MANAGING EDITOR, JOURNALS & PUBLICATIONS

Duke University - Durham, NC

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Durham, NC

5,001-10,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Managing Editor for the American Journal of Transplantation (AJT) at Duke University is responsible for overseeing all editorial operations of the journal, which is the official publication of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. This role involves organizing and executing multiple journal initiatives, managing the Editorial Office staff, and interfacing extensively with AJT's publishing partner, Elsevier, to ensure smooth operations. The successful candidate will have prior experience in a managing editor role or a similar capacity, preferably with a biomedical or clinical journal. This position can be remote or hybrid, with remote applicants required to reside in specific states. The Managing Editor will oversee all aspects of the article submission, peer review, and publication processes. They will collaborate closely with the Editor-in-Chief to enhance the efficiency of these processes and regularly generate and analyze reports to make data-driven decisions that support the journal's goals. The role also includes serving as the primary liaison to the publisher's journal manager, monitoring the publisher's performance, and working with them to evaluate production processes and implement necessary changes to streamline operations. In addition to managing the editorial processes, the Managing Editor will supervise two direct reports, support them in processing submissions, and manage the peer review process. They will lead projects aimed at improving journal operations and initiatives that benefit the transplant community, provide technical support to authors, reviewers, and editors, and manage the submission, review, and production of special sections and features of the journal. The Managing Editor will also oversee the transition process between the outgoing and incoming Board of Editors and support the annual selection and training of AJT's Editorial Fellows. Furthermore, they will oversee the journal's social media strategy and attend annual conferences and meetings to promote the journal.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the article submission, peer review, and publication processes.
• Collaborate closely with the Editor-in-Chief to enhance the efficiency of the editorial and publication processes.
• Regularly generate and analyze reports to make data-driven decisions that support the journal's goals.
• Serve as primary liaison to publisher's journal manager and monitor publisher's performance, including adherence to production timeline and quality.
• Supervise two direct reports and support them in processing submissions and managing the peer review process of the journal.
• Lead projects aimed at improving journal operations and initiatives in collaboration with the Editor-in-Chief that benefit the transplant community.
• Provide technical support to authors, reviewers, and editors in the use of the manuscript management system, as necessary.
• Manage the submission, review, and production of several special sections and features of the journal.
• Supervise the transition process between the outgoing and incoming Board of Editors, and support the annual selection and training of AJT's Editorial Fellows.
• Oversee social media strategy in collaboration with editors, staff, and co-publisher.
• Attend annual conferences and meetings, supporting booth management and journal promotion activities in collaboration with the publisher.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in a relevant field preferred.
• 6+ years of experience in health care/scientific editing and publishing.
• At least 3 years of experience supervising and developing editorial staff.
• Experience in managing and building relationships with external stakeholders with tact, diplomacy, and judgment; excellent interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional presentation, written and oral communication skills.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple vendors.
• Budget management skills a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including PowerPoint, Excel, and other similar software.
• Proficiency with web-based software and databases.
• Experience with Editorial Manager strongly preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Extensive management experience in scholarly publishing, including leading editorial teams and overseeing large journal accounts.
• Direct experience in providing top-quality editorial services and managing journal titles, ensuring quality and timeliness.
• Strong track record in driving efficiencies, process improvement, and cost-effectiveness within editorial operations.
• Proven ability to actively and productively engage with authors, editors, and reviewers, ensuring satisfaction and maintaining strong professional relationships.
• Expert knowledge of manuscript management systems (e.g., Editorial Manager, ScholarOne) and other software critical to editorial workflows.
• Experienced in recruiting, managing, mentoring, and training editorial staff, fostering a high-performing team environment.
• Highly adaptable and flexible, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and addressing journal needs and demands.
• Keeps current on industry trends and participates actively in relevant professional organizations and events.

Benefits

• Remote or hybrid work options available.
• Opportunity to work in a prestigious academic medical center.
• Engagement with a diverse community of professionals in the field of medicine and research.