Senior Marketing & Publicity Associate

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Marketing & Publicity Associate

🔹 Company: Sourcebooks

🔹 Location: New York, NY (Remote)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Book and Periodical Publishing

🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote from AZ, CT, IL, LA, MA, MD, MN, NJ, NY, NV, OR, PA, TN, TX, WA, WI)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Crafting and executing creative marketing and publicity campaigns for children's books
• Managing author relationships and leading social media efforts
• Coordinating author events and building relationships with media outlets
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive book sales and brand love

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of creativity, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills. It's ideal for candidates passionate about children's literature and eager to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Craft and execute creative, high-visibility marketing and publicity campaigns that drive buzz and book sales

✅ Manage author and agent relationships with warmth, responsiveness, and a collaborative spirit

✅ Lead and grow the social media presence for Stonefruit Studio, including content creation, calendar management, and community engagement

✅ Build author platforms with tailored growth strategies that connect directly with readers

✅ Collaborate with the performance marketing team to integrate organic and paid strategies

✅ Pitch to national and regional media outlets, and build strong, ongoing relationships with press and influencers

✅ Plan and coordinate author events &8212; from school visits to book tours and virtual appearances &8212; occasionally traveling to support major moments

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and relationship-building. Successful candidates will be comfortable working independently and in collaboration with various teams.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, English, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 3+ years of experience in consumer-facing marketing, publicity, or brand development (ideally in book publishing or a lifestyle/entertainment-related industry)

Required Skills:

• Proven experience managing social media platforms and creating engaging content
• Strong copywriting skills across formats: media pitches, marketing copy, press releases, and digital assets
• Excellent verbal communication skills and comfort pitching, presenting, and championing titles
• Familiarity with design and video tools such as Canva, CapCut, and other relevant software
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to stay organized, agile, and creative in a fast-moving environment

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or After Effects
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a genuine love for children's literature and a strong portfolio showcasing their marketing and publicity skills will be most competitive for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000/year

Benefits:

• Medical/Prescription drug insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• 401(k)
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life/AD&D Insurance
• Generous paid time off

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible hours and occasional travel for author events

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is competitive for the book publishing industry and reflects the mid-level experience required for this role. Benefits are comprehensive and reflect Sourcebooks' commitment to employee well-being.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Book and Periodical Publishing. Sourcebooks is a fiercely independent publisher focused on changing lives through books since 1987.

Company Size: 201-500 employees. Sourcebooks offers the benefits of a mid-sized company, providing ample opportunities for growth and collaboration while maintaining a close-knit, entrepreneurial culture.

Founded: 1987. Sourcebooks has a rich history in the publishing industry and has evolved to become a leader in digital innovation and e-commerce.

Company Description:

• Sourcebooks is an entrepreneurial book publisher bound together by the idea that books change lives.
• They work with a diverse group of authors, illustrators, booksellers, librarians, industry partners, educators, and others to create a vibrant future for books.
• Sourcebooks is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity.

Company Specialties:

• Books
• Authors
• Marketing
• Digital
• Ebooks
• Poetry
• E-commerce
• Publishing

Company Website: Sourcebooks

ASSUMPTION: Sourcebooks' commitment to innovation and collaboration creates an exciting work environment for creative professionals. Their focus on diversity and inclusion ensures a welcoming and supportive workplace.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Level. This role is ideal for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in marketing or publicity, seeking to grow their career in the publishing industry.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing & Publicity Director and works closely with cross-functional teams, including editorial, sales, and digital marketing.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid. This role can be based in the New York City office or fully remote from select states. Occasional travel is required for author events.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Sourcebooks continues to grow, there may be opportunities for advancement within the marketing and publicity department or other areas of the company.
• Candidates with strong performance and a desire to take on additional responsibilities may be considered for promotions or new roles.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the dynamic and innovative environment of Sourcebooks.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. Sourcebooks has offices in Naperville, IL, New York, NY, and Millford, CT. This role can be based in the New York City office or fully remote from select states.

Office Location(s): 1935 Brookdale Road, Ste. 139, Naperville, IL 60563, US; 232 Madison Ave., Ste 1100, New York, NY 10016, US; 18 Cherry Street Suite 1W, Millford, CT 06460, US

Geographic Context:

• New York, NY: A vibrant and diverse city with a rich cultural scene and a thriving publishing industry.
• Remote (select states): Offers flexibility and the opportunity to work from home while collaborating with a remote team.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible hours and occasional travel for author events

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and remote options provide candidates with the flexibility to balance their personal and professional lives while still enjoying the benefits of a collaborative office environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the HR team
• First-round interview with the Marketing & Publicity Director
• Second-round interview with the hiring team, including cross-functional stakeholders
• Final interview with the President and CEO

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creativity and strategic thinking
• Communication skills and ability to pitch ideas
• Portfolio and sample work
• Alignment with Sourcebooks' mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your marketing and publicity experience, as well as your passion for children's literature.
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your social media campaigns, marketing materials, press releases, and other relevant work.
• Be ready to discuss your ideas for marketing and publicity campaigns during the interview process.

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Publicity, Brand Development, Social Media Management, Content Creation, Copywriting, Communication, Media Relations, Event Planning, Collaboration, Creativity, Organization, Agility, Storytelling, Kidlit Knowledge, Design Tools Familiarity

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Sourcebooks is designed to assess candidates' skills, creativity, and cultural fit. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate their passion for children's literature and their ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Canva
• CapCut
• Premiere Pro (optional)
• Final Cut (optional)
• After Effects (optional)
• Social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, Twitter)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is preferred but not required. Successful candidates will be eager to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Innovation and creativity
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Customer focus

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Flexible and adaptable
• Results-driven and accountable

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with Sourcebooks' mission and values?
• Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project or campaign. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
• How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with authors, agents, and other stakeholders in the publishing industry?

ASSUMPTION: Sourcebooks values candidates who are passionate about their mission, committed to collaboration, and eager to embrace a fast-paced, innovative work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Adapting to changes in the publishing industry and market trends
• Occasional travel for author events
• Balancing creative and strategic thinking with tactical execution

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the fast-paced, dynamic nature of the publishing industry and provide opportunities for professional growth and development.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on marketing and publicity for children's books, particularly for the new Stonefruit Studio imprint.
• Compared to other marketing and publicity roles in the publishing industry, this position offers a greater emphasis on social media management and content creation.
• Career path comparison: This role is an excellent stepping stone for candidates seeking to advance their careers in marketing and publicity within the publishing industry.

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other marketing and publicity positions in the publishing industry, its unique focus on children's books and the innovative Stonefruit Studio imprint sets it apart.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a social media campaign to launch a new middle-grade novel, including creating engaging content, managing the content calendar, and engaging with the author and readers
• Pitching a picture book to national and regional media outlets, securing coverage in prominent publications, and building lasting relationships with press and influencers
• Planning and coordinating a virtual book tour for a debut YA author, including managing event logistics, promoting the events, and facilitating engaging discussions with readers

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and creative opportunities available in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role support Sourcebooks' mission to change lives through books?
• What are the most pressing marketing and publicity challenges facing the Stonefruit Studio imprint, and how can this role address them?
• How does Sourcebooks foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, and how can this role contribute to that environment?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the marketing and publicity department and the company as a whole?
• How does Sourcebooks approach work-life balance, particularly for remote employees?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to Sourcebooks' mission and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your marketing and publicity experience, as well as your passion for children's literature.
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your social media campaigns, marketing materials, press releases, and other relevant work.
• Be ready to discuss your ideas for marketing and publicity campaigns during the interview process.
• Follow up with the hiring team one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.