Japs-Olson Company, founded in 1907, has been at the forefront of the commercial printing and direct mail production industry for over 117 years. Based in St. Louis Park, it is one of the five largest commercial printing and direct mail production firms in the country thanks to its highly skilled work force and ongoing investment in equipment and technology. The company maintains a 720,000 square-foot facility with approximately 550 employees.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Postal Affairs Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of postal affairs management, including compliance with postal regulations, optimization of mailing strategies, and coordination of mailing campaigns. This role will require a deep understanding of postal regulations, mailing requirements, and best practices to ensure efficient and cost-effective postal operations. The Postal Affairs Manager will work closely with internal teams, customers, postal authorities, and postal industry groups to navigate complex postal requirements and optimize mailing processes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/SCOPE:
Stay abreast of postal regulations, rate changes, and mailing requirements issued by postal authorities such as the United States Postal Service (USPS) and other relevant agencies.
Interpret and apply postal regulations to ensure compliance in all aspects of mailing, including design, addressing, sorting, and postage payment.
Develop and implement mailing strategies to optimize postage costs, delivery times, and mailing effectiveness for clients.
Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to advise on mailing strategies and ensure alignment with client objectives and postal regulations.
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients on postal affairs-related inquiries, providing guidance, recommendations, and solutions to address their mailing needs.
Coordinate with production and logistics teams to streamline mailing processes, ensure timely delivery of mailings, and track postage expenses.
Manage relationships with postal authorities, including establishing permits, negotiating postage rates, and resolving issues or disputes as needed.
Influence USPS legislation to affect postal regulations impacting direct mail.
Conduct periodic audits of mailing practices and processes to identify opportunities for improvement and cost savings.
Keep accurate records of postage expenditures, mailing volumes, and postal compliance documentation for reporting and analysis purposes.
Provide training and guidance to internal teams on postal regulations, mailing best practices, and compliance requirements.
Mentor, guide, and grow potential internal successors.
Additional work duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, logistics, or related field (preferred).
Proven experience in postal affairs management, mailing services, or related field, with a minimum of 5 years of experience.
In-depth knowledge of postal regulations, mailing requirements, and postage rates, particularly in the United States.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex regulations and apply them to practical mailing solutions.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal teams, clients, and postal authorities - including presenting to executive level leaders.
Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Familiarity with postal sort strategy, for example Co-Pal and Co-Mingle.
Proficiency in postal software and mailing technologies, such as PostalOne! and Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) tracking, is preferred.
Familiarity with mailing industry trends, innovations, and best practices.
Occasional travel required to attend industry events, customer meetings, and postal meetings.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The following physical demands will be common for the Postal Affairs position:
Frequent: Sitting, Keyboarding, Lifting or carrying computer/computer bag, Speaking, Near and far visual activity, Hearing (in person, on telephone, in video conference calls, etc.)
Occasional: Driving, Standing, Walking, Lifting to 30 lbs., Reaching, Stooping
Japs-Olson Company is an at-will, equal employment opportunity employer.