Full Job Description
Job Description Summary:
The Assistant Managing Editor supervises editorial support staff, monitors editorial board workload, and oversees the journal’s editorial peer review processes under the direction of the Managing Editor. Incumbent proceeds on own initiative in compliance with policies, procedures, and practices but receives guidance or expertise from supervisor or higher-level staff when needed. An understanding of scientific peer review procedures is required. Proven leadership skills and background in biological science are preferred. Reports to the managing editor.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Assign work to senior editorial coordinators, editorial coordinators, and assistants

Supervise editorial support staff including team meetings and staff performance reviews

Advise staff under supervision regarding interpretation of editorial decisions and dealing with manuscripts stalled in the review or production process

Responsible for overseeing all aspects of peer review, including:

Handling appeals of rejected manuscripts, escalating to AEs and EIC as needed

Tracking review matrices including time to first decision, time to rejection without review, and frequency of appeals

Monitor the transmittal process of accepted manuscripts to production

Escalation point for Commentaries, Editorials, At the National Academies, Perspective (including presubmission for Perspectives), Special Feature, Colloquia, recruited manuscripts, and special themed issues

Answer non-routine editorial questions, troubleshoot problems, and escalate to manager as appropriate

Serve as the office contact for problem papers and disgruntled authors and reviewers

Oversee and manage the assignment of manuscripts to appropriate editorial board members

Participate in staff meetings to discuss and coordinate services with other departments

Identify potential improvements to the online submission system and assists in design, testing, and implementation of new features

Attend and take minutes of associate editor conference calls

Assist with preparation of monthly editorial and production reports and status updates

Serve as backup to the managing editor

Occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site locations

Other tasks and special projects to assist the managing editor as assigned

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field, or equivalent knowledge.

Minimum Experience: Four years of related professional experience, including at least one year of supervisory experience

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Background in and detailed understanding of scientific peer-review procedures

Ability to solve intellectual problems of appreciable variety and complexity, using latitude for independent judgment and action

Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams

Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies’ departments through effective communication

Excellent process management and personnel management skills, good professional judgment, and proven ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel

Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time

Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.

The National Academies’ Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:

To promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences, engineering, and medicine, we are committed to increasing the diversity of the National Academies’ staff, members, and volunteers to reflect the populations we serve. We pledge to cultivate an environment and culture that promotes inclusion and values respectful participation of all individuals who help advance the mission of the institution.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that is consistent with equal employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, medical condition for which a person has been rehabilitated or cured, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution’s policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.

Employee Type:
Employee
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
City/State:
Washington, District of Columbia