Executive Editor - Job Post

Berrett-Koehler Publishers (BK), an independent publisher committed to creating a world that works for all, seeks to fill the position of executive editor and expand its growing list of professional titles, particularly in the area of project management. The executive editor will acquire, develop, manage, and publish a list consisting of 16-18 titles per year in project management, HR management, government procurement, and other specialized areas to be determined.

About Our Company: We believe that to truly create a better world, action is needed at all levels--individual, organizational, and societal. BK’s existing “agendas” to address necessary change are currently “Business,” “Life” and “Currents;” they will be expanded to include “Professional” upon the hire’s joining the company. Berrett-Koehler has more than 600 books in print, publishes 40-50 new titles per year, and is a leader in digital publishing. BK is a certified B Corporation and California Benefit Corporation and is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Berrett-Koehler has a strong commitment to building a staff that is rich with cultural, social and intellectual diversity. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths and experiences in this area.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Executive Editor
Salary: $83,742
Benefits: Health, Dental, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, FSA, HSA, 401K match, ESOP, EAP
Duration: Exempt, Full Time
Optimal Start Date: on or before July 17, 2017
Min. 5 years experience acquiring professional or academic book titles in related subject areas

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Acquire Books

• Acquire, develop, transmit, and publish approximately 16-18 new publications and new editions per year in the following areas: project management (50%) and a combination to be determined of titles on human resource development and management, public administration, health care management, education leadership, federal acquisition and financial management, adult-aging management and other possible professional areas in consultation with the Editorial Committee.
• In new author acquisition, give special attention to diversity with respect to gender, ethnicity, and age.
• Attend professional conferences and do other travel as needed to recruit authors, meet with existing BK authors, and evangelize for the new publishing agenda.
• Recruit and manage new authors and manage relationships with existing authors. Help onboard Management Concepts authors and develop them as community members.
• Learn and understand the BK business model; prepare P&L’s.
• Negotiate and sign publication agreements (consulting with the Vice President, Editorial and Digital, and the Editorial Director concerning changes to the company’s standard publication agreement).
• Oversee one or more consulting editors.

Manage Books

• Provide editorial guidance to authors from publication concept to final manuscript.
• Facilitate cost-effective design and production of publications by preparing authors for the design and production process, helping authors prepare manuscripts to meet design and production requirements, and efficiently ensuring the transmittal of final manuscripts; transmittal efforts should include providing appropriate editorial guidance to the copyeditor, relevant instructions to production regarding design and other production features, and finalization of chapter titles for inclusion in Managing Director’s transmittal package.
• For publications signed by the Executive Editor, participate in cover team meetings.
• Handle all administration for professional book series books, including updating database, tip sheets, contracts, etc.

Marketing Books

• Assist authors in developing their own effective marketing plans for their publications; help authors connect effectively with BK’s sales and marketing staff and efforts; and help authors gain realistic expectations for the extent and outcomes of those efforts.
• Collaborate with marketing department to optimize success of titles; efforts should include proactive collaboration with marketing staff at all stages of the life of the publication.
• Prepare and renew book tip sheets for submission to distribution partners. Present book topics at presales, and other sales meetings.

Project Management Training

• If not already trained as a PMP, seek out a suitable project management-training program and certify as a PMP at BK expense. Act as BK’s internal project management expert and advocate for and train staff in project management principles.

Berrett-Koehler Publishers – Editor Application Questions
Written applications should include answers to these questions:

How would you describe the editorial vision that guides BK’s publishing program?

How would a more focused professional-publishing list fit that program?

Why does the topic area of project management interest you?

What are some of BK’s distinctive publishing and organizational practices that you find of interest?

What about BK’s distinctive practices do you find personally or professionally interesting and why?

Why are you interested in this BK position, and which of your experiences, skills, and perspectives would make you a good fit for the position?

APPLICATIONS:

To be considered, please send a resume and a detailed cover letter that includes why you are interested in the position, relevant qualifications and experience, and anything else you think we should know.

Please send all materials to:

Ginger Winters, Associate Director of Human Resources
[email protected]
Put in subject line: Executive Editor

This position is located in the Oakland and is not eligible for relocation reimbursement. Therefore, all candidates who live outside a commutable distance of Oakland will be responsible for all expenses related to their relocation.

Berrett-Koehler Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.