Senior Editor

Penguin Random House; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 85,500 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Commuter Benefits

Paid time off

Educational Assistance

Job summary

Penguin Random House is seeking a Senior Editor, Audiobook Originals to help shape an ambitious catalog and build strong author and partner relationships. This role blends editorial instinct with business development, data-driven decision making, and creative storytelling in audio.

Based in the New York area, this hybrid position offers opportunities to develop original audio content, acquire rights, and lead branded projects from concept through production, with a collaborative, entrepreneurial

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in audiobooks, publishing, podcasting, branded content, content development, media, entertainment, literary representation, business development, rights licensing, or a related creative field
• Strong market/trend awareness
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Highly proactive in seeking out talent and new business partners
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentations
• Highly analytical with the ability to interpret and make decisions based on data
• Ability to work effectively with employees across all levels and functions within an organization
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners
• Calm under pressure with the ability to solve problems effectively and creatively
• Ability to travel as needed

Responsibilities

• Develop, source, and acquire audiobook original content opportunities for PRH Audio, with a focus on building a commercially strong and creatively distinctive pipeline of audio-first projects with authors, brands, publishers, creators, agents, media companies, agencies, and other rights holders
• Identify and develop branded audio opportunities that align with PRH Audio’s creative standards, audience goals, and business priorities, including partnerships with consumer brands, media brands, cultural organizations, nonprofits, institutions, and mission-aligned commercial partners
• Proactively generate original audiobook ideas using both creative instincts and data-driven insights, including category trends, audience behavior, author platform strength, brand relevance, cultural conversation, sales history, social engagement, backlist opportunities, and long-term catalog potential
• Build and manage an active Audiobook Originals development pipeline, including market scouting, lead generation, partner outreach, pitch review, concept development, internal evaluation, deal preparation, production handoff, publication planning, and post-launch performance review
• Pursue and close deals for Audiobook Originals and branded audio projects, including author-led originals, brand-supported storytelling, nonfiction originals, narrative series, audio-first extensions of existing IP, companion audio programs, backlist-inspired originals, and other innovative formats that expand the PRH Audio catalog
• Prepare clear pitch materials, deal summaries, competitive analysis, audience insights, and internal recommendations to support approval conversations with senior leadership, Finance, Legal, Production, Sales, Marketing, Publicity, and other key stakeholders
• Partner closely withinternal teamsto ensure Audiobook Originals and branded content projects move successfully from concept and deal stage through production, launch, discoverability, promotion, sales execution, and long-term catalog development
• Build and maintain strong relationships across the audiobook, publishing, entertainment, creator, agency, and brand ecosystems, positioning PRH Audio as a premier destination for partners seeking to develop high-quality audiobook original and branded content storytelling
• Track the performance of Audiobook Originals and branded content projects, using results to inform future development strategy, identify repeatable models, deepen partner relationships, and uncover opportunities for series, franchises, brand extensions, and audience growth
• Stay deeply informed about trends in audiobooks, podcasts, branded entertainment, creator-led media, publishing, entertainment, and emerging audio platforms, bringing forward fresh ideas that can help PRH Audio grow its Audiobook Originals business
• Bring an entrepreneurial, highly collaborative, and persistent approach to the role, combining creative taste, deal instinct, relationship-building skills, and operational follow-through to help expand PRH Audio’s original audiobook and branded content catalog

Skills

Audiobook publishing

Business development

Negotiation

Data analysis

Editorial instinct

Job description

I'm hiring! One of the most exciting parts of stepping into my new role as Deputy Publisher is building an incredible team—and I'm looking for a Senior Editor, Audiobook Originals to help shape what's next.

This is a unique opportunity for a creative, entrepreneurial editor who wants to develop bold original audio content, work with exceptional talent, and help define the future of storytelling in audio.

If that sounds like someone you know (or you!), I'd be grateful if you'd share this opportunity with your network.

USD 85,500 - 90,000 (Yearly)

Company Description

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.

Job Description

PRH Audio is seeking an ambitious, creative, and commercially mindedSenior Editor,Audiobook Originalsto help develop, acquire, and execute original audiobook content and branded audio projects that expand our catalog, reach new audiences, and create new opportunities for growth. This role will focus on identifying strong audiobook-original ideas, building relationships with authors, brands, agencies, creators, publishers, agents, and other partners, and helping move projects from concept to pitch to deal to production. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of editorial instinct, business development energy, data-driven thinking, creative curiosity, and strong follow-through, with a passion for building premium audio content that is both creatively distinctive and commercially viable.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Develop, source, and acquire audiobook original content opportunities for PRH Audio, with a focus on building a commercially strong and creatively distinctive pipeline of audio-first projects with authors, brands, publishers, creators, agents, media companies, agencies, and other rights holders.

• Identify and develop branded audio opportunities that align with PRH Audio’s creative standards, audience goals, and business priorities, including partnerships with consumer brands, media brands, cultural organizations, nonprofits, institutions, and mission-aligned commercial partners.

• Proactively generate original audiobook ideas using both creative instincts and data-driven insights, including category trends, audience behavior, author platform strength, brand relevance, cultural conversation, sales history, social engagement, backlist opportunities, and long-term catalog potential.

• Build and manage an active Audiobook Originals development pipeline, including market scouting, lead generation, partner outreach, pitch review, concept development, internal evaluation, deal preparation, production handoff, publication planning, and post-launch performance review.

• Pursue and close deals for Audiobook Originals and branded audio projects, including author-led originals, brand-supported storytelling, nonfiction originals, narrative series, audio-first extensions of existing IP, companion audio programs, backlist-inspired originals, and other innovative formats that expand the PRH Audio catalog.

• Prepare clear pitch materials, deal summaries, competitive analysis, audience insights, and internal recommendations to support approval conversations with senior leadership, Finance, Legal, Production, Sales, Marketing, Publicity, and other key stakeholders.

• Partner closely withinternal teamsto ensure Audiobook Originals and branded content projects move successfully from concept and deal stage through production, launch, discoverability, promotion, sales execution, and long-term catalog development.

• Build and maintain strong relationships across the audiobook, publishing, entertainment, creator, agency, and brand ecosystems, positioning PRH Audio as a premier destination for partners seeking to develop high-quality audiobook original and branded audio storytelling.

• Track the performance of Audiobook Originals and branded content projects, using results to inform future development strategy, identify repeatable models, deepen partner relationships, and uncover opportunities for series, franchises, brand extensions, and audience growth.

• Stay deeply informed about trends in audiobooks, podcasts, branded entertainment, creator-led media, publishing, entertainment, and emerging audio platforms, bringing forward fresh ideas that can help PRH Audio grow its Audiobook Originals business.

• Bring an entrepreneurial, highly collaborative, and persistent approach to the role, combining creative taste, deal instinct, relationship-building skills, and operational follow-through to help expand PRH Audio’s original audiobook and branded content catalog.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in audiobooks, publishing, podcasting, branded content, content development, media, entertainment, literary representation, business development, rights licensing, or a related creative field
• Strong market/trend awareness
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Highly proactive in seeking out talent and new business partners
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentations
• Highly analytical with the ability to interpret and make decisions based on data
• Ability to work effectively with employees across all levels and functions within an organization
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners
• Calm under pressure with the ability to solve problems effectively and creatively
• Ability to travel as needed

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is $85,500 - $90,000. All positions are currently eligible for an annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results.

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) or the North Hollywood area of Los Angeles, CA.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program.

Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Medical/Prescription drug insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k)
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life/AD&D Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Educational Assistance & generous paid time off

Penguin Random House values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.