Production and Business Assistant – Limited Term

About the role

The Production and Business Assistant reports to the Assistant Director for Publishing Operations for production duties and the Fiscal Affairs Manager for business duties. This position is responsible for completing a variety of tasks and processes supporting the financial management of the University Press and the production of books.

Responsibilities

• Arranges for accessibility remediation for backlist e-books by sending existing epub and PDF e-book files for books previously published by UGA Press to accessibility remediation vendor(s).

  • Works with vendor(s) and EDP staff to troubleshoot any issues that arise during the remediation process.
  • Performs quality checks on remediated e-book files.
  • Uploads remediated files to distribution platform (CoreSource).
  • Requests Purchase Orders as needed.
  • Approves vendor invoices for payment by business staff.

• Digitizes assigned undigitized backlist titles by sending hard copies of books to scanning vendor(s) for creation of print-ready files for POD (print-on-demand), as well as accessible e-book files (epub and PDF).

  • Performs quality checks on print files and e-book files returned by vendor(s).
  • Uploads e-book files to distribution platform (CoreSource).
  • Covers creation of cover mechanicals for print editions.
  • Updates statuses in press-wide title management system.

• Prepares and submits print files for backlist (and some frontlist) titles for multiple POD vendors by checking permissions as needed, searching file archive for final print-ready text and cover files, and making necessary updates to formatting.

• Digitizes contracts and other reports, ensuring integrity of digital files.

• Documents and maintains internal workflows and operating procedures.

• Compiles and reconciles data in order to create reports.

• Maintains flexibility and awareness of changes and needs in the department and organization by assuming similar duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.

Completion of college-level coursework in a related field; or relevant certifications; or equivalent professional experience. Experience with design, production management, editorial, and/or business tasks in a publishing environment.

Qualifications

Some knowledge of book production processes and technologies such as file conversion, scanning, and printing. Ability to quickly learn new systems and software. Adaptability: Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations. Collaboration: Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation, and teamwork within and outside of one’s own team; respects the needs and contributions of others. Collegiality: Being helpful, respectful, approachable, and team-oriented, building strong working relationships and a positive work environment. Communication: Communicates effectively one-to-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails, letters, and proposals while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar. Computer proficiency: Successfully uses multiple software programs independently. May include Microsoft Office (Teams, Word, Excel), Adobe Create Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat), email and web browsers, and publishing systems/databases. Efficiency/Dependability: Displays consistency and success in adhering to deadlines. Effectively performs duties and responsibilities; displays attention to detail; supports organizational policies; anticipates demands/pressures of assignments and adjusts accordingly. Ethics and Integrity: Follows through on commitments; incorporates honesty, respect, and fairness in daily actions in accordance with the UGA Press’s Code of Conduct. Initiative: Exhibits energy and desire to achieve; sets ambitious goals and acts decisively; takes action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results. Judgment: Demonstrates logic, rationality, and objectivity; shows common sense; uses all available information to make educated decisions. Organization: Plans, organizes, and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail; targets projects or initiatives that require special attention and focuses on key tasks when faced with limited time and/or resources.

Skills

Some knowledge of book production processes and technologies such as file conversion, scanning, and printing. Ability to quickly learn new systems and software. Adaptability: Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations. Collaboration: Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation, and teamwork within and outside of one’s own team; respects the needs and contributions of others. Collegiality: Being helpful, respectful, approachable, and team-oriented, building strong working relationships and a positive work environment. Communication: Communicates effectively one-to-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails, letters, and proposals while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar. Computer proficiency: Successfully uses multiple software programs independently. May include Microsoft Office (Teams, Word, Excel), Adobe Create Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat), email and web browsers, and publishing systems/databases. Efficiency/Dependability: Displays consistency and success in adhering to deadlines. Effectively performs duties and responsibilities; displays attention to detail; supports organizational policies; anticipates demands/pressures of assignments and adjusts accordingly. Ethics and Integrity: Follows through on commitments; incorporates honesty, respect, and fairness in daily actions in accordance with the UGA Press’s Code of Conduct. Initiative: Exhibits energy and desire to achieve; sets ambitious goals and acts decisively; takes action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results. Judgment: Demonstrates logic, rationality, and objectivity; shows common sense; uses all available information to make educated decisions. Organization: Plans, organizes, and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail; targets projects or initiatives that require special attention and focuses on key tasks when faced with limited time and/or resources.