Journal Development Manager - 12 Month FTC

This role is to be filled by an employee working from a remote location within the UK or Germany.

PLOS is a nonprofit organization on a mission to drive open science forward with measurable, meaningful change in research publishing, policy, and practice. We believe in a better future where science is open to all, for all.

Role Summary

PLOS is a nonprofit, Open Access publisher empowering researchers to accelerate progress in science and medicine by leading a transformation in research communication. The Journal Development Manager is responsible for the performance and strategic development of a small group of OA journals, maximizing the value they create both for PLOS and the communities they serve. Collaborating closely with Editorial, Operations and Marcomms, the role implements and delivers against journal strategies, contributing to the development of international networks to grow PLOS’ profile and reputation.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Monitoring journal performance vs metrics and ensuring that timely actions are taken to address any issues
• Oversee the performance of the Editorial Board Members, ensuring editors are performing in accordance with defined standards, and that their workloads are appropriate and manageable
• Set and manage the budget for the journal, with support from the Publisher, including submissions, publications, revenue, waiver spend, stipends and sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement journal development strategies, taking into account individual journal performance and development needs, as well as the overall PLOS strategy
• Contribute to the development of PLOS’ publishing strategy, positioning the journals to make them the first choice for authors and readers and appealing for institutions, librarians and funders, ensuring that each journal has a competitive value proposition which differentiates them within our portfolio and from competitors
• Foster strong rapport with external editorial board members and key stakeholders, with a particular emphasis on cultivating an excellent working relationship with Editors-in-Chief
• Build journal content by identifying and contacting senior researchers to encourage submissions, working with Editorial Board Members to identify and commission appropriate reviews, commentaries, editorially-led thematic series and collections, and liaise with the appropriate in-house teams to take these forward
• Provide business and market intelligence to guide growth and decision-making, using data modeling practices to analyze your findings and create suggestions for strategic and operational improvements and changes
• Work in close partnership with Editorial, Publishing Operations and Marcomms  to ensure the journals contribute to the achievement of PLOS’ strategic goals and keep PLOS at the forefront of open science publishing
• Work with the Open Research team to support the development of Open Science practices within the journals’ communities through uptake of existing OS features and development of new ones
• Maintain in-depth industry knowledge, awareness of market trends, innovations and awareness of evolving community and customer (author) needs
• Actively represent and promote PLOS as a thought leader across the scientific, scholarly communication, and higher education sectors through attendance and speaking at key meetings and events, and through activities with like-minded organizations.

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience in STM publishing, with a track record developing and managing successful journals
• Experience launching Open Access journals from proposal to publication would be beneficial
• Demonstrable broad range of functional knowledge and awareness of external influences, particularly with respect to research and funding trends, as well as developments in STM publishing
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to successfully implement new strategies and business plans, and the flexibility to adapt quickly to change
• Excellent communication, organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a wide variety of colleagues, strong ability to influence at a senior level and demonstrable negotiation skills
• Role models PLOS behaviors and values
• Ability to work independently. 

Qualifications

• Educated to a Bachelor’s degree level or equivalent 
• Master’s or advanced degree in a relevant subject would be advantageous

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Prolonged periods stationary at a desk and working on a computer
• Some national and international travel will be required
• Some flexibility to work across time zones

The base salary range we’ve established for this position is (UK) £50,000-62,000 (DE) €70,000 - €90,000. PLOS also offers a comprehensive benefits package that will be shared with candidates in the interview process.

About PLOS 

Building on a strong legacy of pioneering innovation, PLOS continues to be a catalyst in open science, reimagining models to meet open science principles, removing barriers and promoting inclusion in knowledge creation and sharing, and publishing research outputs that enable everyone to learn from, reuse and build upon scientific knowledge.

Our work is supported by a highly skilled global in-house team, partnerships with local scholarly organizations, and the valued contributions of a diverse, international community of scientific researchers.

We’re committed to equal opportunity

We’re working to create a more equitable system of scientific knowledge and understanding. Removing barriers to inclusion and facilitating broad participation of voices is core to our success, inside and out. 

Beyond accepting distinct perspectives, we seek and support divergent backgrounds among our staff because we know differences strengthen our teams, our work, and our communities. We strongly encourage applicants of all identities to join us as we work towards a future where science is open to all, for all. 

Visit plos.org/careers to learn more.

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