Managing Editor Job at The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medi

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Job Description Summary

Office of the Chief Communications OfficerOCCO) is responsible for integrated communications strategy, campaign development, digital, publishing, and media platforms, as well as outreach for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies). The Managing Editor manages the editing and publication of books, reports, journals, magazines, periodicals and communications materials. The role oversees in‑house publication staff, vendors, and freelance editors, develops procedures and guides, ensures standards of appearance and content, and maintains schedules to meet publication deadlines.

Essential Job Duties

• Manage the editorial and production aspects of publication and communication projects for OCCO, overseeing books, reports, journals, magazines, periodicals and communications materials.
• Control workflow, including manuscript checking, specification development, schedule and estimate requests, graphic and design coordination, proofreading, and editorial services.
• Oversee and monitor publishing schedules in coordination with design, graphics, composition, production, and related areas, informing clients of project status.
• Develop cost and revenue projections ("publication plans") for assigned projects and track performance to ensure on‑budget performance.
• Supervise and provide leadership for assigned staff, fostering a teamwork environment, interpreting and ensuring consistent application of organizational policies, and initiating personnel actions such as performance reviews, compensation, and disciplinary actions.
• Oversee freelance activities, identifying freelancers, coordinating work, and ensuring quality.
• Provide guidance to staff, authors, reviewers, and National Academies members regarding manuscript and publication processing, policies, procedures, and status.
• Answer questions about report preparation and style, review and provide feedback on intellectual proprietary practices, and supply users with information about suggested credits and use restrictions, ensuring materials conform to National Academies standards.
• Perform a variety of complex editorial duties and maintain confidentiality standards for privileged, sensitive, or confidential information.

Nonessential Job Duties

• Additional related duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In‑depth knowledge of scholarly publication workflows, editorial best practices, and production processes.
• Proficiency with layout, printing, and web‑based technologies.
• Excellent project management, problem‑solving, and analytical skills.
• Strong vendor management experience, including contract negotiation and evaluation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to manage teams and foster a collaborative, high‑performing work environment.
• Ability to solve complex problems using originality and ingenuity.
• Ability to serve as a resource to others in resolving complex problems and issues.
• Ability to operate with independent judgment and action.
• Experience working in complex environments with high organizational effectiveness.
• Ability to work successfully in a team environment and form effective teams.
• Ability to develop relationships with coworkers and employees in other National Academies departments through effective communication.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or related field, or equivalent knowledge.

Minimum Experience

Six years of related professional experience, three of which were in a supervisory capacity.

Physical Capabilities

Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration

None.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls

Reports to Director. General direction is provided. Supervises staff and freelance personnel.

Work Environment

Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies facilities and off‑site meeting/sponsor locations.

Compensation & Benefits

Estimated compensation range $88,450 – $110,560. Benefits‑eligible position offering medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. For more details, please click here.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The policy of the National Academies is to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories without discrimination. The institution also provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans.

Disclaimer

The above information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Job Family

PUBL

Employee Type

Employee

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

City/State

Washington, District of Columbia

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing