Managing Editor - Tommy Nelson

HarperCollins Publishers; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

HarperCollins Publishers is seeking a highly organized Managing Editor for the Tommy Nelson division. You will oversee production planning, data integrity, and cross-functional collaboration with editorial, marketing, and creative teams.

The role emphasizes risk assessment, process optimization, and timely, high-quality deliverables within budget. Hybrid schedule in Nashville, TN, or Grand Rapids, MI with remote opportunities for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of publishing management experience.
• Experience with editorial project management preferred.
• Strong knowledge of publishing processes and financial management.

Responsibilities

• Data management & integrity across lifecycle of products.
• Set up schedules in Asana and lead teams to meet KPIs.
• Collaborate with editorial, marketing, and production teams.
• Assess risks early and adapt plans to meet timelines and budgets.
• Document production plans and maintain stakeholder relationships.
• Improve workflows through process optimization and best practices.
• Oversee financial oversight, vendor setup, and payments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Written communication

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Proofreading

Communicate key points

Learn new software

Education

B.A. in English or related field

Tools

RSuite

Global Works Tool

Job description

Overview

The Tommy Nelson division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing is in search of a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Managing Editor to join our dynamic team. The Managing Editor oversees process flow for identified opportunities through production planning and on to finished products to accomplish publishing goals, interfaces with HarperCollins Christian Publishing editorial, marketing, and creative team members, as well as shared service areas of the company. You will be instrumental in streamlining processes, mitigating risks, and ensuring timely, high-quality deliverables that meet budget expectations. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced publishing environment.

Our preference is to fill this position in Nashville, TN (working a hybrid schedule) or in Grand Rapids, MI. But open to a remote opportunity for a well qualified candidate. Travel may be required based on the need of the business.

Responsibilities

• Data Management & Integrity: Set up ISBNs, facilitate data updates, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of project-related data throughout the lifecycle of products.
• Project Management: Set up schedules in Asana for all new publishing projects, helping to lead the team to ensure timely deliverables completion, adherence to budgets, and meeting key performance indicators (KPIs). Serve as a key point of contact for project-related matters, with specific collaboration with editorial staff.
• Product Development: work closely with production on product specifications and pricing.
• Risk Management & Planning: Assess potential risks early, providing strategic insight to inform decision-making and minimize exposure. Work with the publisher to revise production and publishing plans as necessary to meet changing requirements and maximize opportunities.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Develop and document production plans in collaboration with key stakeholders and maintain strong working relationships across departments to ensure smooth project execution.
• Process Optimization: Participate in Managing Editorial Meetings to stay informed on best practices, systems, and processes, and apply this knowledge to improve workflow and team efficiency.
• Financial Oversight: Manage P&L (APL) development, approval, and processing, ensuring financial accountability. Set up new vendors, facilitate high-advance requests, manage Risk Center process, and ensure timely payment of invoices and advance payments.
• Contract Management: Track and facilitate contract request forms (CRF), ensuring adherence to approval processes and compliance standards.
• Sales & Marketing Support: Oversee the development and distribution of sales conference and title announcement information, ensuring that all data is accurate and aligned with company standards. Build sales conference calendar, establish deliverables, manage the presentation deliverables.
• Publishing Transitions: Review reprint requests and track inventory. Facilitate the transition of titles to print-on-demand (POD) processes as required. Process rights reversions.
• Global Tools, Catalog, and Archive Management: Map titles in the Global Works Tool, apply for CIP data, and maintain and distribute the team tracker title plan to key stakeholders on a weekly basis. Maintain archive of products for publishing group.
• Reporting & Data Analysis: Pull financial reports from various company platforms and interpret data.

Qualifications

Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of publishing processes, including production, scheduling, and financial management.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
• Advanced use of Microsoft Office required, specifically Excel spreadsheets.
• Extensive project management and planning ability
• Experience with project management software, data management systems, and tools such as RSuite, Global Works Tool, or similar platforms is a plus.
• Clear understanding of the Christian publishing industry, editorial practices, and publishing operations preferred

Work Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of publishing management experience. Work experience in editorial project management strongly preferred.

Education: B.A. in English or a related field; or equivalent job experience

Skills:

• Extreme attention to detail
• Excellent written communication skills
• Proven project management and organizational skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Proven spelling and proofreading skills
• Able to distill numerous pieces of information and communicate key points to others
• Quickly learn new software applications and maintain awareness of new and emerging technologies.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is an equal opportunity employer.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application, due to a disability, email us at [e-mail]. Note: we will only respond to accommodation requests.