How to Apply
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. (Your salary will be determined by your qualifications and experience.)
Summary
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/business and marketing staff for four on-campus publications: The Michigan Daily , the Michiganensian yearbook, the Gargoyle humor magazine , and SHEI, a fashion magazine . The Advisor also works directly with Michiganensian students to plan, promote, host, and fulfill large-scale Grad Extravaganza events during the fall and winter semesters, in which thousands of students purchase their graduation caps, gowns, and accessories . The Advisor also manages an e-commerce website.
The mission of Student Publications is to provide a top-quality educational experience for U-M students in multimedia communications and business leadership, and to provide effective channels for communication to our University, local, and national audiences.
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 one part-time and three full-time professional staff members. The Sales and Marketing Advisor is one of the three full-time staff members.
The Sales and Marketing Advisor directly 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.
What You’ll Do
As the Sales and Marketing Advisor, this position’s key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Sales-Related
- Serves as a professional trainer, mentor, strategist, and general enthusiastic resource for the student sales/business and marketing teams of The Michigan Daily, Michiganensian, Gargoyle , and SHEI .
- Promotes an environment that fosters the development of students’ skills in advertising sales, advertising sales management, general business, teamwork, and leadership, while also advancing professionalism, creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.
- Helps students improve advertising and merchandise revenues and pursue new business opportunities. Fields calls and inquiries as needed.
- Helps maintain a robust media kit and related resources, and proactively seeks out and shares knowledge of best practices, new technologies, and media advances, especially in student media.
- Acts as project manager for specified major projects throughout the year that may involve various sections of any of the four publications. Keeps assigned projects on time and on budget.
- Assists students with the development of accurate quarterly sales/revenue projections and goals for publications, special sections, and special projects, and is involved in the annual budgeting process.
- The Advisor will work with the student staff of all four publications to facilitate effective communication with the editorial staff on strategic collaborations, such as the planning of special sections.
Marketing/Branding
- Works with students to analyze current marketing and promotional strategies, and assists in identifying opportunities to increase awareness of and engagement with each publication’s unique audiences.
- Works with student leaders on cross-promotional opportunities and events that promote Student Publications as a whole.
- Works with marketing and design students on the creation of collateral for the sales team and the deployment of email and social media marketing campaigns designed to generate new business.
- 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.
Other Responsibilities
- Manages content and fulfillment for the online store, which generates revenue for Student Publications. This responsibility sometimes requires picking, packing, and shipping merchandise.
- Establishes a regular meeting cadence with individual publication leadership to ensure success in sales, marketing and special projects.
- Collaborates with all student workers, the Student Publications staff, the Board for Student Publications, other University personnel, and alumni to develop strategies and initiatives, as well as learning/training opportunities for students. The Advisor will build relationships with key stakeholders.
- Collaborates actively with the General Manager. Keeps the GM up to date on all emerging issues facing the student staff, as well as ongoing trends and opportunities among the publications.
- Assists with hosting and logistics for periodic, major Student Publications events.
- Works with students to optimize physical workspace for student success. May periodically move 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 continuous improvement, innovation, and entrepreneurship as we strategically grow our suite of products and services. The Advisor works in an open office environment, directly interacting with students throughout the day, while also managing their own projects.
This position reports directly to the General Manager and indirectly to the Board for Student Publications, and is expected to attend and participate in Board meetings, usually on Monday evenings four to six times during the academic year.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in marketing, advertising, management, journalism, or related field.
- Experience in project management.
- 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. May include such items as ad booking and management, CRM program(s), and web CMS
- Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and to work effectively with many different kinds of personalities from diverse backgrounds.
- Energetic, resourceful, positive, creative problem-solver.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Must enjoy working directly with college students on a daily basis.
Desired Qualifications*
The Successful Candidate Might Also Possess:
- Three to five years’ successful sales experience.
- Entrepreneurial vision in innovative online, digital, and new media products.
- Experience in print and online advertising.
- Strategic and hands-on management skills.
- Experience developing sales and marketing plans.
- Previous mentoring and student training experience.
Work Schedule
Hours/Week: 40 hours Monday through Friday; some evenings and weekends for board meetings and special events. Some flexibility in scheduling will occasionally be necessary to accommodate student schedules.
Work Locations
Given the level of in-person interaction with students, this position is expected to be on-site at least part of every work week. Depending on job performance and related factors, the position might be eligible for hybrid or flexible work locations at the discretion of the General Manager. Flexible work agreements are signed documents that are reviewed at least annually, and are subject to change depending on the business needs of Student Publications and individual factors.
Additional Information
This position comes with many great benefits, including standard UM Employee benefits and resources (see hr.umich.edu ) , parking right next to our building, meaningful opportunities to advance the mission of a student-serving organization, a chance to deeply influence the lives and futures of college students, varied and interesting work in a world-class university environment, and more.
Interested individuals are strongly encouraged to visit the publications’ websites prior to applying: www.michigandaily.com / www.michiganensian.com / www.gargmag.com / www.sheimagazine.com
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
240926
Working Title
Sales and Marketing Advisor
Job Title
Brand/Product Analyst Inter
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Office Stud Public
Department
Office of Student Publications
Posting Begin/End Date
10/25/2023 – 11/12/2023
Salary
$70,000.00 – $78,000.00
Career Interest
Communications & Marketing