Publications Manager

The PSA Publications Manager supports and develops the PSA’s publishing operations, including a suite of academic journals (currently four journals and a quarterly magazine, Political Insight), wider marketing activities, and a range of research reports and other outputs. The role works with the staff team, editorial teams, trustees, PSA members and external partners, including SAGE Publishing, to develop and deliver an ambitious publishing programme. The Publications Manager advances the PSA’s strategic priorities and promotes Political Studies as an academic discipline.

Main Responsibilities:

• Work closely with our publisher, SAGE, to ensure the suite is published to high standards and profitability.
• Support the development and implementation of the PSA’s publishing strategy to ensure continued success and value for money.
• Oversee relationships with editorial teams, external freelancers and other partner publishers.
• Provide practical support to journal editors and to the Publications Sub-committee as required.
• Develop new publishing operational approaches to reach different audiences, including marketing innovations and content.
• Provide specialist publishing advice and services to the organisation.

Immediate Operational Priorities:

• In partnership with staff, trustees and editorial teams, develop a PSA academic publishing strategy with clear identities and unique selling points for each journal.
• Work with SAGE Publishing to strengthen cross-journal collaboration and retain high quality submissions.
• Scope and develop a new editorial operating model in consultation with editorial teams and SAGE.
• Lead on publishing innovation, including scoping and, if viable, launching a new journal or special issues.
• Support academic publishing activities outside the core SAGE contract.
• Review marketing, engagement and communication activities to ensure impact, quality and value for money.

Team Structure & Context:

The post reports to the Head of Operations & Finance and collaborates with the Operations & Finance team on governance, budgeting, grants, digital systems and delivery. It liaises with the PSA’s publishing partner (SAGE Publishing), journal editorial teams and boards, the Publications Sub-committee and Trustees, and external providers. The post-holder may work with the Membership, Events and Communications team to deliver marketing and engagement activities and may line manage editorial and content staff or contractors.

Managing the PSA’s publications activity:

• Ensure continued improvement in publishing operations and explore new operating models for impact and value for money.
• Develop and implement the PSA’s publishing portfolio strategy and operations.
• Maintain and develop publication standards (including editorial style guides and branding) and ensure consistent application.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
• Maintain awareness of issues, debates, risks and developments in publishing (open access, AI, litigation, peer reviewers and editors).
• Ensure work reflects latest trends in publication design, production and dissemination, and share good practice across the team.
• Maintain the PSA’s publications archive and records.
• Deliver value for money by tendering for services from designers, printers and other suppliers.

Overseeing the PSA’s journals portfolio:

• Manage day-to-day contractual relationships with publishing partners; liaise with editorial, production and marketing teams to meet journal objectives.
• Provide and manage support for editors, including budget monitoring and development of special issues, awards, workshops and other initiatives.
• Provide secretariat and other support to the Publications Sub-committee, in partnership with PSA trustees.
• Ensure oversight of journals by the Sub-committee and Trustees through regular reports and consultations.
• Work with PSA leaders and partners to develop strategies for future-proofing the journal portfolio.
• Identify opportunities to market and promote journals, including at events, and support editors in this effort.
• Oversee recruitment of new journal editors and editorial board members as needed.

Managing the PSA’s wider publishing activities:

• Collaborate with the Membership, Events and Communications teams to optimize communication channels for marketing publishing activities.
• Coordinate with academic editors, external suppliers and freelancers to develop innovative content.
• Commission and/or oversee the publication of reports and outputs from PSA activities, including funded research, commissioned research, events and reports.
• Coordinate with others to keep the PSA website up to date with necessary content.

Innovation & development:

• Develop and implement a new publishing strategy and operating model to grow and sustain the PSA suite.
• Ensure best practices and new initiatives are adopted across the suite.
• Develop innovative ways to reach new and existing audiences.

Other duties and responsibilities:

• The role is not exclusive or exhaustive; duties may be required within the scope and grading of the post.
• Occasional work outside normal office hours to support PSA events and publication deadlines; travel within the UK may be required.
• Duties may change over time; the job description will be reviewed with the post-holder.
• Provide general support in running the PSA offices.
• Compliance with PSA policy, including absence, appraisal, health & safety, and GDPR.

Person Specification:

Thorough understanding of academic and professional publishing and the changing publishing environment. Highly organized, an excellent communicator, and able to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior academics, editors, service providers and partners.

Please download Job Description for further specification requirements and return an Equal Opportunities Monitoring form with your application.

Your Application:

By applying for this role, you confirm you have the right to work in the UK; proof will be required before a final offer. DBS check is required for all employees. For an informal discussion about the role, email eva.kestner@psa.ac.uk. We will respond as soon as possible. First interviews will be held via Teams in the week beginning 27 July 2026. If you cannot attend, please mention in your application.

Terms of Employment (stated on a full-time basis):

• If full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with some evenings and weekends required; time off in lieu; no overtime payments.
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays and days between Christmas and New Year.
• Employer pension contribution (10% for a 5% employee contribution).
• Employee assistance services.
• Based at the PSA office in Camden with flexible and occasional home-working; regular office collaboration, especially on Wednesdays.
• This role is offered on a 0.6 FTE basis (3 days per week) with pro-rated salary and annual leave. Other FTE arrangements may be discussed.