What are the responsibilities and job description for the Publicity Director (short-term assignment) position at Simon \u0026 Schuster?
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.
Avid Reader Press seeks a dynamic, strategic, and highly organized Publicity Director for a short-term assignment (4-5 months) to lead and execute publicity campaigns across a select list of frontlist titles. This role will oversee national media outreach, author positioning, and campaign strategy during a key publishing period, ensuring seamless execution and strong visibility for our authors and books.
The ideal candidate is an experienced book publicist with established media relationships, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to step into active campaigns with confidence and momentum.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute comprehensive, strategic publicity campaigns for assigned frontlist titles with an emphasis in health & wellness.
- Secure national and regional media coverage across print, broadcast, podcast, digital, and emerging platforms
- Leverage and maintain strong relationships with journalists, producers, and media outlets
- Draft press materials including press releases, pitch letters, media alerts, Q&As, and talking points
- Coordinate author media appearances, interviews, and event opportunities
- Advise authors on media strategy and prepare them for interviews and public appearances
- Collaborate closely with editorial, marketing, sales, and subsidiary rights teams to align campaign efforts
- Manage campaign budgets and timelines effectively
- Track, analyze, and report on campaign results
Qualifications
- 7 years of book publicity experience, preferably within a major trade publishing house
- Proven track record of securing high-impact national media coverage
- Strong relationships with top-tier media contacts
- Ability to quickly assess a title’s positioning and identify strategic opportunities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Highly organized with strong project management abilities
- Comfortable managing multiple campaigns simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Experience
- Experience in practical nonfiction, memoir, and/or culturally driven titles
- Familiarity with media trends and evolving publicity platforms (MuckRack, Podchaser, etc)
- Experience working within a collaborative imprint structure
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.
Salary : $55 - $60