Publicity Director

This is a Full Time Job

PR Director
Full-Time
Location: Los Angeles or New York

With a focused slate of 3-4 theatrical releases in 2026, Rich Spirit is building a cohesive marketing and PR strategy that strengthens both individual films and the company's brand identity within the independent film landscape.

Overview

The PR Director will report directly to the CEO and serve as the lead publicity executive overseeing Rich Spirit's 2026 slate while also touching certain aspects of marketing as well.

This individual will translate publicity efforts into measurable outcomes including media impressions, cultural visibility, critical positioning, and awards traction. They will lead and own comprehensive publicity campaigns from announcement through theatrical release and into the awards window.

The PR Director will be the primary point of contact for entertainment reporters, trade outlets, critics, external PR agencies, and talent representatives. They will collaborate closely with marketing, distribution, creative, and awards partners to ensure campaigns are cohesive, strategic, and aligned with box office goals.

The ideal candidate is highly strategic, deeply connected within independent film media, and experienced in managing complex, multi-phase campaigns across multiple titles simultaneously.

Responsibilities

Campaign Leadership
Lead and own comprehensive publicity campaigns across 3-4 feature film releases, from acquisition announcement through premiere, theatrical run, digital window, and awards season.
Create compelling narratives and positioning that differentiate each film within the independent marketplace.
Develop multi-phase publicity strategies aligned with festival premieres, theatrical expansion, and awards timing.
Ensure campaign positioning alignment with creative
Create Key messaging framework
Ensuring PR and paid media are synchronized
Influencer strategy direction (agency executes)

Marketing Support (Strategic Layer Only)
• Campaign positioning alignment with creative
• Key messaging framework
• Media mix oversight (not buying)
• Ensuring PR and paid are synchronized
• Influencer strategy direction (agency executes)

Media Strategy & Relationships

Serve as the main point of contact for:
Trade publications
National and cultural press
Film critics
Podcasts and digital platforms
Talent representatives and agencies
Execute media strategies that secure placements in key outlets including broadcast, long-lead print, trades, podcasts, and digital platforms.
Oversee critic screenings, embargo management, and press outreach timelines.
Build and maintain productive relationships with creators, performers, and talent reps while navigating dynamics diplomatically.

PR Agency Oversight
Oversee external PR agencies supporting day-to-day pitching and press logistics.
Set strategic direction and KPIs for agencies.
Lead weekly strategy calls and ensure campaign alignment.
Review and approve messaging materials, press lists, and positioning documents.

Premieres & Events

Oversee on-site publicity operations for major festivals, premieres, and key screenings.
Serve as decision-maker on press day formats and on-the-ground coordination.
Manage press list development, media credentialing, and event publicity planning.
Oversee creation of press kits, screening materials, and event collateral.
Awards Strategy (Independent Focus)

Lead awards positioning strategy for independent-focused awards including:
Independent Spirit Awards
Gotham Awards
Key regional critics groups
Collaborate with external awards consultants if applicable.
Manage awards screening calendars and category strategy.
Align agency efforts to award milestones and eligibility timelines.
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with:
Marketing
Distribution
Creative/Design
Sales
Legal & Business Affairs
Collaborate with paid media teams to amplify earned media through coordinated strategies.
Ensure publicity efforts support box office performance and long-term brand equity.

Reporting & Budget Oversight
Track campaign performance including:
Media impressions
Tier quality of placements
Critical response
Awards momentum indicators
Manage publicity budgets within approved parameters.
Provide regular reporting to leadership on campaign performance and strategic pivots.

Basic Qualifications
7-10+ years of progressive experience in film publicity and marketing (independent and/or specialty division experience preferred)
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful multi-phase publicity strategies.
Experience managing agency partners and media relationships.
Strong working knowledge of the independent film press landscape.

Additional Qualifications
Experience working on or supporting independent awards campaigns (Spirit Awards, Gothams, critics groups).
Sophisticated campaign development approach with ability to identify cultural moments.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent campaigns with shifting timelines.
Flexible, entrepreneurial, and comfortable operating within a lean organization.