At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative PR campaigns for top authors and brands in children's publishing.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at HarperCollins Children's Books.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the literary world while building strong industry connections.
- Qualifications: Experience in press office or publishing, with excellent communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Please note: this vacancy will close once 200 applications have been received. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
The Senior Publicist will implement and deliver innovative media and event campaigns working alongside the Head of Publicity for authors and brands across the HarperCollins Children’s Books portfolio including Harper Fire. They will create and maintain strong working relationships with authors, agents, sales, and wider industry stakeholders. Working closely with the wider Marketing and PR team, directed by the Marketing & PR Director, the Senior Publicist will work to drive profitable sales and raise and maintain the profile of our authors and illustrators.
Key Responsibilities
- Implement creative national PR campaigns including tier 1 authors and brands.
- Create tailored campaigns for each author/brand pitching for feature and review coverage across broadcast, print and digital as well as securing events and author tours (some weekend and evening work required).
- Maintain author schedules, coordinate logistics, send marketing materials and book stock for all events and author tours.
- Manage external agencies, freelancers and stakeholders to ensure campaigns are carried out to a high standard.
- Manage financial budgets accordingly and bring campaigns in on budget.
- Work closely with the editorial team, agents and authors to ensure strong relationships are maintained.
- Maintain a wide range of media contacts including trade contacts, feature editors, broadcast, and social media influencers.
- Represent HCCB when required at book conferences, librarian conferences and other industry occasions.
- Attend regular meetings with journalists and influencers, growing a network of contacts.
- With the support of the Head of Publicity draft, assist and distribute press releases and media statements with clear comms and timeline to internal and external stakeholders.
- Support the Head of Publicity with campaign work offering administrative support when needed.
- Be aware of HarperCollins diversity and inclusion policies and adhere across campaigns and interactions with colleagues.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Excellent organisational skills
- Strong relationship building skills
- Collaborative team player
- Previous press office and/or publishing experience
- Strong understanding of the UK media landscape across print, broadcast and digital
- Excellent contacts with children’s media, booksellers and literary influencers
HarperCollins operates a hybrid working policy where employees are expected to work from our London office three days per week.
If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position, please contact recruitment@harpercollins.co.uk with the subject line 'Vacancy Query' followed by the job title. We aim to respond within 5 working days.
Senior Publicist, HCCB (12 month FTC) in London employer: HarperCollins UK
At HQ Digital, we pride ourselves on being a vibrant and innovative digital-first publisher that champions creativity and growth. As an Assistant Editor, you'll be part of a dynamic team that not only values your contributions but also offers ample opportunities for professional development in the exciting world of commercial fiction. With a supportive work culture and a commitment to nurturing talent, HQ Digital is the perfect place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the publishing industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Publicist, HCCB (12 month FTC) in London
✨Join PR Communities
Get involved in local PR groups or online communities where professionals gather to share opportunities and insights. Engage in conversations on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn—spotting temporary roles often happens in these spaces.
✨Attend PR Events
Look for industry events, workshops, or conferences that focus on public relations. Not only will you learn from the pros, but you might also meet someone who's looking for temporary help, which is perfect for a gig like this!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Create a portfolio that highlights any past PR work, campaigns, or even university projects. Share it on your social media or PR forums—you want to make sure your great work is visible when the right temporary role comes up.
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
When you spot a temporary PR role with companies like HarperCollins UK, don't hesitate to apply directly through our website. You'll be on the front line, making it easier for you to get noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Publicist, HCCB (12 month FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:When you're applying for a temporary role in public relations, your cover letter is your chance to show off your passion for the field. Highlight any relevant PR experience you have, even if it's just through internships or volunteer work. Tell us why you're excited about the opportunity at HarperCollins UK and how you can help make an impact, even in a short time!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Public relations is all about communicating effectively, so make sure your CV reflects this! Use clear, concise language and showcase any writing samples you might have, such as press releases, blog posts, or social media campaigns. Including a link to a portfolio could really set you apart from other candidates.
Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see how quickly you can jump in and start contributing. Mention past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or quickly adapted to changing situations. It’s these qualities that will show us you can thrive at HarperCollins UK even on a short-term basis!
Research HarperCollins UK and the Industry:Before submitting your application, take some time to learn about HarperCollins UK and its approach to PR. Mention anything specific you like about their campaigns or strategies in your cover letter. This extra effort shows us you're genuinely interested and ready to bring your unique perspective to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HarperCollins UK
✨Brush Up on Your Crisis Management Skills
In public relations, handling crises is key. Be ready to discuss past situations where you managed communication challenges effectively. Bring examples that showcase your quick thinking and strategic response – they want to see you in action!
✨Show Off Your Portfolio of Campaigns
Since this is a temporary role, showcasing your portfolio is crucial. Make sure you have a collection of your best press releases, campaign plans, or media coverage. You want to prove you can hit the ground running and bring valuable experience to HarperCollins UK right away!
✨Know Your Media Landscape
A strong PR candidate should be familiar with the media landscape. Brush up on key journalists, publications, and current trends in communications. Think about how you’d tailor messages to different media outlets – you might get asked about this during the interview!
✨Be Ready to Discuss Networking Strategies
Networking is a big part of PR work, especially in a temporary role. Be prepared to chat about your previous networking experiences or how you plan to build key relationships quickly at HarperCollins UK. They’ll want to know you can create buzz and leverage your connections immediately!
