Consulting Associate II

CJK Group, Inc.•Glen Allen, VA

9d•Remote

About The Position

The Consulting Associate II contributes to KGL Consulting’s advisory services for scholarly publishing organizations through research, analysis, preparation of client deliverables, and development of recommendations. Working with the Director, KGL Consulting, or another designated Project Lead, the Consulting Associate takes ownership of defined deliverables and workstreams and may lead straightforward assignments with established objectives and an agreed approach. The role is expected to manage assigned work independently while seeking guidance on complex analytical questions, strategic recommendations, material changes in approach, and sensitive client matters. The Consulting Associate II participates in client meetings and presentations and presents assigned findings and analyses. For more complex engagements, the Project Lead ordinarily guides the overall approach, integrates the recommendations, and leads substantive strategic discussions. Proposal responsibilities generally involve contributing information or sections, adapting existing material, or preparing straightforward proposals with guidance. Engagements may include strategic planning; publishing program and product development; market research; publishing audits; industry and competitor analyses; publisher and vendor RFPs; publishing agreement and business-term evaluations; negotiation support; content licensing; pricing studies; and financial analysis and modeling.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.
Five or more years of progressive experience in scholarly publishing or a closely related field.
Strong research, analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Strong writing skills, including the ability to synthesize detailed information clearly, accurately, and succinctly.
Professional and diplomatic communication skills, including the ability to explain findings and contribute effectively to client discussions.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and deadlines.
Ability to interpret financial, operational, and performance information and draw supported conclusions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, including use of Excel for data and financial analysis.
Ability to work independently within an agreed approach, incorporate feedback, and recognize when guidance or escalation is appropriate.
Ability to work effectively in a remote environment and handle client and company information with confidentiality and discretion.

Nice To Haves

Experience in journal or portfolio management, editorial operations, publishing partnerships, market research, product development, production, technology, or commercial analysis.
Experience conducting interviews, surveys, competitive research, market assessments, or other primary and secondary research.
Experience preparing professional reports, presentations, and recommendations for internal or external audiences.
Familiarity with scholarly publishing business models and the roles of publishers, societies, vendors, and technology providers.
Experience analyzing budgets, pricing, financial projections, or other quantitative information.

Responsibilities

Understand client objectives, the agreed scope, and the Project Lead’s approach, and translate assigned responsibilities into an effective work plan.
Conduct primary and secondary research, including desk research, data gathering, interviews, surveys, environmental scans, competitor assessments, and benchmarking.
Analyze and synthesize qualitative and quantitative information, identifying significant findings, inconsistencies, assumptions, and questions requiring further investigation.
Develop findings and draft recommendations supported by evidence, refining the analysis and conclusions with the Project Lead as appropriate.
Prepare reports, presentations, spreadsheets, financial analyses, and other deliverables demonstrating accuracy, sound analysis, clear organization, and diplomatic language.
Independently manage defined tasks and workstreams. Lead straightforward assignments when designated, working within an agreed approach and review process.
Review work carefully, verify sources and calculations, and incorporate feedback before delivery to the client.
Manage assigned schedules and priorities, track time against agreed allocations, and alert the Project Lead to potential delays, overruns, or out-of-scope requests.
Communicate professionally and responsively with clients about assigned activities, coordinating substantive recommendations and sensitive communications with the Project Lead.
Participate in client meetings and presentations, presenting assigned findings and analyses and supporting the Project Lead in broader discussions.
Recognize when an assignment requires additional expertise or judgment and seek guidance promptly while recommending possible next steps.
Collaborate with colleagues across KGL Consulting and other KGL functions relevant to the engagement.
Contribute research, project information, work-plan elements, and draft sections to consulting proposals as requested.
Make minor adaptations to existing proposals or prepare straightforward proposals with guidance. Obtain appropriate review and pricing approval before external submission.
Identify potential additional client needs encountered through project work and bring relevant opportunities to the Project Lead or Director.
Support client follow-up, prospective-client research, professional outreach, and business-development materials as assigned.
Stay current on scholarly publishing trends, technologies, policies, business models, and market developments.
Build consulting skills through project experience, feedback, collaboration, and professional development.
Perform other duties as assigned.