Publicist

Job Title: Publicist 

Department: Publicist 

Reports To: Publicity Manager 

Location: Remote |  Phoenix, AZ

Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Job Summary

The Publicist develops, manages, and executes strategic publicity campaigns that elevate the visibility of authors and their books through earned media, media relations, influencer engagement, speaking opportunities, and other publicity initiatives. This individual serves as the primary day-to-day contact for assigned authors, develops customized publicity strategies, executes publicity campaigns, cultivates media relationships, and collaborates with internal teams to deliver an exceptional client experience.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator and storyteller with a passion for books, publishing, and media relations. This role requires strong organizational skills, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple author campaigns simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day publicity campaigns for assigned authors and book launches.

• Develop and execute customized publicity strategies based on each author’s goals, and publishing timeline.

• Proactively pitch authors and books to targeted media outlets and identify opportunities for interviews, features, reviews, podcasts, speaking engagements, and other promotional opportunities.

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, producers, podcast hosts, reviewers, influencers, and other industry partners.

• Write and develop press releases, media pitches, press kits, author biographies, and other publicity materials.

• Coordinate media interviews, book reviews, podcast appearances, speaking engagements, and promotional opportunities.

• Develop and execute strategic social media campaigns for authors, which may include author coaching, content calendar planning, content posting, and account management.

• Maintain proactive communication with authors and clients regarding campaign strategy, progress, opportunities, and results.

• Track publicity efforts, media placements, and campaign results, and provide updates and reporting as appropriate.

• Collaborate with the Publicity Manager and internal teams to support integrated publicity, marketing, social media, and promotional campaigns.

• Communicate proactively with leadership when additional guidance, resources, expertise, or support are needed to successfully deliver on client commitments.

• Manage multiple campaigns, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail.

  Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, or a related field.

• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in literary publicity, publishing, public relations, or agency communications.

• Experience managing media relations and publicity campaigns preferred.

Skills & Qualifications

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.

• Strong media pitching and relationship-building abilities.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple campaigns and deadlines simultaneously.

• Experience with media databases such as Cision, Muck Rack, Meltwater, or similar platforms preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Passion for books, authors, and the publishing industry.

Here are just a few reasons you’ll love LAVIDGE

When you join our team, you can expect solid work-life balance and fulfilling career potential in one of Phoenix's most recognized and well-respected agencies. We’re proud to be an inclusive company that celebrates diversity, and we appreciate the value it adds to our agency.

• Competitive pay with opportunities for growth.

• Remote-first work environment with flexible schedule.

• Low medical insurance premiums, with additional coverage available at an incremental cost, including family medical, dental, and vision.

• Employer-paid life insurance, with the option to purchase additional life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability plans.

• Employee wellness program designed to support your physical, financial, and overall health journey.

• Employee mental health resources including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to assist with issues that may negatively affect performance and productivity.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with automatic enrollment.

• 401(k) Plan with 100% vested annual Safe Harbor contribution.

• Generous and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO), offering 15 days immediately upon your start date to help you establish and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Additional PTO days increasing with tenure.

• Opportunity to celebrate and commemorate eight paid federal holidays.

• In addition to your regular PTO and paid company holidays, enjoy a paid Winter Break each year, from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day.

• Beautiful office for collaboration with colleagues and clients with free underground parking.

• Semi-annual office supply gift cards to keep your remote work environment running efficiently.

• Generous Professional Development Policy including paid memberships to professional organizations to expand your knowledge base and increase your expertise.

• Professional Development Coaching: Whether you're looking to sharpen your leadership skills, uncover your strengths, or gain a fresh perspective on your career journey, this benefit is designed to empower you.

• The LAVY Awards recognize and reward excellence.

• Fun Committee and team-building events to foster collaboration within the agency.

• LAVIDGE has been named Arizona’s Top Advertising Agency and one of the state’s Best Places to Work.

• We’re committed to our community. Employees are encouraged to use up to 16 hours per year of paid company time to volunteer with charitable organizations through LAVIDGE IMPACT.

More about LAVIDGE

• LAVIDGE was founded in 1982, and we've grown to become one of Arizona's largest and most innovative agencies.

• Our mantra is "Strategically loud. Authentically human." We lead with strategy and humanity in everything we do.

• We're invested in you and your professional growth. Is it cliché? Yes. Do we mean it? Also yes. We want you to succeed, and we'll do what we can to help.

Interested in applying?

Tell us your story and what you can bring to the team by sending your cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to careers@lavidge.com.