Career Opportunity Details
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Background and Mission
As the world's oldest and largest independent publisher for Mind, Body, and Spirit, Llewellyn publishes books on witchcraft, astrology, psychic development, and paranormal, as well as tarot and oracle kits and decks. We are dedicated to bringing our readers the very best in metaphysical books and resources. Llewellyn proudly produces 80+ books and 20 almanacs and calendars each year, with a backlist of 2,000 active titles, in addition to our consignment relationships with well-respected international partners Lo Scarabeo and Blue Angel, best known for their museum-quality kits and decks.
For 125 years, Llewellyn has served the Mind, Body, and Sprit community with options and tools for exploring new worlds of mind and spirit, thereby aiding in the quests of expanded human potential, spiritual consciousness, and planetary awareness. Bestselling titles include Wicca by Scott Cunningham, Journey of Souls by Michael Newton and Psychic Witch by Mat Auryn.
The Role of the Publisher
The Publisher is responsible for guiding and shaping our publishing and acquisitions strategy, aligning efforts with company goals and projections. The Publisher will oversee the planning efforts for research, development, and acquisitions strategies with direct reports in acquisitions, art, and editorial to ensure continuity across the full publishing lifecycle.
The Publisher is a leader, a visionary, and a strategist with a passion for publishing. A proven track record of strong financial intelligence is essential for our long-term financial sustainability. Our family-owned business thrives on relationship cultivation with our authors, partners, and community. The Publisher will provide expertise to build on our strong market position, while exploring new opportunities, and strengthening our outreach.
Revenue for Llewellyn is $15M+ with 65 employees. We distribute and warehouse our titles from our corporate headquarters located in MN. The Publisher reports to the President and has six direct reports - Editorial Director, Art Director, and four Acquisitions Editors.
Primary Job Responsibilities
- Provide direct supervision and leadership to the Acquisitions department on acquisitions strategy and techniques for an evolving market.
- Guide Acquisitions Editors in managing manuscript development and submission deadlines, developing long-range subject-line goals, and cultivating our author pool.
- Collaborate with Sales Director to gather and utilize information on market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments. Monitor sales activity to ensure publications reach intended target audiences.
- Oversee P&L and expense budgets for products emphasizing long-term sell-through and profitability. Monitor expenses related to acquisition, product development, and distribution to ensure financial sustainability.
- Coordinate product development efforts to assist in exploring new subjects, series, and product lines. Continually monitor trends and demographic changes. Mentor acquisitions staff to actively solicit product development ideas from field and subject experts.
- Represent Llewellyn by fostering relationships within the literary and publishing industry. Attend industry events, build partnerships, and represent the organization at tradeshows and conferences.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree, with a background in Business Management, Humanities, Marketing, Public Relations or related.
- 10 years’ experience in publishing with working knowledge of marketing, publicity and sales strategies and tactics.
- Strong editorial and contract negotiation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to acquire and develop inspirational and meaningful books and products that enhance reader’s lives and align with the company’s financial goals.
- 5 or more years’ experience in executive management with responsibility for strategic planning, budgeting, financial analysis and workflow coordination.
- 5 or more years’ experience in staff management, with the proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop talent.
- Possess a creative, proactive approach to problem solving and analysis, with the ability to foster a creative, encouraging environment.
- Ability to function as an objective company leader, communicating company goals and needs with tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to foster and maintain positive, professional, collaborative relationships, and promote an inclusive company culture reflective of the organization’s values.
Status: Exempt, fulltime, on-site with hybrid office working policy.
Salary Range: $140,000 - $160,000