Date: July 8, 2025
Classification: Exempt
Supervisor: Development Director
Location: New York, NY
Compensation: $68,000–$72,000, with benefits
Position Summary:
Do you believe in the power of poetry—and know how to sell a great story? The Academy of American Poets is looking for a Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications.
This is a front-line position promoting poetry to publishers, corporations, and cultural organizations that want access to one of the most engaged, diverse, and desirable cultural demographics in the country.
Your portfolio will include Poets.org (the largest poetry site in the U.S.), American Poets magazine, National Poetry Month, Poetry & the Creative Mind, and our flagship publication, Poem-a-Day—a daily poetry newsletter featuring over 250 new, previously unpublished poems by contemporary poets each year.
We want someone who is excited to pitch partnerships, close deals, and imagine new opportunities where poetry and commerce intersect. You’ll have the chance to grow advertising and sponsorship revenue, expand brand partnerships, and help bring poetry into unexpected places.
What You’ll Do:
- Drive sales: Secure advertising for Poets.org, Poem-a-Day, newsletters, and American Poets magazine.
- Build partnerships: Cultivate corporate, publishing, and cultural sponsors for National Poetry Month, Poetry & the Creative Mind, and other high-profile initiatives.
- Grow the market: Research new opportunities, industries, and platforms where poetry can thrive (podcasts, conferences, digital media, etc.).
- Champion our publication: Promote American Poets—a distinguished members’ journal—as a premium venue for advertisers and sponsors.
- Collaborate with a creative team: Work with content, development, and programming staff to develop new advertising products and marketing strategies.
- Deliver results: Meet annual revenue and sponsorship targets while ensuring top-tier customer service and benefit fulfillment.
- Be an ambassador: Represent the Academy at conferences, festivals, and industry events, positioning poetry as a powerful cultural connector.
What We’re Looking For:
- 6+ years of experience in ad sales, sponsorships, marketing, or communications, ideally with a track record of meeting and exceeding revenue goals.
- Strong B2B sales skills and the ability to open new markets with creativity and persistence.
- Excellent relationship-builder who thrives on making connections and closing deals.
- Experience with Salesforce, DoubleClick for Publishers, content management systems, and social media platforms.
- Superb communication, organizational, and presentation skills. A genuine passion for poetry and the arts—because you’ll be selling something you truly believe in.
Why This Role Matters
This is a chance to work at the intersection of art and opportunity. At the Academy of American Poets, we reach millions of teachers, students, and poetry lovers every year. By joining our team, you’ll help make sure poetry isn’t just preserved but that it’s amplified, celebrated, and brought to new audiences everywhere.
If you’re someone who wants to put your skills to work for a mission-driven organization with a national profile, this role is for you.
Compensation
This position offers an annual starting salary of between $68,000 and $72,000 depending on experience.
Benefits
At the Academy, we value the well-being and professional growth of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Health, Dental, and Vision
- Insurance
- Retirement Savings Plan (403(b) with company match)
- Paid Time Off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Hybrid Work
- Schedule Commuter Benefits
- Voluntary Benefits (Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, Accident, Legal Services)
- Wellness Programs
- Parental Leave
To apply, email your cover letter and resume as one PDF to careers@poets.org, with the job title and your last name in the subject line.