Production Manager, Mailing Operations

About EAB

EAB works with more than 2,800 institutions to drive transformative change through data-driven insights and best-in-class capabilities. We partner with leaders and practitioners to accelerate progress and drive results across enrollment, student success, institutional strategy, data analytics, and advancement.

The Role in Brief

We are looking for an energetic, solution-oriented, hands-on Production Manager to join our Mailing Operations team. The Production Manager’s expertise should span all aspects of end-to-end direct mail production, including print production, material sourcing, proofing, fulfillment, and mail deployment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert responsible for the day-to-day management of direct mail production campaigns
• Manage a high volume of complex production projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Own quality assurance throughout the production lifecycle to ensure accuracy, brand consistency, postal compliance, and print quality
• Approve production priorities throughout the creative routing process, including final approval of artwork, formats, mock-ups, and proofs
• Recommend production methods, materials, mailing strategies, and print specifications that balance quality, timing, and cost
• Partner closely with Creative, Data Management, Client Services, Project Management, and external print partners throughout campaign development
• Deliver exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership
• Monitor campaign progress to ensure key production milestones, mail drops, and in-home delivery dates are achieved
• Analyze job specifications to ensure production requirements, quality expectations, postal regulations, templates, and materials are ready for execution
• Participate in daily production meetings and weekly cross-functional project status meetings
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, reduce errors, and standardize production processes
• Manage vendor performance, production schedules, and issue resolution to ensure quality, cost, and delivery expectations are met

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, Business Administration, or a related field
• Two years of experience in project management, print production, marketing operations, direct mail, manufacturing, production coordination, or a related field
• Excellent time management, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple campaigns under tight deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel and Outlook), and project management software such as Workfront or Asana

Ideal Qualifications

• Experience in direct mail production, print manufacturing, or mailing services, including offset and digital printing, lettershop operations, postal regulations, and mail logistics
• Experience collaborating with Production, Creative, Data, Project Management, and Account Management teams
• Experience using variable data and automation tools to produce personalized creative at scale (e.g., XMPie, Adobe InDesign Data Merge, or similar platforms)
• Knowledge of print production processes, variable data printing, and USPS postal regulations
• Experience translating structured data and business rules into design systems and production templates
• Experience with variable data printing workflows, Print MIS or workflow systems, Adobe InDesign, and USPS Mail.dat/Mail.XML

Compensation

The anticipated starting salary range for this role is $52,000 - $60,000 per year. Actual salary varies due to factors that may include but not be limited to relevant experience, skills, and location.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans; dependents and domestic partners eligible
• 20+ days of PTO annually, in addition to paid firm and floating holidays
• Daytime leave policy for community service and flextime for fitness activities (up to 10 hours per month each)
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with annual discretionary company matching contribution
• Health savings account, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account, and pre-tax commuter plans
• Employee assistance program with counseling services and resources available to all employees and immediate family
• Wellness programs including gym discounts, incentives to promote healthy living, and family access to the leading app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation
• Paid parental leave with phase back to work program for birthing and non-birthing parents
• Access to milk shipping service to support nursing employees during business travel
• Discounted pet health insurance coverage for dog and cat family members
• Company-provided life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• Financial wellness resources and membership in a robust employee discount program
• Access to employee resource groups, merit-based advancement, and dynamic professional growth opportunities