Managing Editor - Zonderkidz and Celebrate

The Managing Editor oversees process flow for publishing opportunities from production planning to finished products, building global experience and using judgment to plan projects and accomplish publishing goals. This role interfaces with HarperCollins Christian Publishing editorial, marketing, and creative teams, as well as shared service areas. You will streamline processes, mitigate risks, and ensure timely, high-quality deliverables that meet budget expectations in a fast-paced publishing environment. Preference is for candidates located in Grand Rapids, MI or Nashville, TN, though remote candidates may be considered. Travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Data Management & Integrity: Set up ISBNs, facilitate data updates, and ensure accuracy and integrity of project-related data throughout the product lifecycle.
• Project Management: Set up schedules in Asana for all new publishing projects, ensuring timely delivery, adherence to budgets, and completion of key performance indicators (KPIs). Serve as a key point of contact for project-related matters, collaborating closely 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. 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 workflow 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 contracts.
• Sales & Marketing Support: Oversee the development and distribution of sales conference and TAM information, ensuring data accuracy and alignment 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 by collecting onboarding documentation for new authors and managing author correspondence. Nurture relationships 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 weekly. Maintain an archive of products for the publishing group.
• Other: Additional projects and initiatives as assigned by the Publisher or Publishing Operations.

Qualifications

• 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.
  • Quickly learn new software applications and maintain awareness of new and emerging technologies.