Publicist, Penguin Press ( 12-month-FTC) in London

Do you want to help bring world-changing ideas to millions of readers? Penguin Press is looking for an ambitious, creative and commercially minded Publicist to join our award-winning team on a 12-month fixed-term contract, covering parental leave. You’ll lead ambitious publicity campaigns for books that spark debate, shape public conversation, become bestsellers and leave a lasting cultural impact.

About the team: Penguin Press is home to Allen Lane, Pelican, Particular Books and the world-famous Penguin Classics. We publish many of today’s most influential writers, thinkers and cultural voices alongside future classics. Our reputation is built on editorial excellence, outstanding design and books of lasting cultural significance.

This role works across the breadth of Penguin Press.

The role: No two campaigns are the same. One week you might be arranging a major broadcast interview for a bestselling historian; the next, launching a political book, organising an international author tour or finding an unexpected audience for a brilliant new idea. You’ll spot opportunities to connect books with breaking news, cultural moments and public debate, creating campaigns that bring big ideas to broad audiences. We’re looking for someone who combines creativity with excellent judgement, thinks strategically, communicates brilliantly and enjoys collaborating with others. You’ll lead integrated publicity campaigns from first idea to final result, working closely with authors, agents and colleagues across Editorial, Marketing and Sales. You’ll understand today’s media landscape across print, broadcast, podcasts, digital and social media, and know how to generate standout coverage through original ideas, trusted relationships and excellent execution. We’re looking for someone who embraces creative risk, learns from experimentation and is excited to keep developing. You’ll join a team that values curiosity, creative ambition, generous collaboration and continuous learning, where people are encouraged to think critically, challenge constructively and support one another to do their best work.

You don’t need publishing experience. We welcome applications from publishing, media, arts, theatre, communications and other creative industries.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead ambitious publicity campaigns across print, broadcast, podcasts, digital and social media.
• Develop original campaign ideas that maximise commercial and cultural impact.
• Build trusted relationships with authors, agents, journalists, broadcasters, influencers and event partners.
• Work collaboratively with Editorial, Marketing, Sales and Rights to deliver integrated campaigns.
• Identify opportunities to connect books with breaking news, cultural moments, public debate and emerging audiences.
• Plan and deliver author events, tours and promotional activity, managing budgets effectively.
• Write compelling press releases, pitches and campaign materials.
• Evaluate campaigns, share insights and apply learning to future work.
• Contribute to a collaborative, ambitious team culture where creativity, experimentation and continuous learning flourish.
• Demonstrate excellent judgement, accountability and a willingness to challenge constructively in pursuit of outstanding results.

What you’ll bring - Essential criteria:

• Experience delivering successful publicity campaigns in a creative industry, ideally at Press Officer or Senior Press Officer level.
• Excellent relationships with media contacts.
• A track record of generating standout coverage through creativity, strategic thinking and strong execution.
• Excellent news judgement and a strong interest in current affairs, ideas and culture.
• Confidence building trusted relationships with authors, agents and colleagues.
• Excellent communication, organisation and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Curiosity about the changing media landscape across traditional and emerging platforms.
• A genuine passion for books, ideas and the power of publishing to shape culture.

Disability Confident: As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt-in on their application form. The essential criteria for this role are listed as part of the ‘What you’ll bring’ section. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot take all eligible candidates to interview. We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable with, for us to support your request.

How to apply: Please apply with your CV and a cover letter by 11:59pm on Sunday 26th of July 2026. As part of your cover letter, please answer the following question: Tell us about an idea that has changed the way you see the world. It could come from a book, article, podcast, campaign, exhibition, film or cultural moment. Why did it resonate, and why do you think it deserves wider attention? (300 words maximum). We’re looking for someone to join as soon as possible, but we’re happy to accommodate a reasonable notice period for the right candidate. We believe in the power of authenticity and human creativity. We want to hear your ideas, experiences and voice. While AI tools can be useful, please use them thoughtfully and ensure your application reflects you.

Salary: Circa £39,000, depending on skills and experience, plus bonus and benefits.

Hybrid working: Our office days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and we expect everyone in this role to work from our Embassy Gardens office on those days. You can work remotely on the remaining two working days where appropriate.