Publicist, Penguin Press; FTC

Job Description

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.

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.

Recent and forthcoming authors include Owen Jones, Paul McCartney, Shon Faye, Sudhir Hazareesingh, Wolfram Eilenberger, Grady Hillhouse, Jackie Higgins, Richard Wilkinson and Rebecca Clifford.

This role works across the breadth of Penguin Press.

• 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.

• 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.

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…