Managing Editor - Zonderkidz and Celebrate

Overview

We are seeking a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Managing Editor to join our dynamic team. The Managing Editor oversees process flow for identified opportunities through production planning and finished products, builds extensive global experience using judgment to plan projects and accomplish publishing goals, interfaces with HarperCollins Christian Publishing editorial, marketing, and creative team members, as well as shared service areas of the company. You will be instrumental in streamlining processes, mitigating risks, and ensuring timely, high-quality deliverables that meet budget expectations. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced publishing environment.

Our preference is to fill this position in Grand Rapids, MI or Nashville, TN but we are also open to qualified candidates that are located outside of these areas. Travel may be required based on the need of the business.

Responsibilities

Essential Responsibilities:

• Data Management & Integrity: Set up ISBNs, facilitate data updates, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of project-related data throughout the life-cycle of products.
• Project Management: Set up schedules in Asana for all new publishing projects, helping to lead the team in ensuring timely delivery, adherence to budgets, and the completion of key performance indicators (KPIs). Serve as a key point of contact for project-related matters, with specific collaboration with editorial staff.
• Product Development: work closely with production on product specifications and pricing.
• Risk Management & Planning: Assess potential risks early, providing strategic insight to inform decision-making and minimize exposure. Work with the publisher to revise production and publishing plans as necessary to meet changing requirements and maximize opportunities.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Develop and document production plans in collaboration with key stakeholders and maintain strong working relationships across departments to ensure smooth project execution.
• Process Optimization: Participate in Managing Editorial Meetings to stay informed on best practices, systems, and processes, and apply this knowledge to improve work-flow and team efficiency.
• Financial Oversight: Manage P&L (APL) development, approval, and processing, ensuring financial accountability. Set up new vendors, facilitate high-advance requests, manage Risk Center process, and ensure timely payment of invoices and advance payments.
• Contract Management: Track and facilitate contract request forms (CRF), ensuring adherence to approval processes and compliance standards via Frevvo. Handle gratis order shipments based on executed contract.
• Sales & Marketing Support: Oversee the development and distribution of sales conference and TAM information, ensuring that all data is accurate and aligned with company standards.
• Publishing Transitions: Facilitate the transition of titles to print-on-demand (POD) processes as required. Process rights reversions.
• Author & Stakeholder Relations: Provide exceptional author care in collecting onboarding documentation for new authors and in any author correspondence, nurturing existing relationships and developing new connections with internal and external partners to drive collaboration and growth.
• Global Tools, Catalog, and Archive Management: Map titles in the Global Works Tool, apply for CIP data, and maintain and distribute the team tracker title plan to key stakeholders on a weekly basis. Maintain archive of products for publishing group.
• Other: Other projects and initiatives as assigned by Publisher or Publishing Operations.

Qualifications

Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of publishing processes, including production, scheduling, and financial management.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Advanced use of Microsoft Office required, specifically Excel spreadsheets.
• Extensive project management and planning ability.
• Experience with project management software, data management systems, and tools such as RSuite, Global Works Tool, or similar platforms is a plus.
• Clear understanding of the Christian publishing industry, editorial practices, and publishing operations preferred.

Work Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of project management experience. Work experience in publishing/editorial project management strongly preferred.

Education: B.A. in English or a related field; or equivalent job experience.

Skills:

• Extreme attention to detail.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Proven project management and organizational skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Proven spelling and proofreading skills.
• Able to distill numerous pieces of information and communicate key points to others.
• Quickly learn new software applications and maintain awareness of new and emerging technologies.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is an equal opportunity employer.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application, due to a disability, email us at TalentManagement@harpercollins.com. Note: we will only respond to accommodation requests.