Assistant Publisher

**Job Advert Summary**:
**DM168 is recruiting an Assistant Publisher**

As an Assistant Publisher, you will play a pivotal role in the newspaper's success by overseeing various aspects of publication, from advertising coordination, marketing, and distribution management. Your commitment to excellence, community engagement, and strategic thinking will be essential in maintaining the newspaper's reputation and ensuring its continued growth and relevance within the community.

**Minimum Requirements**:

- A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Publishing, Sales and Marketing or related field;
- At least three years’ experience in a similar role, preferably in a media or publishing environment;
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with a keen attention to detail;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact at all levels;
- Proficiency in Google docs and Microsoft Office Suite, including Google sheets/Excel;
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a flexible and adaptable approach to work; and
- To be a quick learner on other industry technical tools.

The Assistant Publisher will work in a deadline-driven environment, and will occasionally be required to work outside of normal business hours. The role may also require occasional travel to attend industry events or meet external stakeholders.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Publication Oversight:
- Together with the editor and publisher schedule special features and supplements.
- Liaise with the printer, distributor, and production team to ensure timely delivery of the weekly newspaper.
- Advertising Coordination:
- Coordinate advertising placements with the advertising department, ensuring accurate and timely inclusion in each edition.
- Assist the sales team with addressing the needs of the client, ensuring the client is happy with placement, quality, turnaround time, and reporting.
- Optimise advertising revenue through strategic ad placement and upselling opportunities, as well as through special features and inserts.
- Printing & Distribution Management:
- Liaise with printing facilities and distribution networks to ensure smooth production and distribution of the newspaper every week.
- Analyse, interpret and monitor circulation numbers and implement innovative strategies to increase copy sales and distribution reach.
- Address distribution issues and resolve delivery concerns promptly.
- Submit the ABC numbers every quarter, ensure certification and action the results
- Budget and Resource Management:
- Assist the editor and publisher in budget planning and management for DM168, ensuring cost-effective operations;
- Create and communicate cost estimates for special features, taking into account printing and distribution costs.
- Community Engagement:
- Act as a representative of the newspaper, attending events and fostering relationships with key stakeholders.
- Seek feedback from readers and advertisers through customer liaison and annual surveys to continuously improve the newspaper's content and offerings.
- Manage the customer service process and ensure timely delivery of subscription services.
- Compliance and Ethical Standards:
- Ensure compliance with the audited bureau of circulation (ABC.org)
- Market Analysis and Innovation:
- Stay informed about industry trends, competitors, and emerging technologies in the publishing field.
- Propose and implement innovative strategies to ensure growth in sales of the newspaper's e-edition, home-delivery subscriptions, and bulk subscriptions.
- Collaborate with Reader Revenue and Newsletter teams to create innovative and effective marketing strategies, such as writing and publishing marketing newsletters and managing internal and external marketing campaigns.