Content Acquisition Manager

Skillsoft is the global leader in eLearning. We train more professionals than any other company and we are trusted by the world's leading organizations, including 65 percent of the Fortune 500. At Skillsoft, our mission is to build beautiful technology and engaging content. Our 165,000+ courses, videos and books are accessed more than 130 million times every month, in 160 countries and 29 languages. With 100% cloud access, anytime, anywhere.

The Content Acquisition Manager is responsible for the prospecting, negotiation, onboarding and ongoing management of publishing partners and individual authors within the Skillsoft Books product offering. The role works in close collaboration with the Books product organization to help define the product collection roadmap for Books and then secures new publisher and/or author imprints to address these content needs. The role includes prospecting with individual book authors and self-publishers, as well as boutique publishing houses to fill content needs. The role includes negotiating the business terms with publishers and authors and obtaining agreements with support from Skillsoft legal team. Finally, the role includes the operational management of the publisher and authors, holding them accountable for product quality and delivery, proactively managing their performance so that the end product is of the highest quality.

New Business Development

• Initiate outbound contact to prospective authors and publishers based on product roadmap requirements
• Present and position company to prospective publishers and authors and articulate the benefits of distributing their content through Skillsoft
• Review content for quality and suitability for distribution
• Negotiate business terms and royalty rates with prospective publishers and authors in collaboration with Books leadership team
• Work with internal legal team to finalize agreements and contractual language with publishers and authors

Partner Management

• Onboard new partners and authors into product offering. Set and manage expectations for product delivery and quality
• Work with Books production team to establish product delivery schedule for respective partners and authors
• Proactively manage the performance of authors and partners, secure commitments for product deliveries and enforce terms and expectation of agreement
• Further develop and cultivate existing partner and author relationships to extend product coverage

Product Development

• Collaborate with broader Books team on product vision and roadmap for the offering
• Respond to queries and questions from the Skillsoft sales force where appropriate
• Investigate and pursue book requests from customers and field sales organization
• Ability to focus on detail while understanding how contributions align with the broader product strategy

Desired Skills and Experience

• 7-10 years’ experience in content acquisition, freelance author management and publisher management
• 7-10 years’ experience in outbound business development with a proven track record of bringing new relationships onboard
• Proven experience with publishing and e-book space required
• Excellence in written and verbal communication required
• Highly organized and successful in managing multiple projects, setting aggressive deadline commitments and meeting them
• Self-starter, team player and have the ability to lead and work with cross-functional teams without direct management authority for the resources
• Ability to focus on detail while understanding how contributions align with the broader
• product strategy
• Proven ability to negotiate complex business scenarios with minimal support and intervention
• Willingness and ability to travel as required

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Equal Opportunity Employer