Publicist/Senior Publicist, Thought Leadership & Books (4–6 Years Experience)

Who We Are Smith Publicity is an award-winning book publicity and thought leadership agency that helps business & lifestyle authors, speakers, and industry leaders build enduring platforms—not just launch books. For nearly 30 years, we’ve been trusted by publishers, entrepreneurs, and idea-driven leaders to bring important ideas into the public conversation through smart strategy, strong media relationships, and long-term positioning. Our work goes beyond publicity moments. We use books as a catalyst for sustained thought leadership, helping clients connect their ideas to media, speaking, digital platforms, and broader brand ecosystems. As we continue to evolve, Smith is intentionally building a culture—and a body of work—grounded in clarity, compassion, rigor, and continual growth. We are seeking an experienced publicist who is excited to operate at the intersection of books, ideas, and enduring influence. The Opportunity This role is ideal for a publicist with 4–6 years of experience who wants to move beyond transactional pitching and into strategic ownership of ideas, narratives, and platforms. As a Publicist/Senior Publicist at Smith, you will:

• Directly support and/or lead book launches within the context of broader thought leadership and brand strategy
• See the full picture—understanding the client’s ideas, goals, audience, and ecosystem
• Serve as a strategic partner to authors and experts, not just a campaign manager
• Work independently with trust, while collaborating closely with a seasoned, supportive team

You’ll have the freedom to think creatively and the responsibility to deliver with consistency, clarity, and care. What You’ll Do

• Lead nonfiction book and expert campaigns from strategic development through execution
• Develop tailored messaging, positioning, and media angles that honor both the book and the client’s broader platform
• Pitch and secure coverage across print, digital, broadcast, podcasts, newsletters, and expert commentary opportunities
• Identify and act on opportunities beyond traditional book coverage, including trend-driven, timely, and thought leadership placements
• Serve as the primary client contact, communicating clearly and consistently through campaign updates, calls, and strategy discussions
• Act as a sounding board and strategic guide through select brand elevation and marketing initiatives in support of the book launch and beyond (i.e. pre-order strategies, book incorporation into digital presence, network engagement, speaker positioning, etc.)
• Collaborate with clients, colleagues, and partners to adapt complex ideas into compelling, accessible media narratives
• Track results, navigate challenges transparently, and refine strategy as campaigns evolve

Who You Are

• A thoughtful, strategic publicist with 4–6 years of experience in PR or publicity, ideally including nonfiction books, experts, or thought leaders
• Interested in shaping ideas and narratives—not just securing placements
• A strong, confident writer and communicator who can translate big ideas into compelling media angles
• Media-savvy and news-aware, with good instincts for relevance, timing, and long-term positioning
• Organized, self-directed, and comfortable owning multiple campaigns at once
• Curious, collaborative, and eager to grow your strategic skill set
• Comfortable working directly with high-level authors, entrepreneurs, and subject-matter experts

Experience with Cision and/or MuckRack and familiarity with social media, newsletters, or brand/platform strategy is a plus.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, ranging from $65,000 to $75,000 annually
• Comprehensive benefits including medical (Horizon BCBS of NJ), dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) through Mutual of Omaha
• Flexible, remote-first work environment with the option to work up to three days a week from our Cherry Hill, NJ office
• Generous paid time off, sick time, and a full agency closure at year-end
• A culture that genuinely supports flexibility, inclusivity, and life outside of work
• Ongoing professional development through internal training, leadership access, outside experts, and real-time campaign learning
• The opportunity to help shape the future of Smith as we continue to evolve as a leading thought leadership agency

Why Smith Publicity Smith is a place for publicists who want to think beyond launch week, build meaningful relationships with their clients, colleagues and industry peers, and help ideas travel farther. We value quality over volume, strategy over noise, and trust over micromanagement. If you’re ready to grow as a publicist—and as a strategist—while doing work that has depth and impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job