Position Overview

The Content Acquisition Manager is responsible for the prospecting, negotiation, onboarding and ongoing management of publishing partners and individual authors within the Skillsoft Books product offering.  The role works in close collaboration with the Books product organization to help define the product collection roadmap for Books and then secures new publisher and/or author imprints to address these content needs.  The role includes prospecting with individual book authors and self-publishers, as well as boutique publishing houses to fill content needs.  The role includes negotiating the business terms with publishers and authors and obtaining agreements with support from Skillsoft legal team.  Finally, the role includes the operational management of the publisher and authors, holding them accountable for product quality and delivery, proactively managing their performance so that the end product is of the highest quality.

Position Responsibilities

• New Business Development
  • Initiate outbound contact to prospective authors and publishers based on product roadmap requirements
  • Present and position company to prospective publishers and authors and articulate the benefits of distributing their content through Skillsoft
  • Review content for quality and suitability for distribution
  • Negotiate business terms and royalty rates with prospective publishers and authors in collaboration with Books leadership team
  • Work with internal legal team to finalize agreements and contractual language with publishers and authors
• Partner Management
  • Onboard new partners and authors into product offering.  Set and manage expectations for product delivery and quality
  • Work with Books production team to establish product delivery schedule for respective partners and authors
  • Proactively manage the performance of authors and partners, secure commitments for product deliveries and enforce terms and expectation of agreement
  • Further develop and cultivate existing partner and author relationships to extend product coverage
• Product Development
  • Collaborate with broader Books team on product vision and roadmap for the offering
  • Respond to queries and questions from the Skillsoft sales force where appropriate
  • Investigate and pursue book requests from customers and field sales organization

Desired Skills and Experience

• 7-10 years’ experience in content acquisition, freelance author management and publisher management
• 7-10 years’ experience in outbound business development with a proven track record of bringing new relationships onboard
• Proven experience with publishing and e-book space required
• Excellence in written and verbal communication required
• Highly organized and successful in managing multiple projects, setting aggressive deadline commitments and meeting them
• Self-starter, team player and have the ability to lead and work with cross-functional teams without direct management authority for the resources
• Ability to focus on detail while understanding how contributions align with the broader
  product strategy
• Proven ability to negotiate complex business scenarios with minimal support and intervention
• Willingness and ability to travel as required

Education and Certifications

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer