Reference #: REQ_0000070506
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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice 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 journalAssist 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., MicrosoftSharePoint, 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 CERTIFICATIONSIf 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 env
