Acquisitions Group Director (Christian Nonfiction Publishing)
Carol Stream, IL Acquisitions
Job Type
Full-time
Description

For more than 60 years, Tyndale has helped readers discover the life-giving truths of God’s Word. Today we’re one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. Though our business has grown, our mission remains the same: to open God’s Word to as many as possible in language they can relate to and understand.

  

Tyndale House Publishers is seeking a leader for its wide-ranging, fast-paced nonfiction publishing division (Momentum, Refresh, and Elevate imprints, as well as the Tyndale Christian Resources curriculum program). The Acquisitions Group Director will oversee the business development and execution of Tyndale’s nonfiction publishing program, from acquisition to release to backlist management, directing a team of highly skilled acquisitions professionals. The ideal candidate will have publishing experience directing a line of 50-70 products annually; provide clear vision for nonfiction growth strategies (including current and future imprints); achieve revenue and profit objectives; excel at building relationships both internally and externally; and be a skilled people manager.


This is a role for someone who:

  • Can both juggle day-to-day business operations and think big-picture growth and opportunity
  • Thrives in a fast-paced environment
  • Loves bringing ideas to life
  • Has the relational skills to cultivate healthy team culture both with key external stakeholders and internally across a wide variety of departments

This role will report to the Vice-President of Tyndale Books and Alliances and will oversee staff acquiring for the Tyndale Momentum, Tyndale Elevate, and Tyndale Refresh imprints. 

  

Responsibilities:

As the Acquisitions Group Director for Tyndale Nonfiction, you’ll oversee a team of top acquisitions publishing professionals to maximize a dynamic and thriving nonfiction publishing enterprise that expands the global impact of Tyndale House Publishers. 

You will excel in three key areas:


Highly relational leadership

  • Lead the team as they acquire top-tier and groundbreaking books through strong relationships with agents, authors, and organizations.
  • Cultivate a healthy and collaborative internal culture within the nonfiction team and interdepartmentally, encouraging an environment in which both individuals and teams will thrive. 
  • Thoroughly understand the publishing process and effectively partner with key internal stakeholders—including editorial, design, manufacturing, marketing, and sales—to ensure smooth business operations and staff relationships.
  • Contribute to the senior management of the Tyndale Books publishing program and of Tyndale House Publishers, supporting the overall growth and health of the organization. 
  • Prioritize teamwork, service, and the mission of Tyndale House to minister to the spiritual needs of people.


Strategy

  • Oversee the team’s acquisition of nonfiction books and Bible studies, including streaming video content from key Christian voices.
  • In partnership with the VP of Tyndale Books and Alliances, decide on the projects and properties to advance into the corporate approval process, and champion those properties to the publications committee and interdepartmentally throughout the life of the product.
  • Build the imprint reputations in terms of their commitment to orthodox Christian theology as well as excellence in literary quality.
  • Grow the Tyndale nonfiction imprints’ revenue and ministry impact through strategic line planning and partnership with Marketing and Sales, with particular attention to the growing Tyndale Christian Resources curriculum catalog. 
  • Research and forecast product trends with an eye to innovative content development
  • Evaluate market trends, product sales patterns, and customer needs to inform product strategies. 


Business management

  • Oversee day-to-day business operations and forecasting for nonfiction product line, including: managing products in development through the acquisitions pipeline, ensuring product-by-product revenue objectives as well as those of the overall business lines
  • Lead nonfiction teams in development of annual fiscal year budgets 
  • Optimize sales and profit from backlist with effective management. 


Skills and Qualifications Needed

Position Profile: 

  • College degree in communications, English, marketing or a related area
  • Well-networked throughout publishing industry 
  • Eight or more years in a leadership role in publishing
  • Familiarity with Christian books and media; some experience with curriculum and study resources preferred
  • Willingness to travel up to 20%


Personal Profile:

  • Active Christian faith with knowledge of evangelical theology, culture, and the Bible. Personal alignment with and adherence to the Bible as God’s Word, and agreement with our Statement of Faith
  • Lover of books and ideas
  • Strategic thinker
  • Excellent verbal and written communicator
  • People developer committed to helping others grow and flourish professionally
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment
  • Strong financial management abilities
  • Good diplomacy and presentation skills


We want to hear more about you and why you are interested in Tyndale and this role, so we highly recommend including a cover letter. 


Tyndale has been repeatedly certified as a Best Christian Workplace. Learn more about us and what we believe at www.tyndale.com/our-mission.


The hiring range for this position is $90,000 to $110,000 annually. Actual offers will take into consideration the candidate’s education, experience, industry knowledge, technical skills, and other relevant factors. A summary of Tyndale’s comprehensive benefits is: https://www.tyndale.com/careers/.