Publicity Coordinator, Searchlight Pictures

Searchlight Pictures is a global specialty film and television company that develops, produces, finances and acquires motion pictures and series for both worldwide theatrical and streaming releases. It has its own marketing and distribution operations, and is part of The Walt Disney Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company. Founded in 1994 as Fox Searchlight Pictures, the company’s titles have grossed over $5 billion worldwide, amassing 52 Academy Awards including five Best Picture winners since 2009:  Slumdog Millionaire, 12 Years a Slave, Birdman, The Shape of Water, and Nomadland; 64 BAFTA Awards; 35 Golden Globe Awards, and 10 Grammy Awards. 

The Publicity Coordinator plays a key role in supporting film publicity campaigns by managing logistics, coordinating with internal and external partners, and ensuring smooth execution of press and promotional events. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external vendors.

Responsibilities:

Talent, Filmmaker & Exec Support

• Arrange all travel (cars, flights, hotels) and grooming/styling needs for assigned talent and filmmakers across your team’s films.
• Compile and process expense reports for the VP & Director.
• Schedule meetings for the team and VP as needed.

Calendar Management

• Coordinate both Co‑Heads’ calendars: schedule internal/external meetings, manage holds/buffers, resolve conflicts, and anticipate time needs across campaign and awards cycles.

Press & Screening Logistics

• Coordinate all press and special event screenings (press & word-of-mouth; supports guild/AMPAS as requested by Awards team), print requests, press check-in, and distribution of RSVP and attendee lists for assigned titles.
• Responsible for sending & tracking PIX & Debut screening links for assigned films.
• Format and circulate press breaks and tune-ins for assigned films.
• Compile, update and distribute campaign-related materials such as talent contact sheets, screening attendee lists, press reaction memos, and film timelines for the team.

Agency / Vendor Logistics

• Liaise with specialty/targeted consultants, glam teams, and vendors to support campaign execution for assigned titles.
• Set agency calls per film and gather necessary assets from other depts (creative marketing, etc) for film campaigns.

Event & Festival Coordination

• Manage logistics for press days and film festivals with oversight from senior team members, including hotel & car bookings, sending links, creating press invitations, and compiling press requests.
• Attend and assist at special events including screenings, premieres, junkets, and festivals as needed.

Vendor & Consultant Management

• Coordinate with Legal, Finance, Contingent Workforce Management, and Payroll to ensure proper vendor setup, contract processing, classification, and payment compliance for assigned titles.
• Responsible for processing new vendors, invoices, and check requests for the assigned publicity team.

Budget & Reporting

• Maintain and update the team’s film publicity budgets on a weekly basis.
• Create and manage talent schedules, film calendars, and status reports for both individual films and the publicity department (as needed by the co-head).

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with internal teams including Photo/EPK, Digital, Events, National Promotions, and Production to ensure alignment and support across publicity efforts.

Team Engagement

• Participate in brainstorming meetings to contribute ideas and creative input.
• Provide guidance to interns on a rolling basis, as requested.
• Ensure the NY & LA press lists are kept current and reflect weekly press job changes in collaboration with other coordinators and with oversight by the senior publicists / directors.

Qualifications:

• 1+ years supporting a publicity executive or experience in entertainment publicity/marketing; publicity executive support preferred
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Proficient with Mac & Windows, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Illustrator
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Ability to perform well under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, team-driven environment
• Proactive self-starter; initiates projects and tasks as needed
• Exceptional follow-through skills
• Collaborative team player
• Flexible hours, including overtime and weekends as needed
• Skilled with social media tools and trends

The hiring range for this position in California is $53,300 - $71,300 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.