Editorial Projects Lead — Publishing Operations

HarperCollins Christian Publishing; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

HarperCollins Christian Publishing in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking an Editorial Project Manager to oversee metadata, editorial coordination, and freelancer management across Reflective titles.

The role supports the Executive Managing Editor from title acceptance through printer-ready files, coordinating with acquisition and production editors, freelancers, and internal teams. Travel may be required; office presence is limited.

Qualifications

• Advanced use of Microsoft Office required.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Data Management & Integrity: Perform title setups in MDM and manage changes to product records for Reflective titles. Resolve and/or elevate metadata issues in a timely manner, logging Jira tickets as necessary. Ensure project documents are complete, current, and archived appropriately.
• Editorial Support & Freelance Management: Perform editorial support tasks, such as format proofreadings, prepress checks, and small proofreading jobs. Manage the freelance assignments, including delivery, evaluation, and payment, monitoring and negotiating freelancer rates in consultation with the Publishers. Seek out and keep a file of potential new freelancers, test and evaluate their potential, negotiate rates, and initiate/complete the process for enlisting them as Independent Contractors. Approve invoices as requested.
• Project & Special Initiatives Management: Manage the softcover conversion process for Reflective titles and other special projects as requested by the Executive Managing Editor. May set up and manage 5-10 schedules in Microsoft Project, including but not limited to softcover conversion and regular frontlist schedules. In collaboration with the Production and Content Design and Operations teams, manage the process for reprint corrections from beginning to end.
• Team Meeting & Catalog Support: Facilitate Pub Board and Sales Conference preparation, including agenda/schedule/action items and documentation of meeting notes. Oversee Sales Conference catalog development for Reflective and Academic titles, assisting the Executive Managing Editor with the comprehensive data check and post-sales conference web checks.
• Cover & Packaging Review and Distribution: Oversee the cover routing process in RSuite for Reflective titles, ensuring editorial excellence by proofreading product packaging, front and back cover copy, and product labels. Receive/distribute advance covers received from printers and advance copies of printed books of Reflective titles. Requires limited office presence.
• Editorial Collaboration & Process Optimization : Attend bi-weekly production rounds with Production, Comp, and Content Design and Operations, providing information and feedback as needed. Participate in Managing Editorial meetings, gleaning training and information related to process, systems, and data. Create and update best tools, processes, and practices by interfacing with all team members as well as shared service areas of the company.
• CIP & Global Tools Management: Apply for CIP data as requested for Reflective titles, and map Reflective titles in the Global Works Tool.
• Financial Oversight: As requested by the Executive Managing Editor, manage APL (P&L) development and processing.
• Contract Management: As requested by the Executive Managing Editor, facilitate and track contract request forms (CRF) for Reflective titles, adhering to approval and process standards.
• Publishing Transitions: Process out-of-print or rights reversion requests as requested by the Executive Managing Editor.
• Stakeholder & Customer Relations: Act as a key contact for customer services inquiries, data questions, etc. for the Reflective titles.
• Manuscript Management: Convert manuscript files and place in Bookswip directory; field/screen all staff requests for manuscripts with appropriate DISCLAIMERS, watermarks, and password security. Process requests for digital copies of manuscripts, subject to Publisher's approval.

Skills

Attention to detail

Written communication

Project management

Independent work

Interpersonal skills

Facilitation

Grammar proofreading

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in English

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

HarperCollins Christian Publishing in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking an Editorial Project Manager to oversee metadata, editorial coordination, and freelancer management across Reflective titles.

The role supports the Executive Managing Editor from title acceptance through printer-ready files, coordinating with acquisition and production editors, freelancers, and internal teams. Travel may be required; office presence is limited.