Responsibilities

• Own and lead, in consultation with the CEO and COO, the Authors Guild’s external media strategy, setting priorities, messaging, and proactive outreach plans that elevate the organization’s profile across national and trade media.
• Serve as the organization’s primary point of contact for the press, managing all incoming media requests and serving as gatekeeper for interview and information requests directed to Guild leadership and staff.
• Build and sustain relationships with journalists, editors, and producers across print, broadcast, radio, and podcast outlets, building and maintaining a current network of media contacts in all four formats.
• Draft and distribute press releases, statements, talking points, and media advisories in response to breaking news and organizational announcements.
• Pitch story ideas and commentary opportunities to secure placements that reach both industry and general audiences, particularly outlets covering books, publishing, journalism, and the literary world.
• Develop strategies to expand coverage of the Guild in national media.
• Prepare Guild leadership and staff for interviews, including briefing materials, message development, and media training.
• Monitor media coverage and the broader publishing and literary news landscape, identifying opportunities and risks and advising leadership accordingly.
• Manage relationships with PR agencies, freelance consultants, and other external communications partners as needed.
• Edit and draft web content and blogs, statements, and updates for the Authors Guild newsletter and news feed.

Requirements

• 6-8 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or communications, with a track record of leading media strategy for an organization, publisher, agency, or media company.
• Active, established relationships with media contacts across print (newspapers, magazines, trade publications), broadcast television, radio, and podcasts, with the ability to secure coverage across all platforms.
• Extensive knowledge of the books and journalism landscape, including the journalists, critics, editors, and outlets that cover publishing, authors, and the literary industry.
• Demonstrated success developing and placing stories, op-eds, and commentary with national and trade media.
• Strong, demonstrated writing ability, including a track record of writing and placing op-eds and opinion pieces on behalf of an organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting press releases, statements, talking points, and pitch materials.
• Experience preparing executives or spokespeople for media interviews and high-stakes public moments.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to respond quickly and strategically to breaking developments.
• Experience managing press logistics for high-profile events, including on-site media coordination.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred

• Prior experience working within or closely alongside the publishing industry or journalism.
• Familiarity with the policy issues affecting authors, including copyright, artificial intelligence, and freedom of expression.
• Experience managing communications staff, freelancers, or outside PR agencies.
• Existing personal relationships with authors, publishers, or news outlets.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Hybrid work schedule option with NYC office presence.