Director, Publicity, Focus Features

Focus Features (www.focusfeatures.com) acquires and produces specialty films for the global market, and holds a library of iconic movies from fearless filmmakers. Our mission: to make a lasting impact on global audiences by creating the home for artists to share distinctive stories that inspire human connection.

Focus Features is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a suite of leading Internet- based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

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.

Essential 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

Basic 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

Desired Characteristics:

• 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

Additional Requirements: 

Hybrid: This position currently has a hybrid schedule, which requires contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. Salary range: $120,000 - $150,000 (bonus and long-term incentive eligible)

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide 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.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment 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.

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, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].