About us

Journal Development Editor

The essentials

• Full time and permanent position (Part-time, 0.8 full time employment, also considered)
• £30,000–£35,000, commensurate with experience
• Hybrid working from our office in Bath, UK

Role summary

The Geological Society Publishing House has an opportunity within its publishing team for a Journal Development Editor to work within its programme of journals and related publications.

Overall purpose and objectives of the job

To collaborate with the Head of Editorial Development in driving development of defined journals within the Society portfolio in line with KPIs, devising and leading on editorial development initiatives, managing relationships with contributors, and overseeing peer review, towards delivery of high-quality content and a positive editorial experience. Journal Development Editors also develop a specialism or two which they lead on within the Publishing House e.g. research integrity, publication ethics, editor engagement, EDIA, Open Access, commissioning etc.

Key accountabilities

• To manage the development, commissioning and peer review of designated journal title(s) in order to increase visibility, submissions and reputation within the field.
• Create, maintain and implement a living development plan for designated journal(s), in collaboration with the Head of Editorial Development and journal Editor(s)-in-Chief.
• Be proactive in commissioning and building a pipeline of content for publication, towards achieving annual key performance indicator objectives for the number of papers accepted, as defined by Head of Editorial Development.
• Collaborate with journal Editorial Board(s) and manage membership to ensure sufficient subject expertise and representation of the journal(s)' diverse community.
• Manage editorial board meetings and activities to ensure engagement and delivery of the journal
• development plan(s), advising and influencing editors where necessary. • Build relationships within the subject community and develop a network of editors, authors and collaborators.
• Become competent in use of the Society's online submission & peer review system and handling queries from editors, authors and reviewers.
• Take responsibility for all journal-related instructions and guidelines for editors, authors, and reviewers, and ensure editors have clear instructions on what is required of them.
• Plan for and attend relevant events/conferences to represent your journal(s) (and wider Society Publishing House and Society), commission new articles and collections, and meet external collaborators.
• Identify content for promotion and work with Marketing team to increase visibility of journals and related products and services.
• Ensure full compliance with Society standard operating procedures, practices and values in all aspects of working activity.
• Take a central role in ensuring your journal(s) are developed to further meet the needs of the community and remains an attractive publication venue.
• Track market developments, conduct market research, and be informed on key issues related to the science and publishing communities, including competitors.
• Develop a subject specialism e.g. research integrity, publication ethics, editor engagement, EDIA, Open Access, commissioning etc.

How to apply

Please ensure that your cover letter fully addresses the appointment criteria in the person specification in no more than 750 words.

As part of our inclusive recruitment initiative, we have introduced the concept of anonymous recruiting in order to evaluate applicants solely on their skills and experience. With this in mind, we encourage you to:

• Anonymise your application by stating only your initials in your CV (including your file name) and cover letter.
• State your initials only in the subject line when sending your application.
• Ensure that you have included your contact number, as well as dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the indicative timetable.

First round interviews will take place remotely. Please let us know if you will require any special provisions to be made should you be called for an interview. We regret that unsuccessful applicants will not be contacted.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The closing date for applications is 16 February 2025.

For full information, including the person specification, please see the Job Description.