Topps is Hiring

Can you imagine a more fun job than working for a sportscard company?  Due to my job situation I've been poking around a little bit.  I've been asking myself what would I love to do versus what do I feel I have to do.  That led me to the Topps website and other card brands as well.

Topps is looking for a couple of interesting roles right now.  The problem is, I'd have to relocate to New York if I applied and was chosen.  Check these out, would they be fun or what?

Brand Assistant The Brand Assistant for Entertainment helps execute the strategy set forth by the Brand Manager. The BA will manage executional activities across multiple entertainment properties that help ensure the products are of high-quality, delivered on-time and within budget. The role will require strict attention to detail, ability to manage multiple deadlines, and ability to be fast and flexible in reacting to feedback from managers, cross-functional teams and licensors. 

• Assist Brand Manager on creation of Product Descriptions and ensure deadlines are met
• Manage subject lists and budgets to maximize quality of product content
• Work with project management to ensure deadlines are met
• Partner with art department to bring exciting fresh designs to each brand
• Partner with Editors to ensure image selection is appropriate for each product
• Manage the sketch card process including sending recruitment emails for sketch card projects to artists and managing responses 
• The Brand Assistant will need to become knowledgeable of Topps licenses (Star Wars, WWE, Garbage Pail Kids, Wacky Packages, The Walking Dead) in this role to deliver compelling product to consumers
• Interest in pop culture and keeping up with latest shows and trends a major plus

Talent Licensing Planner The Talent Licensing Planner, NASE is responsible for the coordination of signings between athletes/celebrities and Topps.  The position acts as the center point for all coordination between athletes/celebrities, agencies, representatives and Topps in the procurement of autographs for trading card products.  He/She will work closely with internal resources including production, legal, finance, e-commerce, digital, marketing, as well as daily correspondence with external agencies and Topps witness representatives.  He/She will work closely with operations to ensure that autograph procurement is aligned with all product deadlines.

• Work with Operations to plan and manage product production schedules.
• Act as liaison between Topps and agents/marketing reps for the coordination of signings.
• Spearhead the strategy for optimizing autograph signings throughout the product calendar year.
• Prioritize projects and card signings based on deadlines and milestone calendar dates.
• Manage and coordinate with Topps witness representatives for autograph signings.
• Coordinate with Licensing Manager and Accounts Payable to ensure contracted parties are paid for all autograph signings in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance to contractual obligations ensuring all services are executed.
• Foster and maintain relationships with agents, marketing reps and industry contacts.
• Coordinate activations and marketing/licensing events.
• Purchase raw materials for Authentics business.

Assistant Talent Licensing Manager The Assistant Talent Licensing Manager, NASE is responsible for all information between athletes/celebrities, agencies and Topps in the procurement of rights, content and services for trading card products.  He/She will work closely with internal resources including product development, production, legal, finance, e-commerce, digital, marketing, customer service, as well as daily correspondence with external agencies.  He/She will work closely with the brand team to ensure that autograph content is aligned with all product requirements.  

• Responsible for the generation, signing, accounting and managing of talent and agent interactions.
• Manage the autograph and relic licensing program including negotiating deals with talent and agents across sports and entertainment properties.
• Work closely with brand teams to create product subject lists, provide cost insights on a per-talent basis and manage product milestone calendars.
• Generate licensing reports to analyze current autograph status across entire trading card product portfolio.
• Oversee lifecycle of contracts while monitoring dates of legal significance such as expirations and options.
• Ensure compliance to contractual obligations ensuring all services are executed.
• Foster and maintain relationships with league licensors, player associations, agents and industry contacts.
• Spearhead talent activations and marketing/licensing events.

For the Topps haters in the blog-o-sphere, here's your chance to make a difference!  Who lives in New York?  I'm sure if you need references as to your card collecting passion, there would be plenty of us here who'd speak for you.