Midwest Sales Representative @ University of Chicago

Department

Press Books Sales

About the Department

Since its origins in 1890 as one of the three main divisions of the University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Press has embraced as its mission the obligation to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard and to publish serious works that promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life. Through our books and journals, we seek not only to advance scholarly conversation within and across traditional disciplines but, in keeping with the University of Chicago's experimental tradition, to help define new areas of knowledge and intellectual endeavor.

Job Summary

The University of Chicago Press seeks a house sales representative to cover the Midwest (IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, MN, OH, WI, WV) for the Press, its marketed clients, and commission clients. Account base is independents, museum, college and regional specialty stores.

Responsibilities

Travel seasonally as needed to sell frontlist titles in person. Maximize opportunities with secondary and tertiary accounts. Prospect and develop new accounts.
Continuously promote and support backlist sales. Think creatively to develop sales approaches that will realize potential for these books through inventory reviews as well as seasonal, thematic, and regional opportunities.
Create custom Edelweiss collections and markups as needed to support sales efforts. Create, edit, and share Edelweiss markups and catalog notations with buyers.
Work closely with client publishers to maximize sales of their books. Attend meetings as needed.
Represent the Press and clients at trade shows and conferences as needed.
Complete call reports as required and communicate with team members and client Presses.
Handle account inquiries (including publicity contacts, stock checks, event orders, and tracking) and provide support to ensure customer satisfaction.
Outreach to stores regarding special offers, awards, publicity breaks, and other time-sensitive matters.
Work with Sales Director to benchmark and formulate expectations for territory.
Has a moderate/high level of authority in selling products and services. Works with marketing and other units to target growth areas and generate leads.
Plays a key role in the execution of sales and marketing programs.
Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Certifications:

Valid driver’s license.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

Strong understanding of the book retail sector, including market trends, key players, and distribution channels.
Proficiency with Edelweiss.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook programs, Teams, Zoom, and similar office software.
Ability to quickly learn new software and systems.

Preferred Competencies

Superlative self-starting and self direction: ability to work independently, set priorities, take initiative.
Advanced organizational skills, detail-oriented mindset: ability to schedule own appointments, manage order processing, customer service needs, and inbox management.
Excellent communication skills: share seasonal progress, operational concerns, store and buyer feedback, publisher communications, communications with accounts.
Office management skills: provide accurate & timely expense and sales reporting, work on planning our annual regional trade show attendance, and, when necessary, our attendance at Winter Institute.
Problem-solving skills: serve to enhance customer service and be a resource for accounts/liaison with order fulfillment and customer service and Chicago Distribution Center.
Ability to travel by car and airplane.
Efficiency in prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and handle multiple accounts.
Excellent verbal and written communication for presenting books and effectively conveying information.
Independent bookstore experience a plus.
A proven ability to cultivate and develop positive and productive business relationships.
Candidate needs to be based in the Midwest, preference given to candidates who are within the Chicago region.

Working Conditions

Flexible work times and hours, including occasional weekend or evening work / travel.
Occasional lifting requirement of up to 40 pounds (catalogs, sales materials, and books).
Overall travel required: approximately 25% to 30% of the year.
This is a remote position that requires a dedicated workspace and reliable internet service.
Company car, credit card, and laptop will be provided.

Application Documents

Resume ( required)
Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Customer Service & Sales

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

Health Screen Required

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Yes

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$59,500.00 - $77,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Midwest Sales Representative

University of Chicago

Compensation Overview