Director, Young Adult Marketing (Hybrid)

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom, and many other regions worldwide. We are committed to publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, with a focus on quality, excellence, and innovation across editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our diverse international community includes nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints such as Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Knopf, Penguin Books, Penguin Young Readers, Random House, Riverhead, Viking, and Vintage.

About the role

Penguin Young Readers is seeking a Marketing Director to join the Marketing team. Reporting to the VP, Executive Director, this role sits within the YA & Adult Crossover marketing group. You will collaborate closely with editors, publishers, sales colleagues, and the broader Penguin Young Readers team, as well as a roster of renowned and bestselling authors including John Green, Sabaa Tahir, Ransom Riggs, Melissa de la Cruz, Marissa Meyer, and Ali Hazelwood.

As Marketing Director, you will lead the development of innovative, end-to-end marketing campaigns for frontlist YA and adult crossover titles in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. This role is ideal for a strategic, creative, and audience-focused marketer with deep experience building campaigns that reach readers across retail, digital, social, advertising, and live-event channels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the YA & Adult Crossover marketing team in developing and executing integrated launch campaigns for key frontlist young adult and adult crossover titles, spanning retailer promotions, advertising, social media, and consumer festivals and conventions.
• Provide thoughtful leadership, mentorship, and day-to-day guidance to a team of three, fostering clear communication, collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Develop and oversee the YA consumer festival and convention strategy, working with internal and external stakeholders to secure sponsorships, brainstorm creative activations, coordinate the creation and shipping of materials, and staff events as needed. This role includes travel to locations outside of New York City.
• Research, evaluate, and implement creative, data-informed advertising and promotional strategies that support key titles and connect with target audiences.
• Build collaborative relationships with authors and agents to strengthen campaign planning, communication, and support for priority titles.
• Partner closely with teams across Penguin Young Readers, including Editorial, Sales, Publicity, School & Library, and Design, to help drive the business and foster strong cross-functional relationships.
• Present marketing strategy, campaign updates, and key title information at author, title, departmental, and seasonal meetings.
• Support partnership outreach and coordination, including brainstorming activations, promotional opportunities, and consumer-facing initiatives.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of marketing experience, with a focus on developing and executing integrated campaigns; book publishing experience strongly preferred.
• A genuine interest in young adult and new adult books, authors, readers, and marketplace trends.
• A proven track record of strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and applying marketing tactics that effectively reach readers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including excellent presentation skills.
• Demonstrated management experience, including clear communication, delegation, coaching, and empowerment of staff.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple priorities, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• A clear understanding of the publishing retail landscape, digital marketing channels, and audience development strategies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new applications and systems.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $110,000 (Yearly). All positions are currently eligible for an annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results.

Schedule

This is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities. We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes the tri-state area (NJ, CT, & PA).

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Health Savings Account.
• Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k).
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Commuter Benefits.
• Student Loan Repayment Program.
• Educational Assistance.
• Generous paid time off.