Educational Editor/Publisher (NB Publishers) at Media24 (Pty) Ltd

Job Description

NB Publishers has a permanent position available for an experienced professional with strong editorial, project management and people skills to manage and expand its range of educational titles. These titles, for Early Childhood Education to Grade 12, are published under the Best Books imprint.

Part of Media24, NB Publishers is a leading local publishing house dedicated to creating books that are relevant, that entertain and inspire, and that educate and inform. In addition to educational books, we publish adult fiction and nonfiction, dictionaries and books for children and young adults, and we are proud to work with many of South Africa’s most widely read authors. We offer market-related salaries and benefits, and a stimulating, supportive environment where team work is encouraged and excellence is recognised.

The Educational Editor/Publisher is responsible for

• Project management of new titles, from manuscript to publication (including publication decisions, negotiating author contracts, assisting authors in shaping manuscripts to specifications, co-ordinating book & cover design and ensuring all permissions are in place).
• Ensuring that all titles are published within the given quality, time frame and budget parameters.
• Managing a team of freelancers to deliver quality editing, proofreading and design services.
• Collaborating with other departments to facilitate editorial, production and marketing processes.
• Managing the backlist (including related administration, curriculum-aligned updates and author contracts).
• Doing market research and keeping up to date with curriculums of the entire spectrum of basic education in South Africa, as well as teachers’ needs, and to identify publishing opportunities.

Requirements

• A tertiary qualification in Languages (Afrikaans and/or English), Education and/or Publishing with at least 5 years’ experience in the field of expertise.
• A thorough knowledge of the CAPS curriculum. Established networks in the educational field and/or teaching experience will be an advantage.
• An understanding of the South African educational publishing environment.
• Fluent (written and verbal) in both English and Afrikaans
• Highly organised, with initiative and drive, meticulous and able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Able to self-manage and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• An understanding of pedagogy and teaching methodology will be an advantage.