Job Opening
 

Responsibilities
Publicity Strategy and Development:
• Serve as a dynamic consumer advocate and create publicity strategies and tactics with the marketing mission utmost in mind—“to identify, understand, engage, and motivate consumers.”
• Plan and implement publicity campaigns from start to finish including author tours, book signings, book fairs and publicity events.
• Manage and direct outside agencies or freelancers for maximum media penetration.
• Manage proactive and reactive media relations including setting up author interviews, responding to media requests, coordinating public relations for new titles, or creating and making PR pitches to media segments.
• Collaborate and coordinate efforts with PR representatives at HarperChildren’s and partnering organizations.
• Lead Zonderkidz publicity efforts at all trade conventions, plan and stage author events.
• Maintain and develop Christian and mainstream media relationships.
• Utilize primary communication vehicles including new announcement catalogs, pre-pub galleys, F&Gs, product samples, samplers, news releases, media kits, book mailings, electronic and phone pitches to select media. Write, prepare and assemble press materials.
• Consistently receive reviews in key publications for Zonderkidz including Children’s Ministry magazine, The Horn Book, Publisher’s Weekly, Parent Magazine, Child Magazine and more.
• Work with authors and media in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Make pitches and schedule author media interviews and encourage print reviews.
• Identify publicity opportunities for Zonderkidz and its products and authors in trade, general market and consumer media.
• Measure, analyze and report on media coverage as appropriate.
• Regularly update the Zonderkidz News Room on the Zondervan website and on SharePoint.

M&P Budget:
• Manages the PR budget wisely, timely, and comprehensively to guarantee that Zondervan is receiving the best value for its marketing investments.
• Maintain detailed account of expenditures, review Open-to-Buy report with the promotions manager, estimate future expenditures with Senior Director of Marketing and VP of Marketing.
• Approve and process vendor invoices.

Other:
• Accountable for projects delegated by Vice President.
• Travel as necessary.
• Fosters a healthy environment for internal departments, external partners and vendors working together.
• To effectively create and implement publicity plans on-time and on-budget to gain increased market share and category leadership.
 
Knowledge/Experience
• 7 years of PR experience required
• B.A. in journalism, communications
• Working knowledge of children’s publishing market
• Marketing, advertising or public relations background
• Solid understanding of Bible and its impact on culture
• Competence managing significant budgets
 
Skills
• Ability to think strategically and creatively
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent communication and networking skills
• Internet experience
• Strong computer skills—Word and Excel
• Able to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage budget
• Effective copy writer
 
Personal Characteristics
• Impeccable character
• Good interpersonal skills
• Capable of meeting schedules
• Creative
• Passionate about Christian resources
• Flexibility
• Team player
• Organized and decisive
• Self-starter, highly motivated
• Anticipate problems, proactive
• Creative and innovative
• Handle pressure/deadlines
• Energetic
 

Hours: Hours 8:00am – 5:00pm, M-F   
 

TO APPLY, please complete our online application form.

TO APPLY via mail please send a letter of interest and a personal resume to:
VH-HR
Zondervan
5300 Patterson SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49530