Property Rights Specialist

A vacancy exists in Johannesburg for a Publisher at one of South Africa's most dynamic book publishers. Reporting to the Publishing Director, this senior position includes the following responsibilities:

1. Research, plan, develop and co-ordinate a profitable list of book and digital publishing projects in the fields of current affairs, politics, biography/memoir, and business.
2. Conceptualise and commission commercially viable books for the South African book market with an emphasis on non-fiction.
3. Review and assess manuscripts for merit and commercial viability.
4. Develop manuscripts in conjunction with the author for greater accessibility, improved structure, and logical flow.
5. Liaise with authors, building author relationships and networks.
6. Negotiate author contracts and manage contract terms, royalties, and payments with authors and agents.
7. Prepare and control project costing budgets.
8. Ensure projects are published on time and to the highest quality standards.
9. Mission and brief a team of freelancers on each project.
10. Liaise with sales, marketing, and publicity colleagues.

Minimum requirements include:

1. A relevant tertiary qualification.
2. Publishing experience, including commissioning and project management in book publishing.
3. A love of reading and a passion for South African stories, with a specific focus on non-fiction.
4. Excellent communication and editorial skills in English.
5. Sound knowledge of the book market.

This position requires an individual with a strong sense of the kinds of non-fiction topics South Africans like to read about and a wide professional network, or a proven track record in the publishing environment. The successful candidate will have excellent planning and organisational skills, sound business acumen, good interpersonal abilities, and creativity. The company offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Given Media24's employment equity policy, preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups.

Anyone who is interested in applying for this position and who meets the requirements of the post may direct an application in the form of a CV and cover letter via the following link.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 20 March.

Only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. Please note that if you have not heard from us by 28 March, you should regard your application as unsuccessful. Jonathan Ball Publishers, a division of Media24, reserves the right not to fill this position at this time should a suitable candidate not be found. Preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups.