Director of Publicity, Simon Element and Simon Acumen

Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

Simon & Schuster is seeking a creative and high energy Director of Publicity for the Simon Element and Simon Acumen imprints to help plan and execute campaigns for a diverse range of non-fiction and culinary titles.

This role is ideal for an experienced book publicist with a minimum of 7–10 years of experience planning and executing campaigns for a diverse range of nonfiction titles.

The Director of Publicity will spearhead high-level campaigns for frontlist priority titles and bestselling authors, leading publicity strategy from the earliest stages of planning through publication and campaign execution. The 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 frontlist 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.
  
  

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.

The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.

Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.