• Job Description

  Req#: REQ_0000070506

  APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

  Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

  POSITION SPECIFICS

  Penn State University Press seeks a versatile, creative, and detail-oriented Journals Marketing Specialist to implement marketing and communications efforts for its growing journals program. This role offers the opportunity to shape and strengthen the visibility, engagement, and impact of more than 80 scholarly journals published by a globally respected university press.

  The location of this position is flexible and can operate fully remote within the United States (with occasional travel to Penn State’s University Park Campus), fully in-person at the University Park Campus, or in a hybrid model of both in-person and remote. Occasional travel to academic conferences will be required.

  About Penn State University Press

  Penn State University Press (PSUP) is home to one of the most diverse and dynamic journals publishing programs in North America, encompassing over 80 peer-reviewed journals with more than 175 issues annually. These journals span disciplines from philosophy, literature, and cultural studies to archaeology, theology, civic studies, and information policy—serving as critical platforms for scholarly dialogue across the humanities and social sciences.

  Our journals program reflects the Press’s enduring commitment to rigorous peer review, inclusive scholarship, and mission-driven publishing. Whether advancing emerging fields or deepening engagement in established ones, PSUP journals contribute to the global exchange of ideas.

  The Press also publishes award-winning books under three imprints—Penn State University Press, Eisenbrauns, and Graphic Mundi—which collectively support our mission to inspire, educate, and engage broad academic and public audiences.

  Position Overview

  The Journals Marketing Specialist will support and coordinate multi-channel marketing and outreach efforts for the Press’s journals, assisting with promotional materials, digital content, event support, and general communications activities.

  Reporting to the Sales & Marketing Director and working closely with the Journals Manager and team, the Journals Marketing Specialist will oversee journal promotion, conference representation, indexing, sales channels, usage data reports, and strategic communications that align with the mission and values of the Press.

  This role combines tactical planning with detail-oriented execution and is ideal for a professional who thrives on data-informed marketing, relationship-building, and creative problem-solving.

  Key Responsibilities:

  • Marketing Campaign Support

    • Plan and execute journal-specific marketing efforts across print, digital, and social platforms

    • Facilitate the design and deployment of promotional assets including ads, flyers, handouts, and catalogs

    • Coordinate targeted outreach for select titles, including Calls for Papers, special issue calls or promotion, and calls for editor or reviewers
      

  • Usage Reporting & Market Monitoring

    • Compile and share usage and subscription statistics to inform team discussions and communications planning; assist with reports and outreach materials as needed

    • Support pricing analysis and sales planning for each journal

    • Assist societies and editors in interpreting performance data and identifying growth opportunities
      

  • Communications & Outreach

    • Manage subscription announcements and oversee indexing applications and updates

    • Serve as a liaison for customer service inquiries, advertising, and offprint coordination

    • Centralize and maintain marketing collateral and archives (e.g., Microsoft SharePoint, internal file server)
      

  • Conference & Exhibits

    • Represent the Press at select academic conferences and exhibits, and assist broader Press exhibits (which may include books) as needed

    • Manage the journals exhibit calendar in collaboration with books marketing team
      

  • Digital Marketing & Social Media

    • Monitor and improve linking/traffic across Penn State University Press, Project MUSE, JSTOR, and Scholarly Publishing Collective websites

    • Recommend and schedule journal-focused social media posts and marketing emails

    • Monitor Google Alerts for Press mentions and journal-related updates
      

  • Internal Collaboration

    • Partner with Journals, Sales & Marketing, and IT teams to ensure discoverability, access, and alignment across platforms

    • Coordinate with Johns Hopkins University Press and Duke University Press subscription fulfillment teams for seamless journal access and society membership services

  Who We Seek

  We seek a collaborative and intellectually curious marketing professional who brings outstanding analytical skills, excellent communication, and a deep respect for scholarship. The ideal candidate combines critical insight with hands-on execution and is eager to advance academic publishing through thoughtful, creative outreach.

  Required Qualifications

  • Degree in marketing, communications, publishing, or a related field

  • High proficiency in data analysis tools, digital marketing, and design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite). Must be familiar with Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Excel.

  • Experience supporting marketing campaigns, coordinating with stakeholders, and managing communications across digital and print platforms

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional experience in marketing in one of the following settings: publishing, higher education, or scholarly communications

  • Experience in scholarly publishing, especially journals

  • Familiarity with journal hosting platforms (e.g., JSTOR, Project MUSE, Scholarly Publishing Collective)

  • Understanding of SEO (search engine optimization), metadata, and digital content management

  • Professional experience in academic journals

  MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

  If filled as Marketing and Communications Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Marketing and Communications Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

  Application Instructions: Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume.

  Why Join Us?

  At Penn State University Press, you’ll join a mission-driven team passionate about amplifying scholarly voices and advancing knowledge. This role offers:

  • A chance to join a world-class, distinguished journals program

  • A collaborative, supportive, and intellectually rich work environment

  • Professional development and exposure to evolving trends in publishing

  The University Libraries is supportive of flexible work arrangements, such as remote or hybrid work opportunities, when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work and/or remote arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

  BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

  Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

  Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

  SALARY & BENEFITS

  The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $46,400.00 - $74,000.00.

  Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

  Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

  CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

  Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

  EEO IS THE LAW

  Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

  The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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