department, with a focus on continual improvement
• Directs project team members and assigns individual responsibilities. Maintains effective communication and working relationships with customers and project team members.
• Responsible for the growth and development of Project Management personnel.
• Develop Project Management as a core skillset within Coughlan Companies and Capstone. Unify the practices throughout the company to ensure a consistent approach.
• Work with Senior Leaders to define, prioritize and develop projects (both technical and non-technical) that maximize investment and deliver strategic results.
• Serves as Project Manager or Program Manager on key strategic initiatives.

Leadership

• Develop and manage staff of Project Management Team into a best-in-class PMO.
• The organization is very creative, fast-paced, and innovation-focused. This position must remain current on new trends in project management methodologies, and proactively introduce recommendations improvements to benefit the organization and help drive and support product sales growth.
• Responsible for reviewing budget and other financial documents to identify and support project decisions.
• Partner with Technology Leadership in all areas of staff management including: recruitment, supervision, scheduling, development, evaluation, and disciplinary actions.
• Empathetic and engaging individual, who listens well, is responsive, solutions focused and results oriented
• Results-driven and agile with the commitment and confidence to assume leadership in an evolving environment
• Adept at cultivating strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and creating partnerships at all levels within the organization to achieve results

Education, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year College or university.
• PMP Certification and/or Scrum Master Certification preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing large complex development, design, and implementation projects. Experience leading teams of project managers.
• Strong business process orientation and a solid understanding of project management techniques, methodologies, and best practices
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, organization, and time management skills
• Ability to effectively lead teams comprised of cross-functional members with diverse levels and areas of expertise
• Experience with Agile development methodologies
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and effectively adapt to rapidly changing technology.
• Works equally well in a team or independently
• Proactive, takes initiative to suggest ideas or solve problems
• Highly effective communication, both oral and written – clear and concise
• Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize conflicting demands
• Highly accountable in completing assigned tasks within communicated timelines
• Interested in sharing ideas and mentoring others in areas of advanced proficiency
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment to the combined success of the team and organization.

Travel Requirements

Work will be via teleconference (Zoom and similar) initially, but up to 10% travel may be required in the future.

Diversity & Inclusion

Capstone embraces diversity, inclusion, equal opportunity, and belonging for all employees and applicants. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. As such, we welcome applicants of diverse races, ethnicities, geographic origins, gender identities, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, religions, work experience, physical and intellectual abilities, and financial means. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to hrservices@coughlancompanies.com.

Pre-Employment Drug Screen and Background Check Required

Company/organization: Capstone
Location: remote, usa