Publicist at Media24 (Pty) Ltd

Key responsibilities

Reporting to the publicity manager, the publicist’s main responsibilities would include:

• Preparing and implementing publicity and marketing plans for the group’s Afrikaans and English Children and Youth titles
• Liaising with the media to obtain maximum positive publicity for titles in all forms of traditional, digital and social media as well as point of sale material
• Building and maintaining relationships with authors, media, booksellers and schools
• Arranging author tours and events at schools, other institutions and booksellers
• Working in conjunction with in-house editorial and sales departments
• Writing and coordinating marketing information for use in, among others, media releases, newsletters, internet marketing, social media, and internal communication
• Working within a designated marketing budget
• Supporting the publicity manager with general administration

Required skills & competencies

• Excellent written and verbal skills in Afrikaans and English (Multilingualism would be a recommendation)
• Excellent communication and networking skills
• Thorough understanding of the media, the general trade and schools’ markets
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Planning and organisational skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Creativity and innovation
• Ability to be persuasive and to negotiate effectively
• Problem-solving skills
• Drive and motivation to succeed
• Flexibility and the ability to react quickly and proactively to change
• Ability to focus and prioritise
• Attention to detail while seeing the bigger picture
• Ability to create an impact in the media while being attentive to costs
• Proficiency in relevant software packages and applications
• Logical thinker, good with administration
• Possession of a valid driver’s license

Required qualifications

Qualification

• Relevant tertiary qualification. 
• BA degree in language or journalism.
• Marketing qualification.

Experience

• Marketing or book trade experience.
• Exposure to a media environment.
• Exposure to book trade.
• Experience in book publicity or PR.

Prior knowledge

• Good general knowledge.
• Interest in books, reading and publishing in general.
• Knowledge of Children and Youth markets in South African.  
• Knowledge of the book trade.