Managing Editor - HarperChristian Resources (Hybrid)

About the role

The Managing Editor oversees process flow for publishing opportunities from project acquisition through production planning and finished products. You will build extensive global experience, plan projects, and accomplish publishing goals while interfacing with editorial, marketing, creative teams, and shared service areas. This role is instrumental in streamlining processes, mitigating risks, and ensuring timely, high-quality deliverables that meet budget expectations in a fast-paced publishing environment.

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

Responsibilities

• Project Management: Lead and manage publishing projects, ensuring timely delivery, adherence to budgets, and completion of each product through files to vendor and all financial payments. Act as the primary point of contact for all project-related matters, collaborating closely with editorial staff.
• Product Development: Work closely with production on delivery dates, scheduling print-on-demand (POD) needs, and special editions to become familiar with a wide range of specification combinations and accurate pricing.
• Risk Management & Planning: Assess potential risks early, provide strategic insight to inform decision-making, and revise production and publishing plans as necessary to meet changing requirements.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Develop and document production plans 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 workflow and team efficiency.
• Data Management & Integrity: Set up ISBNs, facilitate data updates, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of project-related data throughout the product lifecycle.
• Financial Oversight: Manage P&L (APL) development, approval, and processing, ensuring financial accountability. Set up new vendors, facilitate high-advance requests, manage the Risk Center process, and ensure timely payment of invoices and advances.
• 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 contracts.
• Sales & Marketing Support: Work closely with marketing and PR teams to provide early communication on inventory planning and stock needs. Review and update information for three sales conferences per year.
• Publishing Transitions: Facilitate the transition of titles to print-on-demand (POD) processes as required. Process reversions.
• Other: Additional projects and initiatives as assigned by the Publisher or Publishing Operations.

Requirements

• Knowledge:
  • Strong knowledge of publishing processes, including production, scheduling, and financial management.
  • Advanced use of Microsoft Office, specifically Excel spreadsheets.
  • 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
• Ability to quickly learn new software applications and maintain awareness of new and emerging technologies