Director of Publicity – Simon & Schuster
We are looking for an experienced book publicist to help plan and execute campaigns for a diverse range of nonfiction and culinary titles across the Simon Element and Simon Acumen imprints.
The Director will spearhead high-level campaigns for front‑list priority titles and bestselling authors, leading publicity strategy from the earliest stages of planning through publication and execution. This position reports to the Senior Director of Publicity and Marketing and will manage at least one direct report.
Responsibilities
- Manage all aspects of publicity campaigns for approximately 4–5 titles per season.
- Manage departmental tasks and initiatives, including seasonal pitching, budgets, assignments, and other publicity department priorities.
- Develop and execute strategic publicity plans for a wide range of nonfiction titles, including priority front‑list books and bestselling authors.
- Pitch and secure top national and regional media across TV, print, radio, podcasts, digital, and online outlets.
- Develop and maintain close working relationships with members of the media, while continually identifying new outlets and opportunities.
- Plan and coordinate author appearances and multi‑city author tours, including overseeing travel arrangements, confirming bookstore events, pitching local media, and managing comprehensive tour schedules.
- Write pitch letters, press releases, media alerts, author Q&As, talking points, and other creative press materials.
- Accompany authors to interviews, events, and media appearances as needed.
- Collaborate closely with the publicity team, as well as authors, agents, booksellers, and key in‑house departments including editorial, marketing, sales, and subsidiary rights.
- Represent the imprint at internal and external meetings, functions, author events, and industry gatherings.
- Manage, mentor, and support at least one direct report.
Requirements
- At least 7 years of experience in book publishing publicity, preferably with prescriptive nonfiction, lifestyle, wellness, self‑help, business, culinary, or other practical nonfiction categories.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing national publicity campaigns.
- Established national and regional media contacts across TV, radio, print, podcasts, digital, and online media.
- Experience managing direct reports.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple publicity campaigns simultaneously.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
- Thorough familiarity with the current media landscape.
- Established relationships with bookstores, event venues, and lecture organizations preferred.
- Strong public presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Creative and strategic thinker with strong pitching, persuasion, and problem‑solving skills.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program, PTO, and our industry‑first Broad Based Ownership program that makes all employees partners in our shared success.
The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay will depend upon location, market demands, experience, training, and education.
EEO Statement
Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Simon & Schuster US is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.
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