Chief of North American Sales (Remote or Hybrid)

Princeton University Press (PUP) seeks a Chief of North American Sales (CNAMS) to join our dynamic global publishing team. This is a rare opportunity to shape cultural conversations and leave a lasting impact at one of the largest and most pivotal University Presses in the world. 

Working in close collaboration with the Director of Marketing & Sales, this role will be responsible for the sales growth of PUP publications throughout North America as primary contributor to our global sales reputation and revenue. 

PUP is an independent non-profit publishing house that prioritizes the wellbeing of its team and the ecosystem of the book in its mission to publish a globally impactful list that engages broadly and inclusively in ideas and audiences. The ideal candidate will be an empathic leader who understands that success comes from nurturing talent and has a passion for collaboration. Must be an enthusiast for book selling, and have a measurable, proven track-record of consistently exceeding sales goals and building strong, lasting relationships with key retail accounts. The CNAMS understands the strengths of a well-crafted narrative and will be versed in articulating the impact books have on readers and the human experience. The incumbent will possess a deep understanding of the North American publishing landscape and a penchant for finding new sales channels and opportunities, and will have the ability to inspire, motivate, and empower accounts and colleagues to consistently achieve remarkable results. 

This is a full-time position with comprehensive and industry leading benefits that include a focus on wellness. PUP is a staff choice organization for work location and flexible scheduling. The Press respects and trusts that staff can determine where and how they best function to perform their role. The selected candidate will be able to choose either 100% remote (within the US), hybrid, or full-time in our Princeton, NJ office. 

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Determine strategy and execute plans to grow NAM sales in all formats (print, digital & audio) for the Press. 

• Report on NAM sales including monthly sales projections and achievements by channel, analysis and responsiveness to marketplace trends, and sales of major accounts. 

• Collaborate generatively with the International Sales Director and Director of Special Sales and Grassroots Marketing to ensure global sales success in retail, e-retail, and independent bookstores. 

• Identify title-level sales profiles and potential growth opportunities and strategies. 

• Provide marketplace feedback for on-sale dates, comparable titles, publishing formats, and price. 

• Participate in various interdepartmental meetings and act as North American sales voice and lead at editorial signing and contract meetings, package meetings, marketing book launch, meetings, and various seasonal book launch and planning meetings. 

• Collaborate with editorial and review publication plans at various stages to advise on sales expectations, print runs, and audience. 

• Build, foster, and maintain a collaborative relationship throughout the Press. Collaborate with other departments to help bring about the best presentation of our books to the public, including recommendations on book covers and jackets, metadata (copy included) and review of marketing plans for marketing priority and high impact titles.  

• Work with the Finance Director of Sales and Inventory/Sales Ops Manager to consolidate sales forecasting to optimize inventory planning and management. 

• Manage PUP’s relationship with Amazon (with Inventory /Sales Ops Manager), and Barnes & Noble. This includes selling collections (seasonal or otherwise), coordination of coop promotion of individual titles, and input and facilitation of operational issues. 

• Manage day-to-day activities within the sales department. Advise as needed and based on channel knowledge with reprint, print-on-demand, and other inventory management issues, author events, and a range of other activities including those activities related to the promotion of high impact and marketing priority titles. 

• Analyze, evaluate, and provide advice to Press management on strategic issues including sales representation, market expansion, and domestic distribution. 

• Manage annual NAM sales budget. 

• The Chief of NAM Sales reports to the Marketing and Sales Director and will manage the duties of the following roles: 

• Indie Relations and Marketing & Midwest Rep 

• Two sales representatives (East and West) 

• Field Sales Associate 

• Commission based reps 

• The ideal candidate must have a minimum of 10 years' experience selling into major national accounts and independent bookstores. 

• Demonstrated sales leadership with strong sales background in university press publishing, or trade publishing. 

• Must have current legal authorization to work immediately in the US. PUP will not attempt to obtain Immigration and labor sponsorship for any applicants. 

• Ability to work, communicate, and successfully manage multiple stakeholders. 

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to multi-task and prioritize. 

• Compelling communication skills (oral & written), good judgment, and excellent interpersonal skills in all aspects of business. 

• Sales results driven. 

• A natural leader who drives change and innovation by improving processes. 

• A proven ability to build relationships and experience as an inspiring leader within and outside of the organization. 

• Enthusiasm for collaboration, and commitment to professional codes of conduct; the Press’s may be accessed at https://press.princeton.edu/about/mission-values. 

PUP is a strong advocate for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the university press community. Individuals who are members of groups underrepresented in academic publishing (which is, according to research by Lee & Low, historically a majority white, straight, cisgender, and nondisabled industry) are encouraged to apply.  

Base Salary: $120,000 /year plus extensive benefits package. Starting salary may be negotiable based on relevant skills and prior experience.  

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should send a cover letter* with salary requirements, and a résumé via our application website.

*Please include in your cover letter a description of what you are currently reading and what is on your “to read” list. Note that the cover letter is valued and reviewed closely as a writing sample.  

Due to application volume, only finalists will be contacted. For more information on Princeton University Press, visit http://press.princeton.edu/. 

EOE/AA/M/F/D/V 

Princeton University Press is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.