Wesleyan University is hiring: Publicist, Wesleyan University Press in Middletow

Founded in 1957, Wesleyan University Press has an editorial program that focuses on poetry, music, dance, and Connecticut history and culture. Our internationally renowned poetry series has garnered five Pulitzer Prizes, a Bollingen, and two National Book Awards.

The mission of Wesleyan University Press is to develop and maintain a sound and vigorous publishing program that serves the academic ends and intellectual life of the University.

Reporting to the Marketing Manager of the press, the Publicist is responsible for promoting the press, its authors, and approximately 18 new titles annually through regional, national, and international media. The Publicist is the key person responsible for developing contacts in the media (print, TV, and electronic) and for implementing electronic marketing. The Publicist supervises 2-3 work-study students.

Specific duties include:

• Identifies the best and most appropriate audience for new titles.
• Researches, organizes, and develops media lists and contacts.
• Researches and writes publicity materials.
• Develops and maintains the press database of media contacts.
• Generates digital proof and reviews copy mailings.
• Arranges meetings with media editors and makes publicity visits as appropriate.
• Manages press nominations for book awards.
• Works closely with authors to maintain consistent messaging.
• Conducts meetings to pitch author events.
• Designs and schedules social media posts.
• Travels to exhibits, author signings, and conferences where responsibilities include running special author events, setting up and staffing book displays.
• Organizes book signings and other author events.
• Maintains database management systems containing Wesleyan University Press information, publishing industry contacts, and awards.
• Oversees social media posts and press blog.
• Meets with Marketing Manager monthly for planning and support.
• Assists Director and Marketing Manager with miscellaneous marketing requests; coordinating and communicating with other press departments.
• Orders office supplies and pays relevant invoices.
• Oversees student workers within Publicity department.

This position is required to work on campus.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Knowledge of publicity in the Publishing industry.
• Knowledge of design software.
• Knowledge of social media platforms.
• Possess desktop computer skills including the fundamental use of internet, and Microsoft Office (Word and Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse groups and build networks.
• Effective communication skills with a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
• Available for occasional overnight travel within the US.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with database management systems.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and FileMaker.
• Knowledge of the following fields: poetry, music, dance, preferred.
• Knowledge of content creation for social media and blog posts.
• Experience with scheduling social media.
• Experience supervising student workers.

Position is open until filled. For full consideration please apply by November 4, 2024 when first review of applications will begin.

As part of your application, please upload a cover letter and resume.

Compensation: $26.05-$30.51

Work Location: On Campus

All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate's completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.

Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University's Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html.

Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html

Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.

Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.