Affiliate Marketing Specialist

Job Summary

Barnes & Noble is the leading book retailer in the United States, with roots dating back to 1873 and a long history of growth through innovation and expansion. Today, under CEO James Daunt and private ownership by Elliott Advisors, Barnes & Noble operates approximately 700 bookstores nationwide, serves over 700 communities across all 50 states, and maintains a robust digital presence through BN.com, NOOK® eBooks and audiobooks, and educational resources such as SparkNotes. The company also includes complementary retail brands such as Paper Source, Books Inc., Tattered Cover, and B. Dalton, further strengthening its market reach. Following a period of revitalization, Barnes & Noble is experiencing strong momentum, with plans to open approximately 60 new stores in 2026, underscoring renewed confidence in physical retail and local bookselling. Combining expansive store networks, curated selections, enhanced in-store experiences, and growing omnichannel capabilities, Barnes & Noble remains the #1 bookseller in the U.S. and a trusted, evolving partner within the publishing and retail ecosystem.

Are you a driven and enthusiastic individual with a passion for books, crafting, or gifting? Join our team as an Affiliate Marketing Specialist and help grow the Barnes & Noble and Paper Source affiliate marketing programs through strategic partnerships, performance optimization and innovative marketing initiatives.

We pride ourselves on fostering meaningful partnerships with content-focused affiliates and influencers that resonate with our brands. We're on a mission to expand our network and collaborate with fellow book lovers, authors, crafters, DIY enthusiasts, party planners, and creators who share a deep connection with our brands.


The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of experience in affiliate marketing, strong communication and analytical skills, a proven ability to drive growth through partnership development and performance optimization, and is a team player.

As an Affiliate Marketing Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in our program's success by identifying and onboarding new affiliate partners, managing affiliate relationships, analyzing program performance, developing strategies to improve channel revenue and profitability, optimizing partner investments, collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives, and maintaining the affiliate budget.


Position Responsibilities:
• Manage the day-to-day execution and optimization of the affiliate programs for Barnes & Noble, Paper Source, and SparkNotes
• Research, recruit, onboard, and cultivate relationships with new affiliate partners to scale the program with a focus on content publishers and influencers
• Develop and implement strategies to drive engagement and sales for the brands with a focus on profitability
• Manage affiliate program terms, commission structures, and partner communications through newsletters, individualized outreach and ongoing relationship management
• Have a strong understanding of our product catalog and categories that are relevant for article inclusion
• Collaborate closely with our campaigns and commercial teams to align affiliate promotions with business priorities, product launches, and seasonal campaigns
• Build and maintain strong relationships with agencies, top affiliates and strategic partners by communicating business and brand priorities & updates, sharing promotional opportunities, identifying growth opportunities & negotiating strong partnership terms
• Analyze daily, weekly, and monthly affiliate performance reports and adjust strategies to hit business goals and channel KPIs
• Manage affiliate budget inclusive of commissions, placement fees, CPA rates and bonuses while making data-driven recommendations to maximize return on investment
• Monitor industry trends, competitor affiliate programs and emerging partnership opportunities to identify new avenues for program growth

Position Requirements:
• Up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, regulations, and best practices
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building skills, problem-solving skills, and strong negotiation skills
• Highly motivated self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A passion for books & reading
• A positive, personable, can-do personality who can be flexible and is team-oriented
• Position is Hybrid (work remotely with some days in our NYC office)


Position Qualifications:
• 3-5 years of relevant affiliate marketing experience, preferably in an ecommerce environment
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related field
• Familiarity with affiliate marketing software and tracking tools such as Impact

Benefits for those who are scheduled to work less than 20 hours per week include Employee Discount, EAP and Sick Pay. For those scheduled to work between 20 and 29.99 benefits include Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay and Paid Time Off including paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays, Transit and 401(k) with Company Match. For those scheduled to work 30 hours or more benefits include Employee Discount, EAP, Sick Pay and Paid Time Off including paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Company Paid Holidays, 401(k) with Company Match, Comprehensive Health Benefits (Medical, Dental and Vision), Healthcare and Dependent Care Spending Accounts, Healthcare Spending Account, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Transit, and Tuition Reimbursement. All benefits provided are in accordance with the terms of the current plan and may be subject to future change. Benefit may vary depending on location/state regulations. More information can be received by the recruiter or Human Resources.


An employee in this position can expect a starting rate between $85,000 - $95,000 annually, depending on experience, seniority, geographic locations, and other factors permitted by law.

What You Do

• Manage the day-to-day execution and optimization of the affiliate programs for Barnes & Noble, Paper Source, and SparkNotes
• Research, recruit, onboard, and cultivate relationships with new affiliate partners to scale the program with a focus on content publishers and influencers
• Develop and implement strategies to drive engagement and sales for the brands with a focus on profitability
• Manage affiliate program terms, commission structures, and partner communications through newsletters, individualized outreach and ongoing relationship management
• Have a strong understanding of our product catalog and categories that are relevant for article inclusion
• Collaborate closely with our campaigns and commercial teams to align affiliate promotions with business priorities, product launches, and seasonal campaigns
• Build and maintain strong relationships with agencies, top affiliates and strategic partners by communicating business and brand priorities & updates, sharing promotional opportunities, identifying growth opportunities & negotiating strong partnership terms
• Analyze daily, weekly, and monthly affiliate performance reports and adjust strategies to hit business goals and channel KPIs
• Manage affiliate budget inclusive of commissions, placement fees, CPA rates and bonuses while making data-driven recommendations to maximize return on investment
• Monitor industry trends, competitor affiliate programs and emerging partnership opportunities to identify new avenues for program growth

Knowledge & Experience

• 3-5 years of relevant affiliate marketing experience, preferably in an ecommerce environment
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related field
• Familiarity with affiliate marketing software and tracking tools such as Impact
• Up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, regulations, and best practices
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building skills, problem-solving skills, and strong negotiation skills
• Highly motivated self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A passion for books & reading
• A positive, personable, can-do personality who can be flexible and is team-oriented
• Position is Hybrid (work remotely with some days in our NYC office)

EEO Statement

As an Affirmative Action Employer, Barnes & Noble hires qualified people to perform the many tasks necessary for the success of our business and is committed to diversity in the workplace. An essential part of this policy is providing equal employment opportunity for all. All employment practices and decisions-including those involving application procedures, recruitment or recruitment advertising, hiring, placement, job assignment, transfer, promotion, demotion, training, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, benefits, discipline, leave of absence, layoff, recall, termination and general treatment during employment-will be conducted without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition as defined by applicable law, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression (including transgender status), hairstyle, height and/or weight, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, reproductive health decisions, or any other self-identified, perceived or actual characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
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