Marketing Manager (Technology Products)

The nation’s leading publisher of children’s library materials seeks a Marketing Manager of Technology Products to join our progressive team. 

Capstone Publishers, a family of specialty publishers for children, combines a passion for helping foster a powerful love of reading and learning, with the talent to successfully create and market award-winning books.  Our products are found in every school library nationwide, and in children’s sections of public libraries around the country.  We listen to our customers – librarians and kids – and deliver the cutting-edge products they need.  Headquartered in Mankato, our sales and marketing operations are located in Bloomington, Minnesota.  Find more information at www.capstonepub.com .

The Marketing Manager for Technology Products will drive the development and marketing of Capstone Publishers public/external technology-based products.  Responsibilities range from recommending innovative, new use of technology to deliver content to customers, to implementing the tactics to create market awareness and sales.  

Specifically, the Marketing Manager for Technology Products will:

·         Develop and drive the marketing plan for all Capstone Publishers public/external technology products to increase market share, and reach revenue and expense targets.

·         Develop and execute innovative, coordinated tactics to reach desired revenue and expense targets.

·         Develop business cases for new service products and product enhancements.

·         Define service product specifications, and team with IT to establish development schedule.

·         Identify opportunities for product and marketing innovation to distinguish us from competitors and ensure greater than market growth rates for Capstone Publishers.

·         Coordinate marketing strategies with colleagues to maximize market share and to reinforce company and brand positioning.

·         Build and manage the annual marketing budget for assigned categories.

·         Integrate the direct response, creative, online, PR, tradeshow, customer service, fulfillment and sales channel functions into all marketing plans to increase effectiveness of each tactic and ensure progress toward established goals.

·         Manage and implement marketing strategy for all channels to ensure effective sales efforts, channel harmony and optimum profitability. 

·         Lead creative concept kickoffs, prepare creative briefs and write copy for all appropriate tactics, including catalog and web copy as needed.

·         Recommend special pricing strategies for promotions.

·         Recommend improvements to processes and services, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty to increase profitability.

 

The successful candidate will have:

·         4-year degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or related field desired.  MBA or MLS preferred.

·         Experience with technology products in the education market, or substantial experience with new product development of technology products.

·         7+ years of progressive product management and direct marketing experience, combined with agency, brand management, advertising, and PR experience. 

·         Business case development experience

·         Previous budget responsibility/accountability

·         Extensive experience with the planning, execution and tracking of marketing programs.

·         Experience leading marketing and creative teams.

·         Strong understanding of market-driven technology product development.

·         Substantial copywriting experience.

·         Brand management experience.

·         Solid service orientation.

·         Strategic, analytical and creative thinker.

·         Highly creative problem-solving skills.

·         Excellent interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written).

·         Desire to thrive, learn, and grow in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

·         Experience balancing multiple priorities