GROUP PUBLISHER

Woodward Communications, Inc., an employee-owned media company, is looking for a dynamic Group Publisher to lead their weekly newspaper and shopper locations in print, digital, and video publishing along with community events. This key position will lead a group of dedicated employee owners in the SW Wisconsin and E. Iowa markets from a local office in or near Dubuque, IA.

A pivotal leadership role in the divisions, it is important to the success of our employee owners, company, and the communities we serve. Our new Group Publisher needs to be present and active in the community, able to communicate well, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders. He or she also needs to be able to share a vision, set goals, and help the group achieve them in this ever-changing environment.

A background in media (print, digital, radio or television) is preferred but not required. An ability to think creatively, promote a team atmosphere, act with purpose and integrity are important to the role.

Competitive salary, healthcare, 401(k), paid time off are included in the total benefits package. Also included is stock ownership in the entire company, which includes radio, niche publishing, and agency services.

Overall Responsibilities:

• Direct the administrative, advertising, and distribution functions in the effort to achieve the budgeted corporate contribution annually.
• Set units' policies and procedures in accordance with corporate objectives and policies so that the products and services are viable and maintain adequate positive corporate contributions.
• Develop long- and short-range revenue and contribution goals and implement plans for their accomplishment.
• Represent business units in the communities, staying attuned to their needs and developing trends.
• Direct all Wisconsin Weekly publications personnel in professionalism of industry and conduct.
• Manage and coordinate the budgets for all Wisconsin weekly publications.
• Coordinate advertising sales efforts, goals, and consult with location on commission structure.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Establish short- and long-term publication objectives and goals with advice and counsel of VP-Community Media and input from direct reports.
• Select, coach, train and evaluate direct reports.
• Directly oversees Platteville sales staff and sets monthly goals and processing commission payments for all sales staff.
• Develop annual income and expense budgets with input from direct reports and execute revenue generation and expense containment measures to meet contribution goals.
• Actively seek new accounts, and develop new print, digital products and events.
• Provide on-going, quality service to present customers.
• Seek advice and counsel from the Human Resources department for issues relating to personnel, benefits and policies.
• Be resourceful in creating alternative responses to change and implement them.
• Supervise the care and maintenance of the publications' buildings, furniture, and fixtures.
• Actively participate in industry groups and associations.
• Be knowledgeable of WCI resources that would be beneficial to Wisconsin Weekly publications and personnel.
• Develop short- and long-term working and advertising cross-sell relationships with internal and external publishing groups.
• Complete special assignments as directed by the VP-Woodward Community Media.
• By example, and through empowerment, function as a primary resource to others in developing knowledge, skills and behavior related to the success of the ESOP participatory management and other important aspects of WCI's culture.
• Act as the official spokesperson of the publications.
• Actively lead and participate in all safety training sessions, apply safe practices to job tasks, and report all safety-related concerns and incidents to Human Resources as quickly as possible.
• Lead and actively participate in the Great Game of Business promoting huddles and mini-games.
• Other job-related duties as assigned by the VP-Community Media.

Behavior: Assume leadership role in the communities the Wisconsin weekly publications serve; demonstrate an overall personality that is respected in the communities and WCI; explain policies and practices to the public; very high degree of self-motivation and resourcefulness; role model to encourage employee self-development and self-respect. Maintains a valid drivers license.

Skills: Excellent verbal, written and presentation communications skills with employee owners, customers, and the public. Ability to identify trends and implement marketing techniques to effectively satisfy changing conditions. Skilled in problem solving, decision-making, sales development, leadership, training, coaching and team development. Budgeting and forecasting skills.

Knowledge: College degree or equivalent experience in marketing, business. Five years of experience in newspaper/shopper positions including two years of management experience with an emphasis on revenue and sales or management experience with marketing and revenue generation responsibilities in a related industry. Knowledge of leadership, participatory management, communication and teamwork. Spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software knowledge.