Notre Dame Press

The University of Notre Dame Press, a leading publisher in religion, philosophy, political science, history, medieval studies, and Latin American studies, seeks a creative and collaborative Publicist. 

The Publicist will generate publicity campaigns, promotional copy, and innovative outreach strategies for approximately 55 books per year, collaborating across departments to expand the impact of books and authors. This position works closely with Press authors, serving as the primary author liaison for the marketing department and providing support and guidance in pitching op eds, interviews, book events, and other content to broaden the reach of each publication.

This position reports to the Assistant Director of the Press and is an integral member of the marketing team, which works collaboratively to meet annual revenue goals and enhance the reach and reputation of Notre Dame Press and the University of Notre Dame.

The University of Notre Dame Press operates on a hybrid work schedule. Since the Publicist organizes and leads local events, candidates with a willingness to be located in the South Bend area are preferred, but experienced remote candidates will be considered.

Anticipated salary range: $52,000–65,000, commensurate with experience

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Crafts and implements comprehensive publicity strategies for 55 new academic and trade (or general interest) books each year, allocating appropriate Press resources based on potential impact

• Serves as the primary author contact for marketing and publicity efforts

• Writes and edits persuasive promotional copy for books, including descriptive copy, press releases, blog posts, and other written materials

• Solicits advance praise (blurbs) for books and submits books for relevant awards

• Secures book reviews and coverage, including pitching relevant media outlets, arranging author interviews, and supplying requested materials

• Builds strong relationships with local, national, and international media outlets; scholarly journals; and campus communication partners

• Supports authors in arranging and publicizing book launches and readings, independent bookstore events, and virtual and in-person book symposia

• Represents the Press at academic conferences and local author events 

• Tracks and reports on media and social media coverage for the Press and specific books

• Working closely with the Exhibits and Digital Marketing Program Manager, promotes author events, media hits, and other book coverage on the Press’s social media networks

• Regularly evaluates the impact of publicity efforts, including remaining up to date on publicity and social media innovations and best practices

• Working closely with the Assistant Director, implements communications strategies to enhance the reputation of the Press as a whole

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

• 2 years of relevant marketing, communications, or publishing experience at a publisher, university, or non-profit

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging initiatives

• Team player who sees the success of the Press and colleagues as integral to their own success

• Superior written and verbal communications skills

• Strong project management skills, including demonstrated ability to balance competing demands and deadlines

• Excellent attention to detail

• Ability to build relationships and interact with a variety of stakeholders

• Good technical skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, and willingness to learn other programs as needed 

• Ability to travel and work occasional weekends or evenings as related to events

• Valid driver’s license

 

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in marketing or communications with a university press or trade book publisher

• Familiarity with WordPress or other website management platforms, MailChimp or other email marketing platforms, and social media tools and strategies

• Basic knowledge of graphic software like Adobe Creative Suite or Canva

• Ability to move boxes of books weighing 40 pounds

The University of Notre Dame Press, the largest Catholic university press in the world, publishes academic and general interest books that engage the most enduring questions of our time. We believe in the power of research to advance knowledge and impact lives, and of our books to connect scholars, experts, students, and readers in order to encourage intellectual exploration and enrich conversations on campus, across the country, and around the world.

The Press primarily publishes in areas that align with the academic strengths of the University of Notre Dame, including religion, philosophy, political science, history, medieval studies, and Latin American studies. Through reviews, scholarly citations, and translations, our books extend the reach and reputation of the University.

The University of Notre Dame Press is committed to maintaining an innovative and sustainable publishing program that makes accessible the ideas of today’s leading experts while fostering the next generation of scholars and thinkers. Although the world is confronted by an increasing number of imposing challenges, our books and authors are a powerful force for good in the world.