Jobs

Business Manager

Overview

The Point is seeking a Business Manager to oversee the daily operations and finances of the magazine, and execute long-term strategic plans for the magazine’s growth. This includes developing organizational relationships on behalf of the magazine for greater public exposure, as well as designing and implementing creative marketing initiatives. The position is based in Chicago and will be part time (estimated 20 hours per week).

About The Point

The Point is an award-winning print and digital magazine of philosophical writing on contemporary issues and culture. Praised by the New Yorker’s James Wood as “consistently wise, provocative, intelligent, serious, and just,” The Point seeks to curate a dialogue between diverse intellectual traditions, personalities and points of view.

While the job description below best describes a versatile Business Manager whose responsibilities will comprise all aspects of publicity and operations, we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply for the position. We plan to work with the new manager to tailor their responsibilities to match their skill set. 

Responsibilities

• Marketing and Circulation Growth: Recommend and execute domestic and international circulation growth strategies. Develop internal procedures and schedules for seasonal marketing. Execute consistent renewal efforts. Track growth and retention rates and present those to the editors. 

• Fundraising: Search for grant opportunities and write proposals and LOIs for grants from foundations and public funding agencies. Establish and maintain partner and sponsor relationships on behalf of the magazine.

• PR & Communications: Develop and strengthen relationships with journalists, publishers, booksellers and industry contacts. Identify and take advantage of opportunities for greater public exposure.

• Financial Management: Prepare and oversee operational budgets. Model multiyear budgets based on growth strategy. Track expenditures and maintain bookkeeping records. Periodically review financial statements to keep track of expenses and improve financial efficiency. Work alongside the organization’s accountant to ensure nonprofit and tax compliance.

Qualifications

This is a problem-solving position at the intersection of literary publishing and strategic management. Creativity in conceptualizing growth strategies, whether for fundraising or subscription growth, is highly prized for someone in this role. In addition, we are looking for candidates who are familiar with the magazine and enthusiastic about The Point’s mission. Strong organizational and communicative skills are a must. We expect the Business Manager to spearhead new initiatives and see them through from conception to execution. You must be able to work independently, be a flexible thinker, and be good at balancing multiple projects. Prior experience in marketing, fundraising and/or strategic development desired.  The job is based in Chicago and we are looking for applicants who can work in our office in person, though will also consider applications from candidates who would work remotely.

Other prioritized qualifications include:

• Interest in literary magazines and general knowledge of the print and digital literary landscape
• Experience establishing and maintaining organizational relationships
• Experience with grant-writing and/or cultivating donor relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in MS Excel and Quickbooks

The following are pluses:

• Familiarity with subscription management systems
• Experience overseeing direct-mail campaigns
• Experience writing a successful grant application
• Web development and/or user experience (UX) skills
• Familiarity with HTML/CSS and PHP
• Bookkeeping experience

The person filling this role will receive training in the specifics of the job, and an introduction to the world of literary publishing. Earlier career applicants are welcome to apply.

Conditions and Compensation

• Expected yearly salary of $25,000, contingent on experience
• 20 hours per week
• Strong preference for candidates based in Chicago

How to Apply

Send a resume and cover letter addressed to Rachel Wiseman at jobs@thepointmag.com. Along with these materials, please also include a one-page description of a plan for a creative subscription-growth campaign and/or fundraising strategy you would pursue if you had this position. Application deadline: August 31, 2022.

We will contact you regarding your application once we have had a chance to review it. Further application materials might be requested.