Are you a creative public relations expert with a passion for beautiful books? Do you know what it takes to make a Christian market title a bestseller? Are you excited to collaborate with top-tier authors and agents? If so, we want you on our team!

At HarperCollins Christian Publishing, our gift divisions—Thomas Nelson and Zondervan—are at the forefront of creating inspiring, high-design Christian gift books that resonate with readers worldwide. We specialize in publishing a wide range of meaningful, beautifully crafted titles including devotionals, seasonal gift books, lifestyle books, and more. From bestselling authors like Max Lucado, Lysa TerKeurst, Emily Ley, Sadie Robertson Huff, and David Jeremiah, to beloved brands, our imprint is dedicated to publishing works that uplift and transform lives.

The Publicity Director works with an outstanding selection of content creators in an exciting, fast-paced environment, developing and executing exceptional PR campaigns, securing coverage across broadcast, print, online, and other digital media. This position works closely with our top-performing marketing team and the VP of marketing to ensure the highest level of visibility of our authors and content.  

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop targeted publicity campaigns for 18-20 authored titles annually and general awareness campaigns for 8-10 proprietary titles.
• Identify media opportunities for authors/books, creating tailored pitches and press releases for each outlet.
• Pitch and secure media coverage across print, radio, digital, podcasts, and TV for author/titles.
• Build and maintain media relationships (national, regional, and local) to support ongoing coverage.
• Write and distribute Marketing and Publicity Updates (MPUs) on a set schedule.
• Collaborate with marketing and publicity teams across HCCP to align strategies and share insights.
• Assess project viability early in development, considering author platform, media interest, pitch angles, and content opportunities for sales meetings.
• Research and expand media contacts to discover new outlets for coverage.
• Create PR plans, sales presentations, and materials for key sales conferences.
• Represent the Gift Dept at industry events, including conferences, media pitching trips, author appearances, and book signings.
• Set measurable publicity goals for each project, managing author expectations through clear, consistent communication.
• Coordinate author media tours, managing schedules and logistics.
• Oversee publicity budgets for assigned titles, ensuring alignment with overall marketing goals.
• Research and manage external publicity firms as needed for specific projects.
• Travel as necessary.

Knowledge:

Working knowledge of crafting and delivering professional pitches and news releases to national media outlets. Knowledge of media contact and engagement platforms such as Meltwater and Cision required; proven success with digital PR outlets required.

Work Experience: 7+ years working in public relations and/or transferrable work experience with an emphasis placed on booking top-tier media in both traditional and digital outlets. 3+ year’s national media pitching experience is desired booking top-line media in both traditional and digital outlets.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, Communications, Journalism or related field.

Industry Knowledge: Keen understanding of publicity and its function is required. Christian book publishing experience with established media contacts in Christian and general market media arenas preferred.

Skills: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail oriented and highly organized.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically.
• Strong project management skills.
• Proficiency in making presentations to small and large groups.
• Ability to write strong/winning media pitches.
• Ability to work within a highly collaborative team environment is essential.
• Basic budget skills.

The salary range for this position is $95,000 – $120,000. We recognize that attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company.  As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure we are able to attract the best candidates.  The quoted salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what our ideal candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on the selected candidate's experience, industry knowledge, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the interview process.  

In addition to cash compensation, the company provides a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, with a variety of physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits, including "elective" benefits employees may select to best fit the needs and personal situations of our diverse workforce.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.