PR Specialist for Book Launch & Thought Leadership

As a PR Specialist, you will play a key role in building momentum and visibility around the upcoming book launch. Your main focus will be identifying and securing high-value podcast, media, speaking, and thought leadership opportunities, while taking ownership of the outreach, coordination, and follow-through needed to bring those opportunities to life.

This is a hands-on, highly proactive role for someone who can take a goal, build a plan around it, and confidently drive execution without needing to be told what to do next.

Responsibilities

• Book Launch Strategy & Execution – Help translate the book launch goals into a clear marketing and PR plan, timeline, and actionable priorities.
• PR & Media Outreach – Research and proactively pitch relevant journalists, publications, media outlets, newsletters, and other platforms for interviews, features, and coverage.
• Podcast Booking – Identify relevant podcasts, develop targeted pitches, manage outreach, and coordinate appearances from initial contact through booking.
• Speaking Opportunities – Research and pursue relevant speaking engagements, events, and platforms aligned with the author's expertise and target audience.
• Speaking Tour Coordination – Support the planning and coordination of a potential multi-city speaking tour, including identifying local media and promotional opportunities around each appearance.
• Thought Leadership Marketing – Identify opportunities to position the author as a credible thought leader across executive coaching, leadership, business, personal development, and goal-setting topics.
• Pitch & Copywriting – Write compelling, personalized pitches, outreach emails, talking points, and other communications that reflect the author's voice and positioning.
• Research & Opportunity Identification – Continuously research relevant podcasts, media outlets, events, audiences, trends, and promotional opportunities.
• Publisher Coordination – Work closely with the book publisher and their existing marketing and media contacts to maximize launch opportunities and coordinate efforts.
• Project Management – Track outreach, follow-ups, bookings, deadlines, and deliverables to ensure launch activities stay on schedule.
• Proactive Execution – Anticipate next steps, identify gaps, and keep the launch moving without requiring constant direction.
• AI-Assisted Marketing – Leverage AI tools for research, content development, analysis, and improving the efficiency of marketing and outreach activities.

Competencies and Qualifications

Must-Have

• 1-3 years of experience in PR, media outreach, podcast booking, marketing, or a closely related field.
• Experience supporting a thought leader, author, executive, coach, consultant, or professional services brand.
• Strong understanding of how to identify and pursue relevant podcasts, media, speaking, and thought leadership opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Strong copywriting skills, particularly for pitches and outreach.
• Excellent research and prospecting skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Highly proactive, resourceful, and comfortable taking ownership of outcomes.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working with senior executives and communicating on their behalf.
• Familiarity with AI tools and an ability to use them effectively for research, writing, and execution.
• Understanding of the US media, podcast, and thought leadership landscape.

Nice-to-Have

• Direct experience supporting a book launch or author.
• Experience in thought leadership or personal brand marketing.
• Existing relationships with relevant US-based media, podcast hosts, journalists, or event organizers.
• Experience with LinkedIn content, audience engagement, or network growth.