Content Development Manager at Media24 (Pty) Ltd

Purpose of the Job

• We are seeking a Content Development Manager to join our team and drive our publishing programme. This role is pivotal in contributing to Via Afrika’s performance and growth through effective and successful product development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a front and backlist of titles to ensure the current and future profitability of the company.
• Manage and develop human resources to ensure optimal performance and high engagement levels.
• Take responsibility for a publishing list ensuring the timely delivery of innovative, quality products aligned with the relevant curricula within set budgets and timeframes.
• Commission and liaise with authors and freelance resources.
• Prepare and manage project budgets.
• Negotiate author contracts.
• Develop the publishing list across digital and print products according to schedule and within budget.
• Research and analyse international and local developments and trends in education and educational content as well as related digital technologies, resulting in concrete proposals.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and role players in the industry.
• Facilitate training workshops on developed products.
• Participate in Management Committee providing input on a strategic level across company divisions.

Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant post-graduate degree.
• A qualification in education would be an advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as an educational publisher.
• Deep understanding of curriculum pedagogy and e-learning.
• Experience overseeing a team developing materials for a significant school textbook submission process.
• Experience in strategic management and product development.
• Knowledge of the principles of learning and teaching in traditional as well as digital environments.
• Well-rooted understanding of copyright and contracts.
• Deep understanding of the South African educational landscape.
• Understanding of file formats applicable to the development of content for print, mobile, and digital delivery.
• Experience in developing multimedia content and creating e-books in various formats would be advantageous.
• Experience and ability to create and maintain networks across the education publishing supply chain.
• Exceptional skills in using the Microsoft Suite (a test will be conducted).

Required Skills

• High level of financial literacy.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent leadership and people management abilities.
• Tried and tested project management skills.
• Self-learning for professional development.
• Outstanding skills as a trainer and presenter.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in more than one South African official language.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Able to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.
• Good judgment.
• Effective sequential tasker with exceptional priority management skills.