SENIOR DIRECTOR, MEDIA & ARTIST RELATIONS (US)

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world’s leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship.

We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.

HOW WE LEAD: 

Def Jam Recordings is seeking a Senior Publicity Director with ideally 10+ years of experience. This individual should also ideally have broad musical interest across genres with a particular focus on urban and pop.  The position requires a self-starter who can work both independently and within a team environment. Working under the EVP of Media & Artist Relations, the candidate will be involved in all aspects of PR campaigns for releases on Def Jam Recordings, Thank G.O.O.D. Music and more.

HOW YOU’LL CREATE:

• Spearheading PR campaigns for select releases from inception through release date and beyond, including formulating PR plans, outreach/pitch to national and regional media outlets, with an emphasis on tour press
• Write press releases/monthly round-up of Def Jam releases
• Downloading press materials from rep centers B2B sites and organizing for U.S. office including photos, bios, and more
• Uploading materials including bios, press releases and photos to the various websites
• Coordinating monthly mailings of product
• Maintaining up-to-date clip files/books electronically and service to the staff and artist managers
• Maintaining press database – updating contact information and mailing lists for various genres
• Providing detailed press reports to managers, artists and colleagues in the U.S. And Europe
• Assisting EVP with additional publicity campaigns – compiling press kit materials, facilitating press mailings, overseeing distribution of monthly releases to press, creating promo schedules and escorting artists to press appearances
• Working closely with other team members including marketing to exchange information
• Coordinating tools, mailings, etc for outside PR representatives who we engage to work campaigns on our behalf
• Additional PR department administrative duties including invoice processing and booking artist travel
• Ability to attend concerts on weekday evenings after work and occasionally on weekends when needed

BRING YOUR VIBE:

• Must have excellent written skills including bios, press releases, pitch letters
• Strong track record on working with top tier press and established relationships with all media types – TV bookers, National Media, Consumer and Music Magazines, Dailies, Weeklies, Key Online, Bloggers, tastemakers,
• Tour press
• press days/junkets
• On-site media/red carpet
• Event management
• Crisis management
• Strong computer skills, ability to quickly adapt and learn new applications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including: PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Word
• Strong communication abilities with the ability to write and convey media strategy plans/efforts to executives and management
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, including adaptability, personal effectiveness, and the ability to establish quick rapport
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills a must, as is the ability to juggle many tasks at one time and change gears quickly
• Must be highly self-motivated and the ability to thrive independently in a flexible, fast-paced team environment
• Publicity driven with a keen sense of news and trends
• Excellent social media skills
• Experience managing multiple short- and long-term plans simultaneously
• Exceptional judgment when working with team members, client contacts and vendors
• Manage account finances, develop accurate estimates and adhere to approved budgets
• Job requires working non-traditional hours, weekends and some travel
• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, English, Public Relations or Marketing preferred
• At least 2-3 years music industry experience with an emphasis on consumer-driven marketing with large agency/client experience strongly preferred

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Competitive Compensation Package including Salary, Benefits and Generous 401k Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off – Paid Holidays, “Gift Week”, Summer Fridays
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Employee Developmental Support
• Annual Gym Reimbursement Package
• Pet Insurance, plus much more!