Director, Publicity

Job Description

The Director, Publicity is responsible for creating and overseeing the implementation of strategic communications and program publicity campaigns for STARZ network series. This role requires a strategic thinker with creative, out-of-the-box ideas, strong communication skills and solid press relationships across multiple platforms. Takes initiative and leads campaigns, while also collaborating with different disciplines and stakeholders. Must have strong and thoughtful written, verbal and organizational skills, take a solutions-oriented approach, exercise good judgment, adapt quickly under pressure and demonstrate leadership skills.

The Director, Publicity will lead and manage the development and implementation of all efforts around publicity on assigned STARZ original series, including but not limited to: developing and executing comprehensive PR strategies, press outreach, writing press materials, show positioning and talking points, and collaborating effectively with marketing, social media, EPs, talent and showrunners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic and innovative publicity campaigns for Starz Original Series.
• Manage large-scale, high-visibility projects and possess excellent time management, team leadership and organizational skills, with a reputation for flawless execution and management. Ability to articulate clear next steps and direction to the title team to ensure forward, coordinated momentum on campaign goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, to meet tight deadlines with budgetary constraints and changing priorities (must be extremely flexible and versatile). Must be able to handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously.
• Prioritize to root focus and energy in publicity campaign elements that will move the needle for title campaign press goals, always making sure to lead and execute with a strategy-first mindset
• Superb written, verbal and interpersonal skills are essential, as is an ability to speak and think clearly and creatively and generate new ideas on a regular basis.
• Maintain excellent press relationships, especially across national and top market entertainment/TV press, multicultural press, talent bookers and emerging/digital press.
• Identify and successfully pitch programming and initiatives to media, including long leads, print, digital, podcast, as well as secure broadcast bookings and respond timely and thoughtfully to media requests.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with talent reps (e.g. publicists, managers)
• Coordinate media opportunities and brief/prep/media train talent and showrunners for media interviews, speaking opportunities and panels.
• Monitor the competitive landscape and stay ahead of industry trends, particularly when it comes to press/publicity opportunities.
• Organize and/or support press events, including but not limited to screenings, junkets, red carpets, SMTs, Comic Con panels, industry and FYC panels etc.
• In partnership with the awards team and Publicity VP, develop and execute awards campaign strategy for key series/talent
• Manage budget for show publicity campaigns with a keen eye for ROI across all PR functions.
• Manage crisis communications as needed in partnership with VP, Publicity and applicable stakeholders. Must demonstrate ability to swiftly and thoughtfully navigate issues as they arise, while mitigating risk.
• Liaise with production, marketing, digital/social teams, affiliate teams, and other cross-functional partners to maintain the flow of information across the various teams and collaborate to uplevel campaigns across disciplines. Must possess the ability/willingness to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Manage and coordinate Festivals (Sundance, TIFF, SXSW, etc.) as it pertains to assigned series.
• Interact independently with producers and on-air talent to prepare them for interviews.
• Manage Unit Publicist when applicable to ensure all PR and marketing materials are produced seamlessly across production and talent.
• Manage relationships with outside public relations agencies and consultants where applicable.
• Must have experience populating and running red carpets at events, and experience creating detailed run of shows for any talent-forward screenings, events, panels, red carpets.
• Manage title teams on daily press clips, ensuring clips are reviewed, prioritized by importance and distributed to internal and external stakeholders in a timely manner,
• Travel to and represent Starz at various events as needed.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 7 years of experience at a media company or PR/promotion agency (television experience preferred)
• Proven track record of launching successful show publicity campaigns
• Background in Publicity/Communications
• Must bring strong relationships with key media as well as the ability to build and maintain connections with key journalists.
• Excellent organizational and written/oral communication skills.
• The ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously, perform under pressure and pay close attention to detail.
• Strong Microsoft (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, etc) skills.
• Knowledge of the digital media space and social media trends.
• A passion for entertainment and pop culture.
• A desire to learn and grow within the entertainment PR field

Compensation
$140,000 - $165,000

About STARZ

STARZ (NASDAQ: STRZ) is the leading premium entertainment destination for women and underrepresented audiences, and home to some of the most popular franchises and series on television. STARZ offers a robust programming mix for discerning adult audiences, including boundary-breaking originals and an expansive lineup of blockbuster movies, and is embodied by its brand positioning “We’re All Adults Here.” Complementary to any platform or service, STARZ is available across a wide range of digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors and is a bundling partner of choice. STARZ is powered by an industry-leading advanced technology, data analytics and digital infrastructure and the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app.

Our Benefits

• Full Coverage – Medical, Vision, and Dental
• Annual discretionary bonus and merit increase
• Work/Life Balance – generous sick days, vacation days, holidays, and wellness days
• 401(k) company matching
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to graduate degree)

EEO Statement

Starz is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, Starz will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Starz will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.