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Write. Share. Inspire.

 

Employment header.jpg
 

CURRENT OPENINGS


Short-Term Publications Manager (Temporary Position)
September 1st, 2025-June 30th, 2026

Hours: Part-time, estimated 20 hours/week 
Supervisory Responsibility: No
Salary: $23.74/hour
Reports to: Communications & Editorial Director, Executive Director
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
Location: Portland, occasional travel

Position Overview

The Temporary Publications Manager (PM) supports the Communications & Editorial Director, ensuring that The Telling Room’s mission, programs, and books reach new and existing audiences. The PM works closely with the Communications & Editorial Director (CED) and Lead Teacher - Publications. The PM interacts with all staff and contractors associated with Telling Room publications; coordinates with vendors; assists the CED with the operation and administration of publications, as well as outreach regarding organization-wide programs and publications. The PM demonstrates passion for The Telling Room’s mission, interest in youth publishing, and excitement about developing relationships with bookstores, schools, libraries, editors, designers, and printers. The PM must have a love of storytelling, education, and youth empowerment. They are comfortable interfacing with many teams as well as working independently, and have a strong work ethic.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Publications Manager performs a wide range of duties including but not limited to the following: 

Sales

  • Manages existing and develops new relationships with booksellers, libraries, schools, partner organizations, and retailers

  • Coordinates and fulfills all book orders from the online bookstore; delivers orders and invoices to libraries, bookstores, and community partners

  • Manages point of sale and invoices for book sales

  • Manages book distribution and sales at all book events, including at program book launches

  • Project manages chapbook launches, post-launch book/author events, and assists with planning Big Night (the book launch of The Telling Room’s annual anthology) 

  • Creates print marketing materials such as event flyers, book sales/tip sheets, reading guides, etc. 

  • Works with the CED to develop and execute marketing and distribution plan for core annual publications

  • Facilitates outreach to key bookselling partners (bookstores, libraries, educators) via digital newsletter

  • Supports Telling Room sales and outreach efforts at in-person events such as conferences, book fairs, etc.

Operations

  • Manages back end logistics of annual writing contest using Submittable

  • Promotes writing contest to relevant community partners

  • Serves as managing editor for program chapbooks (tracks production timeline, coordinates proofing with contracted editors and designers, processes copy edits)

  • Works with the CED to develop and monitor the areas of the financial budget focused on post-production operation and sales

  • Works with Finance & Operations Manager to conduct an annual book inventory and organizes all internal collections

  • Responsible for coordinating all reprints with Walch (The Telling Room’s book printer)

  • Submits books and published writing for prizes and awards

Qualifications - Required

  • Passion for books and curiosity about the publishing industry

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills 

  • Strong attention to detail

  • Works both independently and as part of a team to achieve individual and common goals

  • Ability to efficiently manage multiple projects and deadlines

  • Excellent organizational skills and an ability to manage a variety tasks, logistics, and materials simultaneously

  • Ease with learning new skills and/or software

  • Proficient in Google Workspace, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel

  • A flexible and inclusive approach to people and work

  • Dedication to advancing The Telling Room’s organizational values

Qualifications - Preferred

  • Experience with InDesign, Submittable, Canva

  • Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Word

  • Copy editing (Chicago Manual of Style)

  • Two (2) years of experience in publishing field

  • Familiarity with the Maine writing community

Working Conditions

  • The Publications Manager will usually work in an office environment, with the option to work remotely for some hours, but the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces

  • The Publications Manager will work a 20-hour week, and may be required to work some evenings and weekends to assist with the implementation of program activities or book related events, such as book launches

  • The Publications Manager may schedule their 20 hour week in accordance with The Telling Room’s Flex-Time and Policy

  • Access to car required and clean driving record as per employee handbook

  • Parking is provided for in-office work

  • Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination required

  • Must be able to lift 25 pounds

  • Position duration runs from early September 2025 - late June 2026

Supervision

The Publications Manager reports to the Communications & Editorial Director. While the Communications & Editorial Director is on leave, the Publications Manager will report to the Executive Director.

 Compensation

  • The hourly pay for this position is $23.74 at an estimated 20 hours per week (schedule to be agreed upon)

  • To support our staff, we offer benefits paid vacation, holiday, and sick time off

  • Mileage reimbursement at the federal rate

We are an equal opportunity employer. We prioritize the leadership of people of color and LGBTQ individuals, and we strongly encourage people of all historically marginalized identities to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any category protected by local, state, or federal laws.