Content Development Manager

Sage • Washington, DC

13h

About The Position

The Content Development Manager, Fisher/Frey is a leadership role with cross-department responsibilities across Corwin Press, Product, and Professional Learning. Under the direction of Corwin’s Executive Content Director and in collaboration with SAGE colleagues in Production, Design, and Manufacturing, they support the development, transmittal, and production of Fisher/Frey books and products, including workshops, online courses, and other ancillary products as necessary. They will collaborate with the Executive Content Director to ensure that the strategy for Fisher/Frey content is implemented and achieved within the press. In collaboration with other members of the Development and Operations team, they support Corwin in reaching key content-related goals, which include benchmark metrics for transmittals and publications, systems integration and improvements in business applications like SMART and Central, and important process updates related to digital and accessible publishing, especially with respect to cloud-based and agile development. Under the direction of the Executive Content Director and the Sr. Content and Development Operations Manager, this person may also orchestrate the management and necessary training for cross-department and department-wide efforts for (1) Fisher/Frey e-book, audiobook, and other digital project strategy, implementation, and tracking; (2) integration of new data and project management tools for product development (3) refining and streamlining editorial workflows and processes specifically for Fisher/Frey products, with special attention given to illustrated titles, and (4) creation of editorial documentation and training on content development and project management that meets Corwin’s publishing standards.
The Content Development Manager, Fisher/Frey reports to the Sr. Content Development and Operations Manager and may work on larger, more complex and ongoing, systems-wide initiatives, working collaboratively with Directors, Content Leaders, CDMs, CDEs, and PAs across production, marketing, professional learning, operations, and sales departments both at Corwin and SAGE. They will aid in Corwin’s continual growth and profitability by emphasizing informed decision-making in the Development and Operations wing of our press. A successful Content Development Manager is someone who:
Is organized and can coordinate and lead both macro and micro details of multiple projects while still meeting critical publishing deadlines
Can manage complex dynamic systems, representing the interests of multiple users
Is familiar with change management practices and protocols
Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively with all internal and external colleagues
Is experienced working with high-profile authors requiring systems coordination across multiple products and modalities
Practices cultural competence by using self-awareness, sensitivity, skills, and knowledge to navigate relationships across differences
Can read, analyze, and interpret complex documents and distill them into digestible resources for multiple audiences
Understands the basic tenets of finance and can manage vendor, freelance, and/or consulting relationships while managing budgetary responsibilities and analyzing costs
Demonstrates research and reasoning skills and is a proactive, persistent, and creative problem-solver and effective decision-maker
Understands how instructional design principles relate to product development
Demonstrates leadership and management capabilities
Proven ability to navigate tough conversations and deliver timely and constructive feedback

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and related work experience.
• 5+ years book publishing experience or other relevant professional experience and knowledge of development and production processes, preferably in the K-12 education arena.
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite, Adobe and Google Docs
• Demonstrated excellent verbal, written, and communication skills
• Ability to convey complex ideas and feedback to multiple partners
• Proven excellent project management skills and attention to detail
• Experience working with various media types and ancillaries
• Prior experience and proven ability to supervise authors, freelancers, other third-party vendors, and in-house staff
• Ability to work on and prioritize multiple projects and meet strict deadlines in a team-oriented environment
• Experience in and understanding of the K12 professional development market
• Ability to learn new technologies and evaluate evolving content/business needs
• Skills for systems thinking and leading change management
• Thinks strategically and globally about what needs to be done to achieve Corwin’s Vision
• Exceptional intercultural competence and familiarity with adult learning needs and group dynamics

Responsibilities

• Work in collaboration with Corwin’s Executive Content Director, the Development and Operations team, Product, and Sage Production and Design to refine and streamline Fisher/Frey-related workflows and processes for book production, as well as related workshop and ancillary production. This may include task delegation to freelancers, interns, SAGE Global Services, and external vendors.
• Prepare, edit, and transmit manuscripts to Production based on business needs. This includes managing Fisher/Frey products as they progress through design, illustration, and production phases, and communicating with the authors throughout the process.
• Partner with Product Managers on content development processes for new products such as digital products, microsites, and revising existing content into different formats. May include training staff unfamiliar with Corwin publishing standards.
• Liaise with Product and Professional Learning on high-level digital and eBook strategy for Fisher/Frey products.
• Represent Corwin Development and Operations in mapping development workflows and tasks for Fisher/Frey products in data management and project management tools like Sage Central and Workfront.
• Collaborate with all Content team members to implement new tools and vendors/processes (e.g., cloud-based authoring tools) for manuscript development and transmittal.
• When possible, aid in meeting department benchmark goals for transmittals by supporting the development and transmittal of titles outside the Fisher/Frey line of books.
• Troubleshoot high-level production issues; communicate with Senior Leadership on behalf of Production regarding key process changes and initiatives.
• Create, manage, and update training and documentation for Development and Operations team members and Content Leaders.
• Manage and mentor staff; lead discussions on special topics and communicate with Leadership about Fisher/Frey challenges and successes.
• Collaborate with CDEs to create/update internal tools for communicating with and guiding authors throughout the publishing process.
• Train and mentor CDMs, CDEs, and PAs in guidelines in content development edit that focuses on meeting Corwin’s high standards of quality in all aspects of design, function, accessibility, usability, readability, and inclusiveness.
• Applying knowledge and evolving understanding of DEI theory and practice to guide Corwin’s DEI content goals and initiatives across departments (Dev/Ops, Product, Professional Learning).
• Working with teams to provide DEI-related guidance, training, and other support to the Fisher/Frey team as appropriate.
• Work in consultation with other SAGE departments such Design, Production, and Video Production to ensure that visual and digital products (companion websites, art programs, webinars, podcasts, videos, etc.) align with our DEI goals.
• Attending conferences and/or Corwin Institutes as assigned.
• Coordinating and managing special research and competitive benchmarking projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Sage Publishing is committed to being an inclusive employer where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect. Sage is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.
• Sage offers a highly competitive and comprehensive PPO medical, dental, and vision care benefits package with SAGE covering most of the premium costs. Unique program benefits that support a healthy life, a company-sponsored anniversary trip every 5 years, a 401(k)-matching program of 100% up to 5% of pay, and other significant meaningful benefits. In alignment with our value for education, Sage offers financial support for bachelor's and graduate-level degree programs as well as learning for personal interest.
• Sage offers freedom and autonomy in your day-to-day with hybrid or remote work, depending on the role.
• Sage Publishing is committed to being an inclusive employer where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and partnership status, pregnancy and parental responsibilities, race, religion and belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
• We believe that diversity is a cornerstone of a vibrant culture. We want Sage to be an organization where the most talented staff and high-potential staff are recruited, have the opportunity to grow, and want to work. We strive to achieve a better representation of diverse talent at all levels, including leadership, across our workforce.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager