Director of Retail Marketing & Creative Services

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director of Retail Marketing & Creative Services

🔹 Company: Sourcebooks

🔹 Location: Naperville, IL (Hybrid or Fully Remote in select states)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: July 10, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Naperville or NYC) or Fully Remote (select states)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading and mentoring retail marketing and creative services teams
• Developing and executing national and regional marketing campaigns
• Overseeing the creation of high-impact sales materials and gift catalogs
• Managing author events and travel coordination
• Directing planning and execution of seasonal sales conferences and trade shows

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and creativity to drive marketing initiatives for Sourcebooks' retail customers.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Supervise and mentor both the retail marketing and creative services teams

✅ Provide the strategic vision for retail marketing and creative design initiatives across all imprints

✅ Develop and execute national and regional campaigns focused on the independent bookstore and library markets

✅ Oversee the creation of high-impact sales materials, gift catalogs, and conference presentations

✅ Manage author events and travel coordination with a focus on author care

✅ Direct planning and execution of seasonal sales conferences and industry trade shows

✅ Foster and expand relationships with key B2B partners

✅ Analyze and report on marketing effectiveness, campaign ROI, and budget adherence

✅ Champion creative breakthroughs in design, language, and campaign development

✅ Collaborate across departments to align marketing strategies with sales goals

ASSUMPION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, team management, and hands-on campaign execution, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience

Experience: Minimum 8 years of marketing experience, including 3+ years managing teams

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership in creative marketing, preferably within the publishing or media industries
• Strong project management and budgeting skills; ability to evaluate ROI
• Ability to develop strategic partnerships and navigate the independent book market
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Collaborative leadership style and strong mentoring ability
• Highly organized with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with marketing automation tools and CRM systems
• Familiarity with the independent book market and industry trends

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in marketing, with a proven track record of leading teams and driving successful campaigns.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000 USD (based on experience and location)

Benefits:

• Medical/Prescription drug insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Care
• Dependent Care
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• 401(k)
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life/AD&D Insurance
• Generous paid time off

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a marketing director role in the publishing industry. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Book and Periodical Publishing

Company Size: 201-500 employees

Founded: 1987

Company Description:

• Sourcebooks is an entrepreneurial book publisher bound together by the idea that books change lives
• They work with a diverse group of authors, illustrators, booksellers, librarians, industry partners, educators, and others to create a vibrant future for books
• Sourcebooks has been recognized as a leader in innovation and a top workplace

Company Specialties:

• books
• authors
• marketing
• digital
• ebooks
• poetry
• eCommerce
• and publishing

Company Website: Sourcebooks

ASSUMPTION: Sourcebooks is a dynamic and innovative company that values creativity, collaboration, and a passion for books.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Senior level, with potential for growth into a leadership role

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the President and CEO of Sourcebooks

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Naperville or NYC) or Fully Remote (select states), with occasional travel required

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a leadership role within the marketing department
• Opportunities to work with and learn from industry experts
• Chance to make a significant impact on the company's retail marketing efforts

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to learn, develop, and advance within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid or Fully Remote (with occasional travel required)

Office Location(s): Naperville, IL; New York, NY; or fully remote in select states

Geographic Context:

• Naperville, IL: A suburb of Chicago with a mix of urban and suburban living
• New York, NY: A major global city with diverse cultural and professional opportunities
• Remote: Offers flexibility and the ability to work from home, with occasional travel required

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with occasional travel required for trade shows, training opportunities, and author events

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid or fully remote work arrangement offers flexibility and the opportunity to balance work and personal life, while occasional travel is required to attend industry events and meet with authors and partners.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the President and CEO of Sourcebooks

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and marketing expertise
• Leadership and team management skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Sourcebooks' values
• Ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and skills
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic planning, and campaign management experience
• Showcase your passion for books and the publishing industry

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Retail, Creative Services, Campaign Development, Sales Materials, Event Management, Team Leadership, Strategic Planning, Publishing Industry

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership, and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on their marketing expertise and experience.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
• CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho CRM)
• Design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with marketing automation tools, CRM systems, and design software is beneficial for this role, but not required.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion for books and the power of storytelling
• Creativity and innovation in all aspects of the business
• Collaboration and teamwork across departments
• Data-driven decision making and continuous improvement

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and entrepreneurial, with a focus on results and impact
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration
• Data-driven and analytical, with a focus on measuring and optimizing marketing effectiveness

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a deep passion for books and the publishing industry?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented work culture?
• Are you comfortable using data to drive decision-making and measure marketing effectiveness?

ASSUMPTION: Sourcebooks values candidates who are passionate about books, creative, collaborative, and data-driven, with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Occasional travel may be required for trade shows, training opportunities, and author events
• The role may involve working with tight deadlines and managing multiple priorities
• The independent book market can be challenging to navigate, requiring strong strategic partnerships and industry knowledge
• Sourcebooks is a fast-growing company, which may present unique challenges and opportunities

ASSUMPTION: While this role offers significant growth potential and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, it also presents unique challenges that require strong leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from related positions in its focus on the independent book market and retail marketing for publishers
• Industry-specific context: The publishing industry is highly competitive, with a strong emphasis on creativity, innovation, and data-driven decision-making
• Career path comparison: This role offers a clear path for growth and advancement within the marketing department and the broader publishing industry

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on the independent book market and retail marketing for publishers, offering a clear path for growth and advancement within the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a national marketing campaign for a new book release, including targeted advertising, promotional materials, and event planning
• Managing a team to create high-impact sales materials, gift catalogs, and conference presentations for multiple imprints
• Collaborating with authors and industry partners to plan and execute author events and book signings

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects highlight the strategic, collaborative, and creative aspects of the role, demonstrating the candidate's ability to lead marketing initiatives, manage teams, and work with authors and industry partners.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's marketing strategy and how this role fits into it?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does Sourcebooks support the growth and development of its employees?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the independent book market, and how does Sourcebooks address them?
• How does Sourcebooks foster a culture of innovation and creativity?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions focus on understanding the company's marketing strategy, the role's priorities, and the company culture, allowing the candidate to assess their fit and potential for growth within the organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your resume, salary requirements, and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role through the application link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience and skills
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic planning, and campaign management experience
• Showcase your passion for books and the publishing industry
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your application, expressing your interest in the role and any updates on the application process

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.