Director of Communications

About the Authors Guild

The Authors Guild is the nation’s oldest and largest professional organization for writers, advocating for the rights and economic interests of all U.S. authors across the literary, journalistic, and publishing communities. The organization’s visibility and influence depend on a strong public profile across the media outlets that shape conversations about books, writing, and the publishing industry.

The Authors Guild seeks a Director of Communications to lead the organization’s external media strategy and serve as its primary voice to the press. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Communications will set and execute the organization’s media relations strategy, manage all incoming press requests, and oversee media engagement around the Guild’s events and public programming.

This is a high-visibility role for a seasoned communications professional with established relationships in the books and literary press, a proven ability to secure earned media coverage that advances the Guild’s mission and policy priorities, and the writing skill to represent the organization’s voice in print under its own byline and the voices of its leaders.

This position is based in New York City, with an expectation of two days per week working from the Authors Guild office and the remainder of the week remote, with flexibility for in-person media events, press briefings, and industry gatherings as needed.

• 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.
• Ghostwrite, co-write, or edit bylined commentary for Guild leadership for placement in national and trade outlets.
• Maintain a consistent organizational voice and tone across all written materials representing the Guild publicly.
• Write or edit and place op-eds and opinion pieces on behalf of the Authors Guild, representing the organization’s positions on issues such as copyright, AI and publishing, author contracts, and free expression.

• Strategize content and external communication with CEO and advocacy staff and manage content to publication.
• Strategize social media campaigns with staff and COO and oversee their execution.
• Oversee the development of communications materials including press kits, fact sheets, executive bios, and digital content supporting media outreach.
• Collaborate with the policy, advocacy, development, and membership teams to translate organizational priorities into compelling media narratives and written content.
• Partner with digital and social media staff to ensure…