Manager, Book Publications & Outreach

The Manager, Book Publications & Outreach will oversee the entire book publishing process, from concept development and manuscript acquisition to editing, design, production, printing, distribution, and archiving. This role also leads the promotion and outreach efforts to maximize the reach and impact of ITA’s published titles. The manager ensures that all publications are high quality, culturally relevant, inclusive, and aligned with foundational learning goals and ITA’s mission to promote reading and literacy among children in Pakistan. Collaboration with writers, illustrators, designers, printers, education partners, government agencies, donors, and distribution networks is essential to successfully deliver and promote these materials.

Key Responsibilities

Book Development and Publishing Management:
Manage the full publishing cycle of children’s storybooks and reading materials, from initial concept to final printed book. Coordinate the annual call for manuscripts and illustrations, facilitating review and selection with internal and external panels. Organize workshops and mentoring sessions for writers and illustrators to refine stories and artwork. Work closely with creative teams to finalize manuscripts and illustrations based on feedback. Oversee book layout, design, and pre-press preparation in collaboration with designers. Liaise with printers to ensure quality production and timely delivery. Maintain comprehensive publishing documentation, design archives, and metadata for all titles.

Marketing, Outreach and Distribution:
Develop and implement outreach and promotion plans for each new title and the overall publishing program to increase awareness among schools, libraries, parents, and partners. Manage distribution of books to project schools, libraries, and partners, while expanding reach into new communities and networks. Create marketing materials such as catalogues, brochures, digital content, and social media assets with the design team. Build relationships with booksellers, distributors, the National Book Foundation, and other channels to enhance uptake, including exploring cost-recovery or resource mobilization opportunities. Maintain accurate digital and physical inventory records and manage stock movement. Lead ITA’s participation in book fairs, exhibitions, school events, and reading festivals to promote titles and broaden recognition.

Capacity Building and Partnerships:
Facilitate capacity-building initiatives for local writers, illustrators, and publishers to strengthen Pakistan’s children’s literature ecosystem. Establish and maintain partnerships with the publishing industry, National Book Foundation, literacy organizations, and government departments.

Quality Assurance and Standards:
Ensure all storybooks meet established quality standards for content, design, and production. Support the development and application of book leveling and categorization tools to align with age-appropriate reading levels. Monitor and evaluate the use of ITA-published titles in classrooms and community spaces, gathering feedback from educators and children. Ensure compliance with ITA and partner branding and copyright policies.

Distribution and Inventory Management:
Oversee the distribution logistics of published books and maintain accurate inventory records. Support logistics for book fairs, launches, and reading events featuring ITA’s publications.

Reporting, Budgeting, and Documentation:
Contribute to annual planning, budgeting, and forecasting for publishing activities. Track expenses, manage procurement documentation, and ensure cost-effective operations. Prepare progress reports, workshop summaries, and documentation of best practices for donor reporting and internal learning.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Publishing, Marketing, Communication, Fine Arts, or a related field (Master’s preferred). A minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in book publishing, children’s book development, or educational content production, including marketing and outreach. Strong knowledge of the local publishing industry and children’s literature landscape in Pakistan. Experience managing the full publishing process from manuscript development to distribution. Proven ability to plan and execute outreach or promotional campaigns. Proficiency in MS Office and design software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator; familiarity with social media and digital marketing tools is advantageous. Excellent communication, coordination, negotiation, and documentation skills in English and Urdu.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

Background in marketing, brand promotion, or audience development, preferably for educational or children’s products. Established networks within publishing, distribution, and education sectors. Experience facilitating workshops for writers and illustrators. Experience working with public education systems, NGOs, donors, or literacy projects. Knowledge of book leveling systems and foundational literacy frameworks.

Compensation: Rs130,000 to Rs150,000 per month
Work Location: In-person