This is a unique opportunity to join the team at HarperNorth, the Manchester-based imprint of HarperCollins, for a 6-month part time fixed term contract as communications assistant. This is a role that offers the chance to be introduced to all aspects of book marketing and publicity. We offer the hired candidate a comprehensive introduction to all areas of the publishing process, complete with appropriate training and professional development opportunities from senior members of the wider company.

As communications assistant, you will support on publicity and marketing activities. The role will be predominantly publicity, with elements of marketing too, and would suit a candidate interested in either department.

Key Tasks

• Managing your own book campaigns with the support of the Head of Marketing

• Process review copy requests from media, bloggers and reviewers

• Co-ordinate and send press releases to media and journalists to promote our upcoming titles

• Contribute to the HarperNorth newsletter

• Provide admin support for our campaigns, events and media activity

• PA duties for the Head of Marketing – arranging travel and accommodation, and helping with sales updates

• Manage coding of departmental PR invoices on JDE and process author/illustrator expenses. 

• Organising author travel, and staffing some authors events

• Supporting activities on social media

Marketing and Publicity Activities

• Organise book mailers and postage

• Order competition prizes for PR competitions and handle fulfillment of competitions 

• Update the weekly PR round up and any campaign round ups. 

• Briefing freelance designers to create social assets

You'll need:

• Interest in UK book publishing

• An ability to prioritise a mixed workload

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Attention to detail

• An ability to manage multiple projects

The HarperNorth team is small and you will support the Head of Marketing on activities across all our titles, working closely with editorial, sales and audio, and looking after departmental admin.

Our offices are just off St Peter’s Square and you’ll need to be in the office two days a week. Our fabulous offices include lots of breakout spaces, free breakfasts, snacks, and a roof terrace.

Benefits

• Hybrid working model (2+ days in the office)

• 26 days pro rata holiday plus bank holidays (option to buy and sell holiday days)

• Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave

• Private healthcare cover and life assurance

• Free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal

• Season ticket loans (from day 1 for entry level) and cycle to work scheme

• Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work and Pride at HC

• Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal, management courses (up to MA level) and mentoring programmes

• Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers

• Gym membership discount

• Charitable donation matching and volunteering day

• We're a certified Carbon Neutral company

• Free e-books and audiobooks, newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books

The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking internships or entry level positions. For more information visit https://www.btbs.org/