Summary: The Sales Associate – Special Sales works to increase sales through specialty non-trade, non-classroom, and non-library channels) as well as select digital and educational distributor/wholesaler accounts. This is a hybrid position based out of our downtown Minneapolis office, some minimum number of days in the office will be expected.

Duties and Responsibilities: Special Sales

Research, prospect and develop new markets and customers for our titles, including cold calling.

Manage and grow existing accounts.

Sell, develop proposals, and make presentations to accounts—including but not limited to direct mail catalogers, websites, subscription box companies, specialty retailers, specialty distributors, gift wholesalers, proprietary label accounts.

Prepare special sales budget, weekly sales call plans, and sales reports for management.

Spearhead gift (non-bookstore) sales and manage gift sales representatives. Present new titles each season to the gift reps via Microsoft Teams.

Onboard, manage and grow select digital (Non-Amazon) wholesalers, distributors and other accounts.

Educational Distributors/Wholesalers

Manage, grow, and make presentations to select accounts.

Monitor, analyze, and track sales activities.

Oversee and process orders with customer service team, including special handling, and the accounting team, if necessary.

Oversee customized sales materials (sell sheets, mailers, catalogs, etc.) with marketing team for special sales customers.

Troubleshoot (e.g., out of print books, etc.).

Meet regularly with supervisor to discuss workflow and status.

Keep abreast of relevant job and industry information via trade journals.

Perform other related business duties assigned by immediate supervisor and/or other management as required.

Experience and Necessary Skills :

Two years’ sales experience with the ability to prioritize projects and daily tasks to meet long-term and short-term deadlines.

Is a clear, effective, and timely communicator—in verbal and written forms

Must have good telephone skills.

Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently.

Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Possesses strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize and consistently meet deadlines.

Some travel may be required.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience

Full-time Salaried Position Hiring Range: $45,000-$60,000 DOE Office Hours: Monday through Friday, daytime hours

Health, Dental, FSA , and Vision benefits

Company paid long-term disability, life insurance and ID Protection

Paid time off

Nine paid holidays per year

401k with employer match after 1 year of employment

Lerner Publishing Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age (40 or older), mental or physical disability, marital status, family status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, height, weight, justice-impacted status, housing status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

APPLY NOW Please send resumes or any general employment inquires to: Joyce Hutchinson Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. 241 First Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55401 jhutchinson@lernerbooks.com

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