Associate Publisher

Position: Associate Publisher

Location(s): New York, Jersey City, or Philadelphia - Hybrid Working Model

The Springer Medicine & Life Science journals portfolio consists of proprietary, society-partnered and society-owned Transformative and OA Journal titles. Publishers within the group work closely with Editors-in-Chief, editorial offices and society partners to ensure their portfolios are meeting the needs of our authors and readers, as well as developing their titles in-line with Springer Nature objectives. The Associate Publisher will report to the Executive Publisher.

Purpose of the Role

The Associate Publisher is the primary publishing contact for their journals and takes responsibility for growing and developing a portfolio of Transformative/OA Journals. This involves conducting and overseeing the prioritization of journals for development and the setting and implementation of journal plans. Communication is a key part of this role, developing and maintaining excellent working relationships with our stakeholders (Editors, authors, reviewers, and societies).

The role requires close liaison with other departments and also involves effective project management to achieve specific goals. The aims are to optimize the publishing service, utilize commercial opportunities and to increase market share of publications and citations. The Associate Publisher cascades business and team-wide objectives into journal development actions and provides experience and information to help shape the strategy of the portfolio.

Responsibilities:

Relationship with external partners

• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with Editors-in-Chief, Society contacts, Editorial Board members and other stakeholders;
• Acting as their key point of contact for publishing matters, resolving queries and corresponding with Editors by email, phone and in person in a timely fashion (use own judgement if queries have to be escalated);
• Gain clear agreement and commitment from external partners by persuading, convincing and negotiating;
• Engage society partners and Editors to secure buy-in to development opportunities for journals and translate them into actions to maintain a competitive advantage;
• Organizing and hosting Editorial Board meetings as well as regular calls to discuss journal performance;
• Making presentations and undertaking public speaking with skill and confidence projecting credibility.

Relationship with team members and SN stakeholders

• Build excellent relationships and team working within the immediate team and other departments. Relate well to people at all levels building wide and effective networks of contacts.
• Shows respect for the views and contributions of other team members. Consult others and share information and expertise with them.

Organization of work

• Build knowledge of the fields the portfolio operates within and the relevant scientific communities (e.g. to identify important journals/features/hot topics etc.) and use knowledge to actively identify journal development opportunities
• Take responsibility for actions and work under own direction (using own judgement if specific decisions have to be shared or escalated)
• Prioritize journals for development or maintenance in line with company strategy
• Ensuring that authors and reviewers who contact a journal receive appropriate support from the Publisher (communications are responded to within a timely fashion and upscale when required)
• Maintain and develop portfolio by:
  • Producing and implement journal development plans for the journals in the portfolio;
  • Working alongside Editors and Editorial Board members to plan and drive commissioning of content including pro-actively suggesting topics where necessary to increase submissions and article output
  • Maximizing journal visibility through appropriate promotion (e.g. blogs, press releases, social media etc.)
  • Monitor peer review performance to optimize manuscript flow. Work with the Editorial Office as well as internal and external Editors to resolve any delays.
  • Ensure correct filing of documents and correct data entry into relevant systems and databases to enable monitoring of renewal dates, payments, and that all journal information (e.g. on website and marketing material) is kept up to date
  • Handling of ethical queries in line with COPE Guidelines
  • Represent journals at scientific conferences when required

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree level, preferably with a scientific background

• Basic experience of managing academic journals from a publisher, society or academic perspective
• Experience of developing and maintaining productive and friendly relations/partnerships with external contacts

• Positive and proactive approach to problem solving, taking ownership to drive and complete tasks
• Strong organizational skills, including proven ability to consistently meet deadlines
• Highly customer focused
• Excellent communication, influencing and coaching skills
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills
• Ability to adapt quickly to change
• Able to work cooperatively with colleagues at all levels

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Springer Nature US provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes the benefit offerings listed below: 
•    Medical, Dental and Vision 
•    401(k) with company match and contribution
•    Hybrid office working policy, Summer Hours, and paid time off
•    Flexible Spending and Commuter programs
•    Multiple Life insurance options
•    Disability coverage
•    Tuition Assistance
•    Voluntary benefits: Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and Legal Assistance Insurance
•    Employee Assistance Program
•    Family friendly benefits and a variety of employee discounts
•    An array of Employee Social Networks  

Annualized Base Salary Range: $60,000 – $70,000. The salary offer may vary based on work experience, education and skill level.
 
Springer Nature is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with the laws and regulations set forth in the following “Equal Employment Opportunity Is The Law” poster: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf  
 
Internal applicants: We encourage that you speak to your manager once the interview process has started. At the point of offer acceptance, it is required that you inform your manager.  If for any reason you’re unable to do so, please contact HR who can provide guidance as required.
 
At Springer Nature we value the diversity of our teams. We recognize the many benefits of a diverse workforce with equitable opportunities for everyone. We strive for an inclusive workplace that empowers all our colleagues to thrive. Our search for the best talent fully encompasses and embraces these values and principles.
 
Visit the Springer Nature Editorial and Publishing website at www.springernature.com/editorial-and-publishing-jobs for more information about our Research E&P career opportunities.