About the Authors Guild
The Authors Guild is the nation’s oldest and largest professional organization for writers, advocating for the rights and economic interests of all U.S. authors across the literary, journalistic, and publishing communities. The organization’s visibility and influence depend on a strong public profile across the media outlets that shape conversations about books, writing, and the publishing industry.
Position Overview
The Authors Guild seeks a Director of Communications to lead the organization’s external media strategy and serve as its primary voice to the press. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Communications will set and execute the organization’s media relations strategy, manage all incoming press requests, and oversee media engagement around the Guild’s events and public programming.
This is a high-visibility role for a seasoned communications professional with established relationships in the books and literary press, a proven ability to secure earned media coverage that advances the Guild’s mission and policy priorities, and the writing skill to represent the organization’s voice in print under its own byline and the voices of its leaders.
This position is based in New York City, with an expectation of two days per week working from the Authors Guild office and the remainder of the week remote, with flexibility for in-person media events, press briefings, and industry gatherings as needed.
Key ResponsibilitiesMedia Relations & Strategy
- Own and lead, in consultation with the CEO and COO, the Authors Guild’s external media strategy, setting priorities, messaging, and proactive outreach plans that elevate the organization’s profile across national and trade media.
- Serve as the organization’s primary point of contact for the press, managing all incoming media requests and serving as gatekeeper for interview and information requests directed to Guild leadership and staff.
- Build and sustain relationships with journalists, editors, and producers across print, broadcast, radio, and podcast outlets, building and maintaining a current network of media contacts in all four formats.
- Draft and distribute press releases, statements, talking points, and media advisories in response to breaking news and organizational announcements.
- Pitch story ideas and commentary opportunities to secure placements that reach both industry and general audiences, particularly outlets covering books, publishing, journalism, and the literary world.
- Develop strategies to expand coverage of the Guild in national media.
- Prepare Guild leadership and staff for interviews, including briefing materials, message development, and media training.
- Monitor media coverage and the broader publishing and literary news landscape, identifying opportunities and risks and advising leadership accordingly.
- Manage relationships with PR agencies, freelance consultants, and other external communications partners as needed.
Writing: Blogs, Web Content, and Opinion Pieces
- Edit and draft web content and blogs, statements, and updates for the Authors Guild newsletter and news feed.
- Ghostwrite, co-write, or edit bylined commentary for Guild leadership for placement in national and trade outlets.
- Maintain a consistent organizational voice and tone across all written materials representing the Guild publicly.
- Write or edit and place op-eds and opinion pieces on behalf of the Authors Guild, representing the organization’s positions on issues such as copyright, AI and publishing, author contracts, and free expression.
Content Strategy, Production & Cross-Team Collaboration
- Strategize content and external communication with CEO and advocacy staff and manage content to publication.
- Strategize social media campaigns with staff and COO and oversee their execution.
- Oversee the development of communications materials including press kits, fact sheets, executive bios, and digital content supporting media outreach.
- Collaborate with the policy, advocacy, development, and membership teams to translate organizational priorities into compelling media narratives and written content.
- Partner with digital and social media staff to ensure consistent messaging across earned, owned, and shared channels.
Leadership & Planning
- Set the strategic direction for the communications function, including annual planning, budgeting, and measurement of media impact.
- Draft reports of media coverage for board meetings and the annual report.
- Build, mentor, and manage communications staff and/or external contractors as the team grows.
- Represent the Authors Guild at industry events, conferences, and press functions, maintaining an active presence within the publishing and journalism communities.
Press & Event Management
- Lead media planning and on-site press management for Authors Guild events, award programs, and public convenings, including press credentialing, briefings, and follow-up outreach.
- Coordinate with event staff to ensure press opportunities (interviews, photo and broadcast access, embargoed materials) are planned and executed smoothly.
- Develop event-specific media strategies that maximize coverage before, during, and after each program.
Required Qualifications
- 6-8 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or communications, with a track record of leading media strategy for an organization, publisher, agency, or media company.
- Active, established relationships with media contacts across print (newspapers, magazines, trade publications), broadcast television, radio, and podcasts, with the ability to secure coverage across all platforms.
- Extensive knowledge of the books and journalism landscape, including the journalists, critics, editors, and outlets that cover publishing, authors, and the literary industry.
- Demonstrated success developing and placing stories, op-eds, and commentary with national and trade media.
- Strong, demonstrated writing ability, including a track record of writing and placing op-eds and opinion pieces on behalf of an organization.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting press releases, statements, talking points, and pitch materials.
- Experience preparing executives or spokespeople for media interviews and high-stakes public moments.
- Strong news judgment and the ability to respond quickly and strategically to breaking developments.
- Experience managing press logistics for high-profile events, including on-site media coordination.
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Based in or willing to relocate to the New York City area, with availability to work from the Authors Guild office two days per week.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience working within or closely alongside the publishing industry or journalism.
- Familiarity with the policy issues affecting authors, including copyright, artificial intelligence, and freedom of expression.
- Experience managing communications staff, freelancers, or outside PR agencies.
- Existing personal relationships with authors, publishers, or news outlets.
Work Arrangement & Compensation
- Hybrid schedule: two days per week in the Authors Guild’s New York City office [starting in 2027, flexible until then], with remote flexibility the remainder of the week.
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
- The opportunity to shape the public voice of the leading advocacy organization for American authors.
Salary: $165,000-195,000
