Publishing Assistant

BMJ; England; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare knowledge provider is seeking a Publishing Assistant to support a portfolio of biomedical journals. The role involves managing administrative tasks, conducting journal research, updating records, and providing logistical support for meetings. Ideal candidates will have strong organisational and communication skills, with experience in publishing preferred. This hybrid position offers flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working

Generous employer pension contribution

Discounted gym membership

Life assurance and income protection

Additional holiday for long service

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in a scholarly publishing environment is desirable.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage time effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Process supplier invoices and maintain payment files.
• Conduct journal data research and collate reports.
• Arrange meetings and manage meeting logistics.
• Maintain editorial board lists and internal systems.
• Update website information as required.
• Assist with social media and multimedia content.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Independent research capability

Time management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

WordPress

Job description

Overview

In this hybrid role, you will support colleagues from the Publishing Team with administrative tasks related to the publication of a portfolio of leading biomedical journals. You will bring structure and order to core publishing processes, providing back-office support that enables the busy team to deliver their objectives. You will have the opportunity to engage in project work, gain a greater understanding of the academic journal industry, and develop knowledge and skills to progress in your publishing career.

Job purpose

The Publishing Assistant provides support across a large portfolio of specialist biomedical journals. This role is an essential part of the wider Publishing Team and involves assisting the Head of Portfolio, Senior Publisher, Publishers and Publishing Executive. This is a varied and busy role that requires excellent organisational, administrative and communication skills. Duties include research and data collection to aid journal development across the portfolio; maintaining and updating journal records, finances, information files and websites; and organising and attending meetings.

Responsibilities

• Financial administration: Process supplier invoices based on payment schedules. Keep payment files up to date and handle confidential information in line with regulations. Ensure all payments relating to meetings are accounted for.
• Journal data and desk research: Collate regular and ad hoc data for general reporting, meeting reports and strategic development plans. Research competitors and landscape information to support new initiatives.
• Meeting management: Arrange suitable meeting dates with all attendees. Coordinate meeting logistics including videoconferencing, catering, reception passes, travel and accommodation. Attend and take meeting minutes when required.
• Editorial team administration: Maintain editorial board lists and conflict of interest statements on internal systems. Ensure new team members are set up appropriately. Keep websites up to date with team changes. Notify other departments of changes.
• Website maintenance: Update website information as required by the Publishing Team.
• Social and multimedia management: Assist external editors with organising interviews. Upload new podcasts, videos and blog posts as required.
• Other: Cover for the departmental Publishing Administrator or Publishing Team members when required. Participate in ad hoc Publishing Team projects.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in a scholarly publishing environment is desirable.
• Proficient in standard software packages, such as Microsoft Office or Google Suite; basic web skills desirable (e.g. WordPress).
• Ability to research information independently.
• Ability to prioritise workload.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated and results-focused.

Why work for us

Help us create a healthier world. We are a global healthcare knowledge provider. We publish The BMJ, one of the world’s most impactful medical journals and over 70 influential speciality journals. We offer digital tools to help health professionals worldwide tackle critical healthcare challenges. Find out more about us here.

Benefits

• Flexible working that supports both your needs and the requirements of the role.
• Generous employer pension contribution, up to 12%.
• Discounted dental and travel insurance.
• Life assurance and income protection packages.
• Discounted gym membership, cycle-to-work and season ticket loan.
• Discounts for retail and leisure products through yourReward.

Work-life balance and wellbeing

• Twenty-five days holiday + bank holidays + a BMJ Day off.
• Additional holiday through long service; buy up to 5 additional days.
• Leave for moving house, volunteering or getting married.
• Concierge service Seniorcare by Lottie.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are fundamental company priorities.
• We believe a diverse workforce brings unique strengths and insights.
• If you are from an under-represented or historically marginalised community, we are particularly interested in hearing from you.
• Join our employee-led networks focusing on Gender, Race and Cultural Diversity, Sexual Orientation, Mental Health and Well-being, Parents and Carers and Age.
• Disability Confident Committed employer.

Learning & Development

• Career Coaching.
• Opportunities to pursue professional development.
• Strengths-based development.

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