At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth of scholarly journals by attracting high-quality submissions and managing content.
- Company: Leading publisher in environmental and water sciences with a focus on impactful research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to exciting publishing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the academic world by supporting vital research dissemination.
- Qualifications: Background in water or environmental sciences, strong communication, and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking a proactive and commercially minded Journals Commissioning Editor to help drive the growth and success of a leading scholarly journals portfolio. Working closely with the Head of Journals, you will be responsible for attracting high-quality submissions, building strong relationships with authors and editors, and delivering an outstanding author experience throughout the publishing journey. You will play a key role in commissioning new content, managing manuscript transfers across the portfolio, and supporting the development of Special Issues that align with strategic publishing priorities. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the dissemination of research in the environmental and water sciences sector, helping ensure that important scientific discoveries reach the global communities that can benefit from them most.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a trusted advisor to authors, providing guidance and support throughout the submission and publication process.
- Drive the acquisition and retention of high-quality journal content in line with portfolio growth objectives.
- Deliver annual commissioning targets and contribute to the achievement of wider journal performance goals.
- Lead the development and execution of the Special Issues programme, including identifying and recruiting Guest Editors, evaluating proposals, and ensuring successful publication of commissioned content.
- Manage and optimise manuscript referral and transfer pathways across the journal portfolio, ensuring authors receive a seamless experience and suitable manuscripts find the right publication outlet.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with editors, authors, reviewers, and research communities to develop a sustainable pipeline of future content.
- Collaborate with colleagues across publishing, marketing, and content teams to maximise content opportunities and audience engagement.
- Support article-level promotion initiatives and contribute to increasing the visibility and impact of published research.
- Stay informed about emerging research trends, influential authors, and developments within relevant scientific disciplines.
Skills & Experience
- You will combine a strong understanding of academic publishing with excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
- A background in water sciences, environmental sciences, engineering, or a related discipline, ideally supported by a PhD.
- A strong understanding of the academic research and scholarly publishing landscape.
- Previous experience within journal publishing, ideally in a commissioning or content acquisition role.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
- The ability to build trusted relationships with authors, editors, and research communities.
- Experience using research and bibliographic databases such as Web of Science or Dimensions would be advantageous.
- Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of industry trends and market dynamics.
Journals Commissioning Editor employer: MORGAN HEALEY
Join a dynamic and innovative team in London as a Journals Commissioning Editor, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of scholarly publishing in the environmental and water sciences sector. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that values creativity and professional growth, offering employees opportunities to develop their skills and advance their careers while making a meaningful impact on global research dissemination. With a hybrid working model and a commitment to supporting your success, we provide an exceptional environment for those passionate about academic publishing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Journals Commissioning Editor
✨Dive Into the Publishing Community
Get involved with local or online publishing communities. Join forums, attend literary festivals, or participate in panel discussions. This can be a goldmine for meeting industry professionals and hearing about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow leading publishing media channels on social media, like Twitter and Instagram. See what tactics and content formats are currently trending. This knowledge can help you tailor your discussions when you're networking or at interviews with companies like MORGAN HEALEY.
✨Make Your Passion Visible
If you have a blog or a social media presence focused on books or publishing, use it! Share your thoughts on recent publications, trends in the industry, or interviews with authors. This can showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Hunt for Opportunities on Company Websites
While job boards are useful, don’t forget to go directly to company websites, like MORGAN HEALEY. They often post openings there first. Plus, you might find job descriptions that give insight into what skills they really value, which can help you ace that interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Journals Commissioning Editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!
Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at MORGAN HEALEY. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!
Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at MORGAN HEALEY.
How to prepare for a job interview at MORGAN HEALEY
✨Know Your Stuff: Be Ready on Industry Trends
Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!
✨Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at MORGAN HEALEY. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.
✨Brush Up on Editing Techniques
Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!
✨Express Your Passion for Storytelling
In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at MORGAN HEALEY. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!
