Independent Publishers Group is hiring: Sports Publicist in Chicago

Overview

The Sports Publicist’s primary purpose is to coordinate and execute a variety of book publicity campaigns for high quality trade non-fiction titles for both adults and children from Triumph Books, America’s top publisher of sports books.

The Sports Publicist’s main objective is to garner attention for new frontlist titles each season in all media formats—print, online, TV, and radio. The position involves significant amounts of sports media and author interaction and requires solid knowledge and understanding of the sports media landscape.

Responsibilities and Duties

· Manage publicity for 25-30 Triumph Books titles, often concurrently, in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

· Submit all Triumph Books titles to book trade publications

· Coordinate all aspects of title campaigns: writing press materials; securing media across all platforms including TV, radio, print, online, podcasts, and reviewers

· Cultivate new media contacts while maintaining current relationships

· Work with Director of Author Engagement to formulate book tour plans for each title

· Inform Triumph colleagues and IPG sales team of upcoming book publicity that can be shared with accounts

· Participate in meetings with authors to contribute publicity plans and provide feedback

Qualifications

· Experience: A minimum of 3 years of prior relevant work experience, ideally within media/public relations, marketing and/or book publishing, is required.

· Passion for sports with a keen understanding of sports vernacular and the sports media landscape

· Specific skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, exceptional organization skills, a strong eye for detail and the ability to multi-task efficiently. Experience with Microsoft Office suite a must; experience with media tracking and project management software a plus.

· Personal characteristics: A motivated self-starter, a passion for sports and books, and a keen interest in public relations and news content creation. A self-starter who understands the value of teamwork.

· Certifications: none required.

· Licenses: none required.

· Physical abilities: Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time, bend, and lift up to 20lbs.

· Travel requirements: less than 5% of the time.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

About the Company

Triumph Books is the nation’s leading sports book publisher. Founded in 1989, the Chicago-based independent publisher is committed to building relationships at all levels, consistently raising the bar for its customers and partners.

Triumph's catalog includes a wide range of titles, from biographies, memoirs, and reference books to “instant” collectible keepsakes that celebrate Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup, and other national championships. Its "instant" program also features a mix of timely video game and entertainment titles.

Triumph works with the most respected and celebrated players, coaches, broadcasters, and writers in college and professional sports, as well as prominent and respected media groups such as the New York Times, the Boston Globe, and the Chicago Tribune.

Triumph's titles are distributed by Independent Publishers Group to a variety of channels, including trade book retailers, mass merchants, warehouse clubs, grocery stores, pharmacies, sporting goods stores, and specialty stores.

Employee Benefits

All full-time, regular employees (more than 30 hours per week) are eligible for the following benefit programs on the first day of the month following 30 calendar days of full-time employment.

· Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Health Insurance (HMO, PPO, and HSA)

· Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental Plan (DPPO)

· VSP Vision Insurance

· Guardian Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Supplemental Insurance

· Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts

· Pre-Tax Transit & Parking Plan

· $50,000 Life Insurance*

· Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)

· Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance*

· Employee Assistance Program*

· 401(k) plan with 4% company match, 100% vested, Traditional 401(k) and Roth

Fringe Benefits

· Bonus potentials

· 9 company paid holidays

· Over 4 weeks’ paid time off during year one of employment (pro-rated on hire date)

· Eligible for early dismissal on Friday’s during the summer months