SUMMARY
As a Publishing Product Manager on the Books team, you are responsible for possessing a high level of professionalism, strong creative and editorial judgment, excellent relational skills, and the organizational ability to manage multiple titles simultaneously in the high-performing Consumer Products business unit. You are responsible for taking promising book concepts and developing them into well-positioned, market-ready products — owning the full journey from early concept refinement through author development, production, and launch. You work closely with senior leadership during initial ideation, then take the lead in shaping, validating, and executing on that vision. You bring genuine creativity and enthusiasm to the work, paired with the discernment to know what will resonate with readers and the discipline to see it through.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Participate in early concepting conversations with leadership and authors, and independently translate discussion notes into clearly articulated product concepts by defining the audience, naming pain points, differentiated angles, and articulating the commercial rationale for the projects.
- Drive the overall vision, positioning, and content direction of new book products from concept through launch.
- Validate concepts with real readers through interviews, surveys, and community research, and utilize findings to confirm, sharpen, or challenge assumptions before development begins.
- Own the author relationship from concept through launch by serving as the primary creative partner, maintaining trust and momentum throughout the development process, and ensuring authors feel supported throughout the entire publishing process.
- Scout and cultivate relationships with prospective authors whose platform, expertise, and audience align with Ascension's product priorities.
- Ensure that the manuscript, title, cover, and supporting materials remain aligned with the original concept scope by identifying drift early and working with authors to correct course.
- Create a multi-year product plan that considers key target market segments and strategically focuses on product line growth and profitability.
- Establish requirements and specifications for new products, and clearly communicate their vision and goals to all internal stakeholders.
- Collaborating with the Associate Marketing Manager on go-to-market strategy through campaigns and launch plans with marketing, media, and production teams.
- Determine product pricing by utilizing market research data, reviewing production and sales costs, and evaluating sales projections.
- Develop metrics to assess product success and identify necessary enhancements or follow-on opportunities.
- Lead and participate in planning meetings and provide guidance on product direction.
- Manage contracts and project management of content writers, reviewers, and organizational partners for owned products.
- Maintain an in-depth knowledge of Ascension's products, solutions, and offerings across all categories.
- Assist the Associate General Manager in the review of new unsolicited submissions.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Business, English, Theology, or a related field.
- 5+ years of product management, acquisitions, brand strategy, content development, or a role requiring both creative judgment and end-to-end project ownership.
- Demonstrated ability to build genuine, sustained relationships with authors, creatives, or other external contributors.
- Strong creative and editorial instincts — the ability to recognize what makes a concept compelling, and the discernment to know when something isn't there yet.
- Experience conducting customer or audience research and translating findings into product decisions.
- A highly collaborative spirit and genuine enthusiasm for working alongside leadership, authors, and cross-functional teams.
- Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects on time and under budget, with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Familiarity with the Catholic market is a plus.
- Occasional travel to Exton, PA, is required.
- Exemplify and live our core values of humility, passion, and integrity.
Benefits
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development
- Work From Home
- Wellness Resources
