At Barnes & Noble Education (“BNED”) we are dedicated to making tomorrow a better, more inclusive, and smarter world by servicing all who work in education. As a leading solutions provider for the education industry, we are committed to driving affordability, accessibility, and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide by ensuring millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Together, our teams work to elevate lives through education.

We are seeking a Specialist, Academic Engagement to advance BNED’s mission of reducing the cost of course materials for students by partnering directly with faculty to evaluate, optimize, and streamline course material adoptions.  This role collaborates with faculty to review course material selections, identify underutilized or high-cost resources, and explore more affordable alternatives such as open educational resources (OER), low-cost eTextbooks, and digital courseware. The Specialist collaborates closely with BNED field teams to identify course material adoptions with the greatest potential for cost savings, helping faculty make informed decisions that reduce the cost of course materials while maintaining academic integrity and access. Through data-driven analysis and collaborative problem solving, the Academic Partnership Specialist drives measurable improvements in course material affordability and institutional efficiency.

• Analyze faculty course material adoptions to identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve affordability.
• Engage with faculty and department leaders to understand course material needs and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Work with BNED store managers to monitor and report on adoption activity.
• Support faculty in exploring affordable alternatives such as OER, library-licensed eTextbooks, and digital course materials.
• Track and analyze adoption activity to measure progress toward reducing course material costs
• Collaborate with the Academic Partnership Manager to provide insight and feedback for institutional reporting.
• Additional responsibilities as required.

• 2–4 years of experience in higher education, instructional support, or course materials management
• Direct experience engaging with faculty and academic departments
• Demonstrated ability to analyze adoption data and identify cost-saving opportunities at the course or department level
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management abilities
• Collaborative and adaptable, with an understanding of course materials workflows in academic settings
• Familiarity with OER, library resources, and digital content platforms (preferred)
• Results-oriented and self-motivated, able to work independently and drive measurable outcomes
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and familiar with CRM systems

We believe your success is our success, and we’re committed to supporting you in every aspect of life. At BNED, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote physical, mental, and financial well-being. Our full-time employees receive access to medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) plan; life and disability insurance; commuter benefits; paid time off and holidays; and a broad range of additional benefits.

The hiring range for this position is $50,000 - $60,000 per year. This range represents the base salary only, in good faith at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. 

At Barnes & Noble Education we empower everyone. Our mission is to support students, faculty, and schools, serving as a catalyst to meet the evolving needs of the education system and a new generation of students. That starts with fostering an environment for our employees where diversity and individuality is celebrated.

Barnes & Noble Education is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. In the spirit of inclusivity, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, ability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, nationality, protected veteran status, race, religion or sexual orientation.

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