
Custom Publishing Assistant - (Hybrid)
Penguin Random House · New York, United States
- On site
- Full-time
- $51,000 / year
- New York, United States
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Job highlights
- Support custom publishing sales and creative operations.
- Manage customer orders and project timelines.
- Liaise with internal departments and external clients.
- Assist with sales meetings and financial calculations.
- Hybrid role in NYC with benefits and PTO.
About the role
Custom Publishing Assistant - Penguin Random House
DK is looking for an organized and enthusiastic Custom Publishing Assistant to join our team. Custom publishing sits within the sales organization and is a unique blend of sales and creative work where we are responsible for creating bespoke books tailored to a client’s exact needs. We handle projects from idea generation through printing and delivery. We are looking for a self-starter who has strong multi-tasking skills and enjoys working in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities:
- Administrative support for Director of Custom Publishing
- Processing customer orders which includes managing paperwork for new projects and tracking progress through completion.
- Liaison with multiple departments such as production, editorial, credit and transportation.
- Manage all weekly call schedules/invites/conference room bookings between NYC and London office.
- Drive profit and loss calculations on potential projects to determine viability of the deal and target costs.
- Attending and participating in creative brainstorming sessions and customer facing sales meetings (in person and virtually).
- Responsible for preparation for customer sales meetings – including organizing samples, preparing presentation materials, recording meeting notes and managing follow-up.
- Maintain multiple excel grids to track and organize workflow.
- Experience with a project management software such as Asana preferred.
- Maintain and organize internal library of dummy products and finished books.
- Hybrid schedule with 2 days a week in the NYC office.
Required skills/knowledge:
- Must be highly-organized, detail-oriented, and possess good communication skills.
- Flexibility to adapt to frequent changes; ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; capable of effectively prioritizing work, multi-tasking, and following up.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel computer programs is required.
- Strong math/financial skills preferred.
- A college degree is preferred.
- Travel may be occasionally required.
This is a hybrid role with in office responsibilities.
The salary for this position is $51,000. All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results.
Please apply by May 4, 2026, using our online application process, and please include your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements.
Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.
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.
About Penguin Random House:
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/.
Penguin Random House values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
Key skills/competency:
- Organization and Detail Orientation
- Communication Skills (Verbal and Written)
- Multitasking and Prioritization
- Project Management (Asana preferred)
- Financial Acumen/Math Skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
- Customer Order Processing
- Meeting Preparation and Follow-up
- Creative Brainstorming
Skills & topics
- Custom Publishing
- Assistant
- Publishing
- Sales Support
- Administrative Support
- Project Management
- Book Publishing
- Editorial
- Production
- Microsoft Excel
- Penguin Random House
- DK Publishing
- Hybrid Work
- New York City
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your organizational, communication, and Microsoft Office skills. Quantify achievements where possible.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Express your enthusiasm for custom publishing and Penguin Random House. Address your salary requirements.
- Apply online: Submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements by May 4, 2026.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your multitasking abilities, problem-solving skills, and financial acumen.
- Research the company: Understand Penguin Random House's mission, values, and diverse publishing brands.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary for the Custom Publishing Assistant role at Penguin Random House?
- The salary for the Custom Publishing Assistant position at Penguin Random House is $51,000 annually. Penguin Random House provides a good faith compensation range, and the final salary is determined by factors like experience and qualifications.
- Is this a remote, hybrid, or on-site position at Penguin Random House?
- This Custom Publishing Assistant role is a hybrid position, requiring two days per week in the NYC office. This allows for in-office collaboration while offering some flexibility.
- What are the key responsibilities for the Custom Publishing Assistant at DK (Penguin Random House)?
- Key responsibilities include providing administrative support, processing customer orders, liaising with various departments, managing schedules, performing profit and loss calculations, assisting with sales meetings, and maintaining workflow tracking systems.
- What qualifications are preferred for the Custom Publishing Assistant role?
- Preferred qualifications include strong organizational and communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, good math/financial skills, and a college degree. Experience with project management software like Asana is also preferred.
- What benefits are offered to full-time employees at Penguin Random House?
- Full-time employees at Penguin Random House are eligible for a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision insurance, retirement savings plans (401(k)), disability and life insurance, commuter benefits, student loan repayment, educational assistance, and generous paid time off.
- How can I apply for the Custom Publishing Assistant job at Penguin Random House?
- To apply for the Custom Publishing Assistant job at Penguin Random House, please use their online application process. You will need to submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements by the deadline of May 4, 2026.
- Does Penguin Random House consider diverse candidates for the Custom Publishing Assistant role?
- Yes, Penguin Random House highly values diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.