Journals Managing Editor
Description: (View Short Job Description)
Human Kinetics Job Description
Title of Position: Journals Managing Editor
JOB SUMMARY
The Managing Editor (ME) is responsible for publication of assigned journals from start to finish. The ME receives manuscripts from editors, copyedits, proofreads, and guides the issues through the production process. The ME's job is completed when the completed journal arrives from the printer and is deemed acceptable for distribution.
DUTIES
Essential Functions
10% 1. Serve as the liaison between the field editor and Human Kinetics
a. Communicate with the field editor and in-house personnel -- in a calm, efficient, and professional manner -- in both written and oral formats.
b. Work with editors to identify articles to be highlighted on the HK web page and pass them on to the appropriate individuals.
c. Forward any issues of concern to the Journal Division Director.
d. Ensure that all matters discussed are addressed by the appropriate individuals.
25% 2. Perform editorial duties required to move the assigned journals into the production process.
a. Organize manuscripts for publication.
b. Identify previously copyrighted material and work with the author to secure permission to reprint as necessary.
c. Copyedit all manuscripts according to the style manual selected for the assigned journal(s).
d. Revise manuscripts as assigned by the field editor by improving writing. For professional journals, this may involve rewriting an article or actually writing articles as assigned by the Editor and Division Director.
e. Electronically tag all manuscripts to provide graphic artists with a clear indication of the desired appearance of each article.
20% 3. Perform prepress duties required to move the assigned journals to the printer.
a. Proofread or coordinate proofreading and integration of all journal articles at all stages of publication.
b. Prepare or coordinate the preparation of table of contents, copyright page, running heads, announcements, annual index, and other back matter in the defined format.
c. Prepare the annual statement of ownership and mailing statements as directed by the Fulfillment Circulation Manager.
d. Compile information on special issues for consideration by the Journal Division Director and, where appropriate, coordinate preparation of special issue covers.
e. Update journal covers as necessary.
f. Check all final corrections and blue lines for interior and cover, including final placement of artwork and advertisements.
g. Complete special tasks as assigned by the Journal Division Director.
20% 4. Coordinate production process in conjunction with the Production Department.
a. Work with the Production Director to establish and maintain a schedule for the timely production of each journal.
b. Determine the most appropriate order of articles for each particular journal issue in consultation with the journal editor.
c. Identify locations and content for visual elements and filler items. Managing Editors working with professional journals will have more responsibility for creating the concepts for visual elements to be included in their journals.
d. Work with the assigned graphic artist or designer to create visual elements that fit within the predetermined journal style.
e. Update the weekly production schedule to reflect changes in page count, artwork, dates, etc.
f. Prepare print run information, journal spec information, and purchase order information to prepare the journal for shipment to the printer.
15% 5. Manage preparation of artwork and advertising for publication.
a. Determine if artwork is camera-ready or requires revision by either the author or HK and, when necessary, coordinate revision.
b. Size art for functional and attractive display in the journal and arrange for handling of any artwork not scanned into position.
c. Arrange for advertising to be incorporated into the journal as required by requesting HK ads from the assigned Marketing Manager and incorporating ads sold by the Advertising Manager.
10% 6. Administer day-to-day operations to ensure a timely, error-free release.
a. Track issue and volume page counts, contacting the Journal Division Director and field editor for page counts either above or below approved limits.
b. Contact delinquent authors and/or HK staff when a project falls off-schedule.
c. Alert Journal Division Director and Circulation Manager if issues will be late in arriving from the printer.
d. Coordinate the sending of complimentary journal copies to authors, editors, and other appropriate individuals with the Journal Administrative Assistant.
e. Maintain regular job costing reports and respond to job costing queries.
f. Prepare a quarterly report for the Journal Division Director.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Although the Managing Editor has no direct supervisory responsibilities, s/he must be able to assign and monitor the work of freelance workers.
SKILLS
Interpersonal
The managing editor must have excellent written and oral communication skills and must demonstrate command of the English language. S/he must communicate knowledgeably in a calm, efficient, helpful, and courteous manner with in-house and out-of-house personnel, including editors, authors, freelance workers, and printers. Because the managing editor has the sole responsibility for coordinating the publication of assigned journal issues, s/he must be dependable and arrange for appropriate coverage during planned absences. Although most of the managing editor's work is done independently, s/he must be able to work within a team concept to ensure that all divisional projects can be moved forward in a timely manner.
Cognitive
The managing editor must be able to read, write, and comprehend the gist of scholarly, scientific and technical material. The managing editor must be able to solve problems and make decisions on routine matters based on specified guidelines. S/he must also have the judgment to know when situations require input from others. The managing editor must be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, keep all tasks on schedule, and adapt to change easily. S/he must be able to organize systems and prioritize assigned tasks optimally and take initiative on tasks where required. The managing editor must have excellent knowledge of the English language to enable him/her to copyedit assigned materials. S/he must display good editorial judgment. In addition, s/he must have well-developed proofreading skills. Finally, s/he must be able to concentrate for extended periods of time.
Managing Editors assigned to professional journals must also have the ability to evaluate visual impact of a publication and identify ways to add visual elements and impact to the written word.
Physical
The managing editor must be able to sit for long periods of time and have the manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, telephone, facsimile, and other basic office equipment. S/he must also have the visual acuity to read materials created in standard formats. This position is moderately stressful and may become highly stressful as deadlines approach.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Conditions
The managing editor works in a typical office environment in a non-smoking, temperature controlled work space.
Equipment
The managing editor will routinely use a computer, telephone, facsimile, copy machine, calculator, and light table. S/he may also be called upon to drive a company vehicle in order to attend the occasional out-of-the office meeting.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Education
A 4-year degree in English, Journalism, or a related field.
Qualifications
Excellent copyediting skills, demonstrating a knowledge of English grammar and usage, as well as sensitivity to the author's perspective.
Excellent proofreading skills, demonstrating an orientation to detail and concern for accuracy.
Excellent spelling ability.
Demonstrated skill in writing and the use of page layout software (for professional journal managing editors only).
Two years of editorial experience or demonstrated copyediting and proofreading skills.
