Job Description

Overview

Company: Harlequin Enterprises ULC
Department: Harlequin Brand Group
Reporting To: Manager, Author Engagement and Author Communications & Events Manager
Status: Regular Full-Time
Location: 22 Adelaide Street West, Toronto (hybrid model - 2 days per week in office, with some travel required)

We celebrate and support the differences that make each of us unique, striving to create a welcoming workplace that ensures everyone has a voice and is able to do their best work. We welcome all applicants, including those who identify with groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the publishing industry including, but not limited to, Black, Indigenous, people of colour, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and persons with disabilities. Join us, and share your story.

Job Summary:
The Communication Specialist plays a key role in assisting Harlequin's Author Engagement team by providing exceptional author care and communications, expanding Harlequin's personal attention to authors throughout their careers, and reaching out to the writing community to position Harlequin competitively as a publisher of choice.

The Communication Specialist is directly accountable for the execution of author acquisition initiatives, author communications, event coordination and content development to build author relationships and increase awareness of Harlequin in the publishing industry.

Responsibilities

This role includes but is not limited to the following tasks/duties:
Author Engagement & Communications: (40%)

• Assist external communications to agents, authors, conference organizers, and trade publications, including:

o Managing Write for Harlequin outreach newsletter, associated website content and social media recognition for new authors
o Developing and managing programming to expand awareness of opportunities to write for Harlequin
o Developing and maintaining communications tools and collateral - such as websites, brochures, press materials, presentations, author handbook and annual survey, posters, and more
o Submitting acquisition news to trade publications, and coordinating social media sharing for new author acquisitions working with other departments

• Assist internal communications to Harlequin authors by:

o Managing the Harlequin Author Connect social media group, including planning and developing content, replying to queries and providing administrative aid
o Developing new content for the Harlequin Author Network, including articles, videos, interviews, etc.; editing and uploading content via the content management system
o Managing onboarding programs for debut authors and working with Author Engagement manager to develop and execute new programming to aid authors' careers
o Replying to author email inquiries, monitoring and escalating issues, themes or trends
o Managing aspects of author newsletter program and assisting as needed
Event Coordination and Support (40%)

• Develop and lead creative, high-quality virtual and in-person events and programming for authors, author visits, special events, author conferences and conventions, including scheduling events, ordering books for author signings, and other assistance as needed
• Provide assistance for employee-focused events such as imprint launches and company milestones

Author Reward and Recognition (10%)

• Track author milestones and coordinate recognition program, such as ordering gifts, managing VIP invitation lists, etc.
• Track and distribute bestseller lists
• Socialize milestones, debut authors, awards and other key successes (create social shareables for major awards, post key successes to Workplace, etc.)

Other: (10%)

• Track, report and measure communication programs including events
• Maintain contact lists for stakeholder's groups such as authors and agents, event invitees, etc., to aid with communications and events
• Other administrative tasks as required

Qualifications

Specific training or job experience required includes:

• 2 + years' experience in publishing, communications or public relations skills
• Highly organized with experience in event organization
• Strong social media skills and knowledge; community management skills an asset
• Basic graphic design and WordPress (or similar content management system) knowledge an asset
• Enthusiastic, highly collaborative team player with exceptional creativity, problem-solving, decision-making and presentation skills
• Outstanding written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to be creative, detail- focused, and deadline-driven
• Strong relationship management experience
• Calm under pressure, with the ability to take initiative and prioritize multiple projects under tight timelines
• Results oriented with strong eye to detail

What's in It For You?

• The opportunity to be part of a company on the leading edge of publishing, working with an award winning, talented team and exceptional books
• Summer Hours from late May to early September
• Remote work, flexible start/stop times
• Paid time off days and vacation allotment, starting at three weeks (prorated based on start date)
• Flexible benefit plans to fit your needs and pension matching
• Various virtual social activities to keep you connected - we love trivia!
• Virtual author events and access to discounted books
• Working with passionate people!

About HarperCollins Canada and Harlequin
Harlequin is a leading publisher of commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction. We publish more than 100 titles a month that reach audiences globally. Encompassing highly recognizable imprints that span a broad number of genres, we are home to many award-winning New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authors. Harlequin is a division of HarperCollins Publishers, the second-largest consumer book publisher in the world. Through HarperCollins's global publishing program, Harlequin titles are published in 17 countries and 16 languages.

Known worldwide for the quality of its list, HarperCollins Canada is the proud home of many bestselling and award-winning authors, including Esi Edugyan, Heather O'Neill, and Lawrence Hill. It is our vision to publish the best books of our generation and to work with authors over the length and breadth of their careers. Our authors are at the centre of everything we do. In addition to the Canadian publishing program, HarperCollins Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing, and publicity of HarperCollins titles from around the globe.

HarperCollins Canada and Harlequin are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to equal employment opportunities. Employment decisions are based on job requirements and the skills, knowledge, and experience of the candidate, regardless of any other factors unrelated to job performance. We are also committed to ensuring that the accessibility needs of candidates and employees are considered and accommodated during the recruitment process. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.