Journal Development Manager

Public Library of Science

6h • $75,000 - $100,000 • Remote

About The Position

PLOS is a nonprofit, Open Access publisher empowering researchers to accelerate progress in science and medicine by leading a transformation in research communication. The Journal Development Manager is responsible for the performance and strategic of a small group of OA journals, maximizing the value they create both for PLOS and the communities they serve. Collaborating closely with Editorial, Peer Review Operations and Marcomms, the role implements and delivers against journal strategies, contributing to the development of international networks to grow PLOS’ profile and reputation.

Requirements

• Experience in STM publishing, with a track record developing and managing successful journals
• Demonstrable broad range of functional knowledge and awareness of external influences, particularly with respect to research and funding trends, as well as developments in STM publishing
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to successfully implement new strategies and business plans, and the flexibility to adapt quickly to change
• Excellent communication, organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a wide variety of colleagues, strong ability to influence at a senior level and demonstrable negotiation skills
• Role models PLOS behaviors and values
• Ability to work independently.
• Bachelor’s degree level or equivalent

Nice To Haves

• Experience launching Open Access journals from proposal to publication would be beneficial
• Master’s or advanced degree in a relevant subject would be advantageous

Responsibilities

• Monitoring journal performance vs metrics and ensuring that timely actions are taken to address any issues, escalating to the Publisher and/or relevant team as necessary.
• Oversee the performance of the Editorial Board Members, ensuring editors are performing in accordance with defined standards, and that their workloads are appropriate and manageable, recruiting additional members when needed.
• Set and manage the budget for the journal, with support from the Publisher, including submissions, publications, revenue, waiver spend, stipends and sponsorship.
• Plan and implement journal development strategies, taking into account individual journal performance and development needs, as well as the overall PLOS strategy
• Contribute to the development of PLOS’ publishing strategy, positioning the journals to make them the first choice for authors and readers and appealing for institutions, librarians and funders, ensuring that each journal has a competitive value proposition which differentiates them within our portfolio and from competitors
• Foster strong rapport with external editorial board members and key stakeholders, with a particular emphasis on cultivating an excellent working relationship with Editors-in-Chief while holding regular meetings to ensure alignment and maintain engagement.
• Proactively identify strong editorial board candidates and Editor-in-Chiefs as needed, recommend top prospects for appointment or advancement, and analyze subject-area gaps to establish targeted recruitment goals for the journals.
• Build journal content by identifying and contacting senior researchers to encourage submissions, working with Editorial Board Members to identify and commission appropriate reviews, commentaries, editorially-led thematic series and collections, and liaise with the appropriate in-house teams to take these forward
• Provide business and market intelligence to guide growth and decision-making, using data modeling practices to analyze your findings and create suggestions for strategic and operational improvements and changes
• Work in close partnership with Editorial, Publishing Operations, Editorial Board Services,and Marcomms to ensure the journals contribute to the achievement of PLOS’ strategic goals and keep PLOS at the forefront of open science publishing
• Work with the Open Research team to support the development of Open Science practices within the journals’ communities through uptake of existing OS features and development of new ones
• Maintain in-depth industry knowledge, awareness of market trends, innovations and awareness of evolving community and customer (author) needs
• Actively represent and promote PLOS as a thought leader across the scientific, scholarly communication, and higher education sectors through attendance and speaking at key meetings and events, and through activities with like-minded organizations.

Benefits

• 401k with employer match
• Employee sponsored health, dental and vision insurance (Dental and Vision 100% employer paid)
• Paid Vacation, 11 public holidays and sick leave
• Parental leave
• Birthday and three winter holidays days off
• Short term and long term disability insurance
• 2 days paid time off for volunteering per year
• Fully remote work environment with stipend on joining for home office

What This Job Offers

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