Publicity Director, Children's

We are seeking a dynamic, connected, and experienced Publicity Director to lead publicity campaigns across Penguin Random House Children’s. This senior publicist role requires experience in leading high-profile, integrated campaigns across multiple launches simultaneously, alongside strong people management and stakeholder skills. You may already be operating at Head of Publicity level or similar, within publishing, media, entertainment, or an agency environment.

PRH Children’s and the PR team

We are the UK’s number one children’s publisher, home to Puffin and Ladybird, and some of the most recognized entertainment brands, authors, and illustrators. Our extensive list includes beloved names like Peppa Pig, Bluey, Peter Rabbit, The Snowman, Eric Carle, Roald Dahl, Jeff Kinney, Katie Kirby, Adam Kay, Tom Fletcher, Robin Stevens, Nadia Shireen, and Jacqueline Wilson. We also champion emerging talent such as Selina Brown, Huw Aaron, and Dr. Sheila Kanani. Our Penguin YA list features bestselling authors like Malorie Blackman, Karen McManus, Philip Pullman, Jenny Han, and Jennifer Lynn Barnes, alongside rising stars such as Bea Fitzgerald, Lauren Hamilton-Murray, and Laura Steven. The Publicity team delivers campaigns across a wide range of genres and audiences, blending traditional media expertise with digital-first thinking, integrated brand strategy, and audience insight.

Reporting to the PR and Communications Director, this is a key leadership role responsible for delivering standout, audience-first publicity campaigns that build cultural conversation, reach readers, and drive sales. You will help shape the division’s publicity strategy while strengthening campaign excellence across the team. Alongside overseeing campaigns, you will personally lead selected high-profile launches for major authors and brands and play an important role in helping evolve the team’s approach to changing media and audience behaviors.

We anticipate a three-stage interview process which will likely include an interview task at the second stage, and a final meeting with the Children’s Managing Director. We are happy to discuss this further with you throughout the recruitment process.

Please note that first in-person interviews are planned for the week commencing 3rd August. Please indicate in your cover letter if you will be unavailable that week, so that we can arrange an alternative time if needed.

Here at Penguin, we believe in the power of authenticity and human creativity. When you apply for a position, we want to encourage you to showcase your unique voice. Throughout our recruitment process, please share your own thoughts, experiences, and skills so we can get a true sense of who you are and what you might bring to our team. While we recognize AI tools can be helpful, we recommend using them thoughtfully to ensure your application reflects you.

As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role and opt in on their application form. We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing PRHC[email protected].

While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate, and celebrate with colleagues, we recognize that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role, we expect that you will work from our London office a minimum of three days per week.