Main Responsibilities Of A Partnership Manager At Island Press
Jen's role as Partnership Manager at Island Press involves connecting authors with organizations to utilize their expertise, a unique position not commonly found elsewhere; this includes "herding cats and networking," organizing events and social media campaigns, and securing book purchases to support both the authors and organizations, all while relying on grant funding for the program's continued existence.
Networking, Communication, Project Management, Grant Writing, Events Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jen Hawse
Partnership Manager
Island Press
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
N/A
Anthropology, Sociology
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Communication and Marketing
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Jen's role as Partnership Manager involves connecting authors with organizations that can utilize their expertise, often through networking and events.
2. She utilizes various methods to promote authors and their books including in-person and virtual events, social media campaigns, and newsletter copy.
3. Her work is grant-funded, highlighting the importance of securing funding for such positions and the unique nature of her role within the publishing industry
Transcript
What are your main responsibilities within your current role?
My role as the partnership manager is to connect authors we publish with organizations that can utilize the content within their expertise. Much of my day involves networking and identifying connections.
I bring together experts in fields like urban planning with governmental agencies aiming for innovative solutions, such as better transportation or more accessible cities. I then facilitate collaboration to make these connections happen.
This often involves in-person events, webinars (which I did extensively during the pandemic and continue to do), and social media campaigns. I also write newsletter copy for organizations and run social media giveaways, often including a book to draw attention.
We also feature book excerpts in various publications and work with authors to write articles. The goal is to leverage the author's strengths and their book to make an organization's work more sustainable and impactful. My ultimate aim is to help uplift these organizations.
My position is grant-funded, meaning my job relies on grant makers providing the necessary financial support. Without our grant funders, my role here wouldn't exist.
As far as I'm aware, my specific function as a partnership manager is unique among other organizations. While the title often implies development work, I don't solicit donations. My interaction regarding funding is primarily through organizations purchasing books. That sums up my day-to-day responsibilities.