Senior Publicist, Young Readers (PR Specialist)
The salary for this position begins at $54,305.
Changing the world, one book at a time.
As a team of dedicated book-loving professionals, we discover, shape, and share content that nurtures thoughts, dreams, and conversations around the globe, ensuring that both new and established voices are heard.
We’re looking for a creative and collaborative Senior Publicist to join our team.
Are you passionate about storytelling and sharing a broad range of voices and perspectives with the world? Do you get a thrill from being the person to introduce your friends and family to the latest buzzy book, TV show, or podcast? Do you get a rush from working with interesting partners to put on the perfect event? Do you remember the children’s books that made you an avid reader as an adult?
We are growing our Marketing and Publicity team on the Young Readers program and are looking for someone with experience developing strategic publicity campaigns across a variety of engaging topics – someone who can create and pitch compelling stories to media partners, who has experience handling PR for author talent, and who thrives in a fast-paced environment where attention to detail is still paramount.
If this resonates with you, we invite you to be part of Penguin Random House Canada’s journey, bringing unforgettable experiences to young readers.
Your contribution to the story:
At Penguin Random House Canada, you’ll be part of a vibrant and growing company that is home to acclaimed authors such as the Fan Brothers, David A. Robertson, Kyo Maclear, Cherie Dimaline, Ben Clanton, X. Fang, Matthew Burgess, Doug Salati, Antonio Michael Downing, Cale Atkinson, Vikki VanSickle, and Matt James among many other brilliant writers and illustrators.
Our mission is to change the world, one book at a time, by connecting our authors to as many readers as possible.
Reporting to the Associate Director, Marketing and Publicity, you will work collaboratively with publishing, sales, and marketing colleagues to create, execute, and report on the effectiveness of promotional campaigns designed to create awareness, reach targeted audiences, support book sales, and provide exemplary author care.
What you’ll do:
Plan and execute publicity campaigns that generate awareness and drive sales for our books and authors and illustrators.
Create compelling pitches to secure media and online coverage and interviews for a wide range of emerging and established authors and illustrators, from board books for the very young to books for teenagers.
Work with partners (and seek out new ones) to create memorable consumer-facing events.
Coordinate all aspects of author promotional tours, including accompanying authors and illustrators to GTA media interviews and events. Occasionally accompanying creators at events and conferences in the US.
Work closely with authors and illustrators (and their teams, when applicable), leading meetings, communicating publicity strategy, and preparing them for appearances with talking points and media training.
Pursue creative ways to place content and promote our books, authors, and illustrators through influencers and partnership opportunities.
Work alongside your colleagues in Marketing and Sales to ensure that all campaign and promotional plans and messaging are complementary and targeted.
This role will require some travel within Toronto for author events and author escorting which may include evening and weekend events.
Experience and knowledge you’ll bring (qualifications):
A minimum of three years of experience in publicity, public relations, communications, or a related field.
Demonstrated success working with traditional and non-traditional Canadian and American media channels.
Experience planning and executing public events, coordinating media tours, school visits, and escorting talent.
A continuously developing network of media and influencer contacts.
Proven ability to build effective end-to-end publicity campaigns.
Excellent customer service skills built on a foundation of strong communication.
Strong collaboration and relationship management skills.
A proactive, analytical, and imaginative approach to problem solving.
Strong time management skills and above-average attention to detail.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and tasks to meet deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and collaborative digital tools including Teams, Asana, etc.
Awareness of the children’s publishing landscape in Canada and the US is an advantage.
Experience using Cision, Muckrack, or Meltwater is an asset.
An inclusive approach, supported by cultural competency and a proven ability to collaborate with people from across a wide range of diverse backgrounds.
Enhanced knowledge, awareness, and experience with the culture and history of any community that has faced marginalization is considered a plus.
And of course, a deep passion for books!
We are actively seeking to add team members from communities with lived experiences of marginalization and underrepresentation. We respect and value each individual and their lived experiences and are committed to creating a more diverse team and establishing a culture of belonging. If you self-identify as Black, Indigenous, a person of colour, a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community or another marginalized group, we strongly encourage you to apply.
This role will work at least three days per week from our Toronto office located at 320 Front Street West. As such, we require candidates to reside within commuting distance of our office.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume by Friday, February 28, 2025. We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Please contact Human Resources at hrcanada@penguinrandomhouse.com or 416-364-4449 if you need accommodation at any stage of the application process or want more information on our accommodation policies.
Company: Penguin Random House Canada Limited
Country: Canada
State/Region: Ontario
City: Toronto
Postal Code: M5V2B6
Job ID: 277371