Deputy Editor

Wiley Global Technology

2d•Remote

About The Position

The Deputy Editor is an Ecology subject matter expert (SME) responsible for managing the end-to-end peer review process for scholarly journal content. This role combines scientific expertise with editorial decision-making, ensuring the quality, integrity, and relevance of published content. The Deputy Editor works independently with minimal supervision, handles complex editorial cases, contributes to journal strategy, and collaborates with Editors-in-Chief (EiCs), authors, reviewers, and internal teams. The role also includes mentoring junior colleagues, driving commissioning initiatives, and representing the journal within the scientific community.

Requirements

PhD or equivalent advanced degree in Ecology.
Proven experience in academic publishing, editorial roles, or manuscript handling
Strong understanding of peer review processes and publication ethics
Subject matter expertise in a specific research domain
Strong analytical and decision-making skills
Ability to manage multiple manuscripts and priorities simultaneously
Effective stakeholder management and communication skills
Experience commissioning content and engaging with author communities
Data-driven mindset with ability to interpret performance metrics
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
Collaborative mindset with mentoring capability
Proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

Screen submitted manuscripts for scientific quality, relevance, and alignment with journal scope
Identify and escalate publication ethics or integrity concerns through appropriate channels
Make editorial decisions (accept, reject, revise, transfer) in line with journal policies
Select, invite, and manage peer reviewers
Evaluate reviewer feedback and determine next steps for manuscripts
Assess revised submissions for completeness and quality of revisions
Review author rebuttals and make timely decisions
Recommend alternative journals for manuscript transfer when applicable
Identify and invite authors for commissioned content (e.g., review articles, special issues)
Build and maintain relationships with key authors and researchers
Track and follow up on invited submissions to ensure timely delivery
Collaborate with EiCs to define and refine journal aims, scope, and editorial strategy
Recommend and support the appointment of editorial board members
Contribute to achieving commissioning targets and KPIs
Maintain up-to-date knowledge in the relevant subject area
Attend and participate in conferences, webinars, and scientific events
Represent the journal and organization within the academic community
Build professional networks to enhance journal visibility and submissions
Analyze peer review performance metrics and identify improvement opportunities
Lead or contribute to projects focused on editorial workflow optimization
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Editorial Excellence) on process improvements
Participate in subject-area editorial clusters and knowledge-sharing initiatives
Provide training and guidance to peers and junior editors
Mentor team members on editorial processes, decision-making, and best practices
Support knowledge sharing across editorial teams
Manage editorial responsibilities across multiple journals and EiCs
Handle complex or high-impact editorial cases independently
Identify opportunities for new products, content areas, or journal development
Share insights and ideas with relevant internal stakeholders