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