Senior Project Manager, Publishing Operations (US, Remote/Hybrid)

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY PRESS•Princeton, NJ

1d•Remote

About The Position

Princeton University Press (PUP) seeks a Senior Project Manager of Publishing Operations to oversee the production, in print and digital forms, of a diverse range of titles, including complex and high priority projects, from unedited manuscript through final publication. Reporting to the Executive Director of Publishing Operations, the role carries responsibility for title-level production editorial and manufacturing decisions and vendor coordination and supports key publishing areas, including textbooks, nature, and art titles. This position is responsible for sustainable planning, scheduling, cost control, and print strategy from early planning stages through publication. The position requires an experienced communicator and problem-solver who is both strategic and detail-oriented, entrepreneurial in spirit and skilled at fostering relationships with a diversity of stakeholders/collaborators. The role also serves as an organizational steward for standard operating processes to ensure optimal publishing workflows and quality publications. This is a full-time position with comprehensive and industry-leading benefits that include a focus on wellness. PUP is a staff choice organization when it comes to work location and flexible scheduling. The Press respects and trusts that staff can determine where and how they best function to perform their role. The selected candidate will be able to choose either 100% remote (within the US), hybrid, or full-time in our Princeton, NJ office.

Requirements

A degree from a 4-year college or university or equivalent experience plus a minimum of 5 years of experience with handling all aspects of 4-C books with complex designs or equivalent experience managing complex illustrated products.
A combination of equivalent education and work experience may be substituted for the above requirements.
A working knowledge of on-screen editing is essential.
Demonstrated ability to diplomatically manage complex workflows and cross-functional teams with clarity and strategic foresight.
Strong proficiency with process improvement and workflow optimization across organizational functions and within project teams.
Capacity and passion for problem solving, process improvement and workflow optimization.
Capability to communicate across various modes to interact appropriately and respectfully with others.
Ability to establish, develop, and maintain high-functioning working relationships with authors, in-house colleagues, freelancers and vendors.
Ability to adapt to frequently changing technologies and procedures.
Proficiency in publishing tools and platforms (e.g., title management systems, project tracking software, shared calendars).
Basic computer skills, including knowledge of Acrobat, Word, and Excel.
Ability to work independently and manage a multitude of tasks and ever-changing priorities within strict deadlines.
Demonstrated accuracy, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
Ability to maintain, and operate from, a perspective that encompasses the entire mission of the Press.
Enthusiasm for collaboration, and commitment to PUP’s professional code of conduct.
This requisition is for a position in the U.S. Candidates must have current legal authorization to work immediately in the U.S. PUP will not attempt to obtain employment sponsorship for any applicants.

Nice To Haves

Prior demonstrated experience with relevant publishing systems (e.g. Biblio) preferred.
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud is preferred (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop).

Responsibilities

Manage a varied list including heavily illustrated 4-C books with significant design and manufacturing complexity such as textbooks, nature/field guides, and art books, taking projects from raw manuscript through final print and digital publication.
Serve as primary production contact for assigned titles, including author liaison, coordinating closely with Acquisitions Editorial, Creative Media Lab, other Operations, and Marketing and Sales staff.
Assign, oversee, and evaluate the work of packagers, freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, indexers, and compositors; ensure quality and cost effective control.
Create art logs and work with Illustration manager, designer, freelancers, and colleagues as required, to ensure art programs are prepared for optimal publication.
Convey detailed information to the designer concerning the range and complexity of design elements in the book and its art program.
Make title level manufacturing recommendations, including print method, specifications, schedules, and vendor coordination, in consultation with colleagues.
Develop and maintain detailed production schedules, estimates, and workflows before and during production in Biblio; adjust schedules proactively as projects evolve.
Process improvement and workflow optimization. Continuous process improvement through effective project management and cross-departmental communications. Resolves and suggests improvement on procedural issues; answers questions; and ensures smooth workflow.
Monitor production costs against budget and uphold PUP quality standards.
Prepare projects for production handover, ensuring copyediting, design, permissions, and manufacturing considerations are fully addressed.
Review permissions logs, copyright pages, covers/jackets and copy, and regional or audio editions and ebooks as assigned. Reviews epub galleys as needed.
Provide additional support to specialized publishing areas during periods of high demand or transition.
Coordinate printer proofs, digital proofs, F&Gs, and ancillary materials; resolve manufacturing or quality issues for assigned projects.
Participate in production coordination meetings as needed to flag risks and propose solutions for assigned projects.
Contributes to overall publishing operations with new ideas in the dynamic operations landscape.