Publishing Operations & Metadata Manager

Adweek; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

PTO & leave

403(b) plan with 6% match

HSA/FSA

Professional development

Wellness events

On-site gym

Life insurance

Teladoc

New parent benefits

Disability insurance

Job summary

ATD seeks a Publishing Operations & Distribution Manager to oversee distribution channels, inventory, and metadata for its publishing division. You’ll report to the Senior Director, Production, Editorial & Creative.

The role requires 4+ years in publishing, a bachelor’s degree, and strong Excel/Acrobat/data skills to support royalties and CMS workflows. Based in Alexandria, VA, with a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of publishing industry experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, management, marketing or related field.
• Proven successes leading the distribution process.
• Advanced Excel with pivot tables and lookups.
• Experience with databases and CMS systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple product and metadata distribution channels.
• Manage inventory to minimize warehousing and shipping costs.
• Plan and manage on-site conference bookstores, inventory and logistics.
• Handle copyright and licensing requests.
• Collect and validate metadata for channel requirements.
• Develop and document metadata best practices.
• Maintain publication web pages in the CMS.
• Prepare royalty statements for authors.
• Manage sales and royalty data across channels.
• Register publications with Copyright Office and Library of Congress.
• Distribute author copies to staff and internal teams.
• Provide publications-related customer service to authors and members.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Pivot Tables

Lookup Functions

Adobe Acrobat

Databases

Content Management Systems

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

HTML Knowledge

Attention to Detail

Self-starter

Association experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CMS

Excel

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Job Description

About the Role

ATD’s Production, Editorial and Creative department is responsible for editing, designing, producing, and distributing ATD’s publications, which include 10+ books annually, two bi-monthly periodicals, research reports, and white papers. Additionally, the department supports the editorial and creative needs of all of ATD’s business lines, including Marketing, Education, Conferences, Membership, Enterprise, and Global.

We are currently looking for a Publishing Operations & Distribution Manager to manage the distribution, inventory, and metadata operations for ATD’s publishing division. In this role, you will report to the Senior Director, Production, Editorial & Creative.

About ATD

The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is the premier membership organization for professionals in the learning and talent development field. Our mission is to create a world that works better by empowering professionals to develop talent in the workplace. Through training programs, membership, globally recognized certifications and events, we support individuals and organizations in talent development to perform at the highest level.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee ATD’s multiple product and metadata distribution channels, including direct to customer sales, trade distributors, and licensing partners
• Manage inventory, ensuring ATD has the correct quantity of stock based on sales data from the various channels with a focus on minimizing warehousing, fulfillment, and shipping expenses
• Oversee the planning and management of on-site conference bookstores, including inventory selections, logistics, and event management
• Manage all copyright and licensing requests and provide rights management support
• Collect and validate metadata to meet specific distribution channel requirements
• Develop and document best metadata practices
• Maintain publication web pages using ATD’s CMS
• Maintain databases and spreadsheets needed to generate royalty statements for authors
• Manage the sales and royalty data for all distribution channels
• Maintain all ATD publications and rules on Copyright Clearance Center
• Register all publications with the Copyright Office and the Library of Congress
• Send out author, comp, and endorser copies of all titles and distribute copies to internal staff
• Handle publications-related customer service needs for authors, members, and staff

What We’re Looking For

• 4+ years of related experience in the publishing industry
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as business, management, marketing, etc.
• Demonstrated and quantifiable successes in leading the distribution process
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and lookup functions
• Intermediate to advanced Adobe Acrobat skills
• Proven experience working with databases and content management systems
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Superior critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills
• Basic HTML knowledge
• Highly attentive to detail
• Self-starter who is comfortable owning projects and working independently
• Association experience is a plus

Why Join Us

At ATD, you’ll be part of an organization dedicated to helping talent development professionals build the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. You’ll work alongside collaborative colleagues while contributing to products, programs, and resources that support professionals and organizations around the world.

Work Environment

This role is based in Alexandria, VA and follows a hybrid work model, offering a mix of in-office collaboration and flexibility.

Our office is located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria on King Street – just steps from the Metro, waterfront, and a vibrant mix of shops and restaurants. The environment is energetic and collaborative, providing regular opportunities to connect with teammates and leadership.

We are committed to employee growth and development, offering professional development resources, dedicated learning time, and organization-wide learning initiatives. We also foster a strong sense of community through team events, recognition programs, and company gatherings.

* Salary Range: [$70,000]–[$80,000]. Starting salary will be based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skills. *

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid Time Off (PTO, Personal Days, Sick Time, Sabbaticals, Learning Hours)
• 403(b) plan options with 6% company match and immediate vesting on employee contributions
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts
• Unlimited Professional Development through ATD (classes, certifications, resources, etc.)
• Wellness library and events (virtual and in-person)
• On-site gym
• Basic and supplemental life insurance coverages
• Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity
• Company paid Teladoc visits
• New parent benefits
• Short- and long-term disability
• Employee discount program (Tickets at Work, Verizon, Hertz, and more)
• Pet insurance

EEO Statement

ATD is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, age, color, national origin, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Need Assistance

ATD is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations for any applicant with a disability. If you are disabled and need assistance participating in the application or hiring process please contact us at [e-mail] or you may call us at 1.800.628.2783.