Director, Publicity, Focus Features

NBCUniversal • Universal City, CA

3h • $120,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Focus Features is seeking a hard-working, creative and passionate publicist who has experience executing all facets of theatrical publicity campaigns. Must have strong editorial relationships, and direct prior experience pitching and securing coverage for talent, filmmakers, and events/stunts. Will be responsible for pitching, securing and planning long-lead and fast-breaking publicity campaigns for a diverse array of theatrical releases. This individual will also manage the press and talent components of special screenings, premieres and stunts, as well as cover talent and filmmakers at publicity appearances. Ideal candidate must be able to work effectively as part of a team while overseeing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in publicity including direct experience in film publicity, pitching and securing editorial as well as working on awards campaigns
• Must have prior experience working with agencies and talent representatives
• Must have strong working relationships with journalists, talent representatives and guilds
• Must have prior experience organizing and executing events and premieres
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills to address senior executives, filmmakers and talent
• Must be able to work extended hours and travel where required

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience
• Motivated and passionate professional who can multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and planning skills and ability to pay attention to details under deadline pressure
• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with talent, senior executives and peers
• Must be a team player who is able to work in an open and collaborative environment
• Genuine love of film and pop culture is a plus

Responsibilities

• Work with SVP, Publicity / VP, Publicity to plan and execute publicity campaigns for all theatrical releases; this includes pitching and securing A-list editorial and bookings; overseeing preview issues & specials and helping to secure exclusive placement of assets
• Operate as the point of contact and strategic partner to talent representatives while coordinating scheduling and logistics of the publicity campaign.
• Manage press for special events, screenings and premieres (includes pitching press coverage for the red carpet, inviting press to attend the event as a guest, managing event coverage)
• Work with film team to coordinate press days and junkets which includes handling talent schedules, pitching and securing press, scheduling and confirming interviews, and troubleshooting with talent representatives as necessary.
• Work closely with Film Leads and talent reps to pitch and coordinate editorial opportunities for filmmakers, cast and below the line talent as part of both theatrical and awards campaigns
• Partner with Film Lead to create and manage publicity budgets; this includes liaising with the finance team to provide updates and reports as necessary and working with the publicity team to track spending
• Manage publicity materials for projects, including key photos, press/production notes, status reports, screening invites, etc.
• Collaborate in executing awards campaign strategy throughout a project’s life cycle
• Pitch and monitor special issues editorial throughout the year
• Cover talent at television shows, special appearances, press junkets/press days, screenings
• Work closely with Film Leads to execute strategy and manage day-to-day activities of the publicity agencies
• Participate in publicity and marketing brainstorms to contribute to campaigns
• Collaborate with international publicity teams to communicate overall campaign initiatives

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
• Consideration for employment of qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.
• Right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Associate degree