Publishing Operations & Metadata Manager

ATD American Society for Training and Development, Incorporated; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

PTO and sabbaticals

401(k) plan with 6% match

Flexible Spending and Health Savings

Job summary

ATD’s Publishing Operations & Distribution Manager will oversee distribution, inventory, and metadata for ATD’s publishing division. You’ll report to the Senior Director, Production, Editorial & Creative and work from our Alexandria, VA office in a hybrid model.

The role requires 4+ years in publishing, a related bachelor’s degree, strong Excel and CMS skills, and experience with databases, HTML, and metadata standards. Analytical and communication abilities are essential for success.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in the publishing industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as business, management, marketing.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and lookup functions.
• Experience with databases and content management systems (CMS).
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Basic HTML knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee ATD’s product and metadata distribution channels (direct to customer, trade distributors, licensing).
• Manage inventory based on sales data to minimize warehousing and shipping costs.
• Plan and manage on-site conference bookstores (inventory selections, logistics, event management).
• Handle copyright and licensing requests and rights management support.
• Collect and validate metadata to meet channel requirements.
• Develop and document best metadata practices.
• Maintain publication web pages using ATD’s CMS.
• Maintain databases and spreadsheets for royalty statements.
• Manage sales and royalty data for all channels.
• Maintain ATD publications and Copyright Clearance Center rules.
• Register publications with Copyright Office and Library of Congress.
• Distribute author copies and respond to publications-related customer service needs.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Adobe Acrobat

HTML knowledge

Databases

CMS

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/related field

Tools

CMS

Databases

Job description

Come work at a place where innovation and teamwork come together to support the most exciting missions in the world! 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.

If this opportunity aligns with your experience and interests, we’d love to hear from you!

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range: [$70,000]–[$80,000]. Starting salary will be based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skills.
• Benefits: Employment at ATD isn’t just about a job – it's about our employees’ well-being. Our ATD LiveWell program provides a variety of essential and fun benefits based on areas of Physical, Financial, Social, and Career health. Look at some (but not all) of what we offer and see for yourself!
  • 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.

Unleashing human potential is important work. For nearly 80 years, the Association for Talent Development (ATD) has supported those who develop the knowledge and skills of employees in organizations around the world. Getting employees up to speed, trained, and ready to tackle today’s increasingly demanding business landscape is important work. We help talent development professionals do this work by providing many products and services: Membership Research and publications Tools and resources on best practices Courses and certifications Conferences and events Together with our global community we help create a world that works better. We are a professional membership association, employing a global staff of more than 150 who use creativity, technology, teamwork, and innovation to serve members and customers around the world. Our products and services equip practitioners to increase their own effectiveness. ATD encourages every employee to actively engage in the organization, support the business and each other, generate ideas to drive revenue and efficiency, increase our value proposition, and better serve our profession and society. We have fun while we work hard. We love technology and constantly pursue the next way to improve our business. We have fun while we work hard.