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Job title: Associate Publisher/Publisher
Location: Heidelberg or London - Hybrid working model
About The Role:
The Medicine & Life Science journals portfolio consists of Springer, BioMed Central and Nature Academic Journals, with a mixture of proprietary, society-partnered and society-owned titles. Publishers within the group work closely with external academic Editors 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/Publisher will report to the Executive Publisher; the portfolio has a primary focus on clinical medicine journals.
The Publisher is the primary publishing contact for their journals and takes responsibility for growing and developing a portfolio of journals within specific scientific areas. This involves conducting and overseeing the prioritisation of journals for development and the setting and implementation of journal plans accordingly. 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 optimise the publishing service, utilise commercial opportunities and to increase market share of publications and citations. The Publisher cascades business and team-wide objectives into journal development actions and provides experience and information to help shape the strategy of the portfolio.
Role Responsibilities:
1. Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with academic Editors, Editorial Boards, society executives and other key contacts in the field, with the aim of building and maintaining the journals’ reputation and increasing submissions. • Build knowledge of the field and the relevant scientific communities to identify development opportunities and translate them into actions to maintain a competitive advantage. This will involve engaging with senior scientists and obtaining their advice.
2. Produce and implement journal development plans for the journals in their portfolio.
3. Work with members of the team to acquire new journals in this area.
4. Monitor peer-review performance for the portfolio and assist colleagues in dealing with author queries or problem manuscripts.
5. Plan and drive the commissioning of content including pro-actively suggesting topics where necessary.
6. Support the management of the journals by being the primary contact for Editors and handling contract renewals (both Editor and Society)
7. Ensure the journals are promoted through all relevant avenues.
8. Organise and host Editorial Board meetings.
9. Represent the company at scientific conferences when required to improve market knowledge, to network within the community, receive feedback on the journals and to promote Springer Nature journals, and open access.
Experience, Skills & Qualifications:
10. Experience of managing a portfolio of journals in academic publishing will be an advantage, • Experience of developing and maintaining productive and friendly relations/partnerships with external contacts will be an advantage.
11. Keen interest in open research publishing
12. Proven knowledge of publishing process and related matters will be an adavantage
13. Highly customer focused
14. Excellent communication, influencing and coaching skills
15. Excellent organisational and administrative skills
16. Strong attention to detail/high accuracy
17. Proven ability to meet deadlines consistently
18. Strong analytical skills
19. Ability to adapt quickly to change
20. Takes ownership to drive and complete tasks
21. A positive and proactive approach to problem-solving Able to work cooperatively with colleagues at all levels
22. Excellent English-language skills
23. Educated to degree level or equivalent, preferably with a biomedical background
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