A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and describe how your skills and experience fit the goals of this position.

The University of Michigan Board for Student Publications is seeking applications for a Sales and Marketing Advisor to train, develop, mentor, and support the student sales staffs for four on-campus publications, including a five-day-per-week newspaper: The Michigan Daily; an annual yearbook: the Michiganensian; a quarterly humor magazine: the Gargoyle; and a fashion magazine, SHEI. Student Publications also hosts the Grad Extravaganza twice per year, in which students purchase their graduation caps, gowns, and accessories.

The mission of Student Publications is to provide a top-quality educational experience for U-M students in mass communications and business leadership, and to provide an effective medium for student communication on campus and beyond.

Student Publications is an autonomous, self-sustaining operation located in the middle of the vibrant University of Michigan campus. Most of its employees are U-M students, who are supported by two full-time and two part-time professional staff members. The Sales and Marketing Advisor is one of the two full-time staff members.

The Sales and Marketing Advisor assists students in sales development, sales retention and growth, and revenue-generating products and services, which provide needed funds for student and professional staff, information technology, equipment, travel, and other expenses. 

The quality and content of the student publications is determined by the student staff. Students also contribute directly to the business side of Student Publications.

As part of the interview process, Sales and Marketing Advisor candidates may be asked to create a presentation that demonstrates their vision for the position, as well as proficiency in required areas.

The Sales and Marketing Advisor:

• Serves as a professional trainer, mentor, strategist and general enthusiastic resource for the student sales staffs of The Daily, Michiganensian, Gargoyle, and SHEI.
• Promotes an environment that fosters the development of students’ skills in sales, sales management, general business, teamwork, and leadership, while also advancing professionalism, creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.
• Helps students develop business and pricing plans, trains students in how to follow leads, develop sales pitches, approach clients, and effectively close sales, while building value-centered relationships with clients.
• Helps students improve their online revenues and pursue new business opportunities.
• Helps create and maintain a robust advertising toolkit, and proactively seek out and maintain knowledge of best practices, new technologies, and media advances.
• Develops expertise in Student Publications technological systems and services such as AdPro, CRM, and web CMS, and trains and advises students in their most effective uses.
• Manages listings and fulfillment for the online store, which generates revenue for Student Publications.
• Acts as project manager for specified major projects throughout the year. Keeps assigned projects on time and on budget.
• Collaborates in developing and executing marketing plans and programs, both short and long range, which will help ensure the profitable growth and expansion of Student Publications products and services.
• Assists students with the development of accurate quarterly sales/revenue projections.
• Collaborates with students, the Student Publications staff, the Board, other University personnel, and alumni to develop strategies and initiatives. The Advisor will build relationships with key stakeholders.
• Collaborates with the General Manager and keeps the GM up to date on all emerging issues facing the student staffs, as well as ongoing trends and opportunities among the publications.
• Assists with hosting and logistics for periodic, major Student Publications events.
• Manages inventory of publications tools and resources; works with students to optimize physical workspace for student success. May periodically require lifting and carrying items weighing 20 pounds or more.

Our print publications face a challenging business environment in which the Sales and Marketing Advisor must create and sustain an atmosphere of innovation and entrepreneurship. The Advisor will work with the sales staffs of all four publications to facilitate effective communication with the editorial staffs on strategic collaborations, such as the planning of special sections. The Advisor works in an open office environment, directly interacting with students throughout the day, while also managing his/her own projects.

The Sales and Marketing Advisor reports directly to the General Manager and indirectly to the Board for Student Publications and is expected to attend and participate in the monthly Board meetings, usually on Monday evenings.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience in marketing, advertising, management, journalism, or related field.
• Five to seven years’ successful sales experience, including sales training experience.
• A proven track record in publishing, new media, and project management.
• Experience in both print and online advertising and/or advertising sales.
• Well-developed understanding of how social media, websites, and other digital properties advance the mission of publications-focused organizations.
• Proficient in sales-related and publications-related technologies and software programs, including ad booking and management, CRM program(s) and web CMS
• Strategic and hands-on management skills.
• Experience developing sales and marketing plans.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and to work effectively with difficult personalities.
• Resourceful, positive, creative problem-solver.
• Demonstrated excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Must enjoy working directly with college students on a daily basis.

• Ten or more years’ successful sales leadership experience.
• Master’s degree in marketing, advertising, management, journalism, or related field.
• Evidence of strong entrepreneurial vision in innovative online, digital, and new media products.
• Previous mentoring and student training experience.

Hours/Week: 40 hours Monday through Friday; some evenings and weekends for special events.

Interested parties are encouraged to visit the Board’s and the publications’ websites prior to applying: www.pub.umich.edu/ www.michigandaily.com/ www.michiganyearbook.com/ www.gargmag.com/ www.sheimagazine.com

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.