Publicist

About Pushkin Industries

Pushkin Industries is dedicated to producing audio in any format that challenges listeners, encourages their curiosity, and inspires joy. Or, in other words: Good, Smart, Fun.

Founded in 2018, Pushkin has produced numerous podcasts that have broken into the top 10 on the Apple Podcasts chart, including Malcolm Gladwell’s hugely successful Revisionist History, as well as Against the Rules from Michael Lewis, Paul McCartney’s A Life in Lyrics, The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos, Broken Record, Tim Harford’s Cautionary Tales, The Last Archive, Deep Cover, Lost Hills and Apple’s Best Show of 2021, A Slight Change of Plans.

Pushkin’s audiobook catalog includes Steve Martin’s So Many Steves, Inside Voice by Lake Bell, the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen, Liar’s Poker by Michael Lewis, Fauci and Higher Animals by Michael Specter, Heartbreak by Florence Williams, and Malcolm Gladwell’s Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon, The Bomber Mafia, and Talking to Strangers.

About The Role

Pushkin is looking for a dynamic publicist to play a collaborative role across its broad slate of podcasts and growing audiobook publishing program. This person will be primarily responsible for supporting the launches of new podcasts/audiobooks and raising the awareness for seasonal and ongoing programs. They will work closely with the VP of Marketing to implement strategic PR initiatives to raise profile and audience for Pushkin’s programming, hosts and talent. The publicist will create compelling press materials, conduct media outreach, build media contact lists, and forge key relationships internally within the organization and externally across the media landscape. A passion for news, media and culture is crucial. Experience in the book publishing industry is preferred.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take on additional responsibility and further develop their skills as a communications professional in a fast-paced collaborative, supportive environment.

The ideal candidate is an ambitious, creative, hard-working networker and audio enthusiast. They are constantly learning, media-savvy, and emotionally intelligent with the ability to collaborate well with all personality types. This position reports to the VP of Marketing.

Primary Responsibilities

• Work closely with the VP of Marketing to design, execute, and monitor customized, comprehensive, and innovative earned media strategy plans for Pushkin podcasts and audiobooks to drive awareness, growth and sales
• Secure coverage of Pushkin content in a wide array of print, broadcast and digital media
• Cultivate strong relationships with media contacts
• Create compelling and well-written press materials including press releases, media alerts, pitch letters, bios, talking points and fact sheets
• Maintain and build media contact lists using media database tools such as Muckrack as well as social media for research
• Execute critical operational duties including status reports, media monitoring, and press tracking updates
• Collaborate with colleagues in production, marketing, and business departments around strategic goals and tactics
• Provide clear internal communications so that key stakeholders are up-to-date on PR activities
• Collaborate with hosts as well as marketing, production, and business colleagues to ensure consistent messaging across shows and the Pushkin brand
• Develop a solid understanding of the competitive podcast and audiobook publishing landscapes to develop compelling positioning
  
  

SKILLS + QUALIFICATIONS

The Ideal Candidate Will Have The Following

• 2-3 years of publicity experience, ideally in book publishing, podcasting, entertainment, or digital media
• Savvy knowledge of and authentic interest in the media landscape, as well as growing relationships with journalists, producers and key media professionals
• Proven expertise writing press materials, pitching and securing media
• Ambitious self-starter who displays confidence and adaptability in setting priorities, dealing with shifting deadlines, and seeking out new opportunities
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, team spirit, and positive attitude
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, discrete in confidential situations, and diplomatic and level-headed at all times
• A passion for podcasts, audiobooks and learning more about the industry
• Excellent organizational, attention to detail, and time-management skills
• Quick thinker, creative problem solver and expert multi-tasker
• Existing relationships with media contacts a plus
  
  

This is a full-time staff position that will be based in New York, NY with a hybrid work arrangement.

Compensation will comprise a base salary, full benefits (medical, dental, vision), and eligibility for an annual performance bonus. The base salary range for this role is $85,000 - $95,000. Pushkin employees have two weeklong company-wide holiday breaks where the entire company closes so that everyone can truly relax and recharge, an additional three weeks of paid vacation, paid holidays, and eligibility for parental leave.