Senior publicist, HCCB (12 month FTC)

Location: London

Start date: The fixed-term contract is due to start in early 2027.

Build high-profile campaigns for children’s authors and brands, from media coverage and events to author tours.

With a history stretching back over 200 years, HarperCollins is the second largest consumer book publisher in the world. Here at HarperCollins UK, we publish around 1,500 books a year for readers of all ages and interests.

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 stake holders. 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.
• To 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.
• To be aware of HarperCollins diversity and inclusion policies and to 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

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries.

Please make sure that you state in your application that you found this role via Creative Access.