Overview:
In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing high-impact, title-specific publicity campaigns that drive maximum exposure for our titles (books, Bibles, Bible studies, etc.). You will also oversee publicity campaigns that drive exposure for Lifeway events, camps, and special projects and help place thought leadership in major media outlets.
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of publicity experience and a proven track record as a publicist or media relations strategist. You have developed and executed comprehensive campaigns, including creating press materials, securing national and local media coverage, and planning author events.
The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of the current media landscape and have cultivated relationships with journalists, bloggers, editors, producers, podcasters, and other members of the media. You will have excellent relational skills and can collaborate with authors, editors, and key in-house stakeholders.
Why Lifeway?
Lifeway is a place where you can bring your faith and work experience to join in the most important mission in the world: making disciples of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a creator or storyteller, data guru or problem-solver, or anywhere in between, if you’re passionate about serving the church, we have a place for you. Lifeway has a strong Work from Anywhere (WFA) culture that is deeply focused on our mission and values. While headquartered in Nashville, TN, many of our positions are remote-eligible and have autonomy and flexibility with work hours. We provide equipment and resources to ensure team members have access to a productive and ergonomic workspace. We believe building relationships and community is essential to how we work together, so Lifeway hosts all-team meetings several times per year and provides travel for key team gatherings for remote-based team members. Full-time employees are eligible for enrollment in our comprehensive benefits plans including healthcare, vacation and sick time, holiday pay, care days, 401(k) plan, maternity and paternity leave, adoption assistance, mission trip time, and more. If this sounds like a place where you would be excited to serve the kingdom of God, we would love for you to join our team.
Learn more about our culture at team.lifeway.com/culture-code
This is a remote position in the U.S. with occasional travel to Nashville for in-person team gatherings. #LI-Remote
Responsibilities:
- Strategize, develop, and execute creative and effective publicity campaigns for lead titles from B&H, Holman Bibles, and Lifeway imprints
- Coordinate all aspects of publicity campaigns: writing press material, producing publicity plans, identifying key targets across the media, and securing coverage across all media platforms including TV, radio, print, online, and podcasts
- Monitor, report, and analyze publicity outcomes and leverage insights to improve and expand our publicity outcomes & initiatives
- Work with outside PR/Publicity agencies for lead titles as appropriate
- Work closely with authors and Lifeway thought leaders scheduling interviews, preparing them for media appearances and events, brainstorming op-eds and articles
- Schedule occasional author tours and in-person/virtual events with bookstores, festivals, organizations; travel as needed
- Write compelling press releases and media pitches to effectively communicate messages and key points
- Develop media relationships; initiate and attend in-person/virtual meetings with the press to present publishing pipeline and individual authors
- Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to align publicity efforts with overall marketing strategies and sales goals
- Communicate detailed campaign plans and updates to editors, marketers, publishers, sales team, agents, and authors
- Monitor and analyze media coverage, feedback, and campaign results
- Monitor news cycle and emerging trends
- Research industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging publicity opportunities
Qualifications:
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations, Communications, Marketing, or another relevant field or equivalent experience
Minimum Required Experience (Type and Years)
- 5+ years of related experience
- Working knowledge of Christian media
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling pitches and press materials
- Excellent relationship management sills
- Detail-oriented with ability to multi-task and problem-solve
Preferred Skills, Experience, and Education
- Strong knowledge of national, regional, trade, and religious media across print, broadcast, and online platforms
- Possess existing relationships with national media outlets and top local markets
- Strong understanding of the Southern Baptist Convention, its leaders, and networks
- Proven experience in executing successful media campaigns
- Strong organizational skills
- Experience with Meltwater, Cision, or other media monitoring platforms
