In delivering ‘social science that makes a difference’, the Research Programmes of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Durban, Mthatha, Pietermaritzburg, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.
The HSRC Press, the publishing arm of the Human Sciences Research Council, is currently the leading publisher of independently evaluated, peer-reviewed scholarly/academic works in Africa.
The HSRC Press is offering the following opportunity (based in Cape Town) to an individual with a serious interest in the business of scholarly book publishing.
Commissioning Editor
This is a key position in managing the publishing list for the Press, liaising with authors and ensuring that publications of exceptional quality are selected for publication. The incumbent will be required to work both internally with HSRC researchers in advising on effective publishing strategies, as well as externally in selecting proposals from authors and working with an independent Editorial Board who function in an advisory capacity to the Press.
Key responsibilities:
- Assisting in the planning and conceptualisation of publishing projects;
- Managing peer review processes as well as commissioning and manuscript review processes
- Managing the pre-production phase of projects including budgets, contracts and schedules;
- Working sensitively and efficiently with authors;
- Acting as the HSRC Press Editorial Board Secretary;
- Briefing marketing and editorial colleagues on relevant information;
- Managing backlist.
Key requirements:
- Relevant experience in the publishing industry;
- Post-graduate qualification in Humanities or the Social Sciences or related disciplines;
- Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, email and the internet;
- Ability to prioritize tasks and work effectively to demanding deadlines;
- Willingness to undertake local travel;
- Work with budgets, databases and planning tools;
- Demonstrate highly developed people and negotiation skills;
- Highly organized administrative skills.
Applications
In your application, please include a short CV and a letter of motivation specifying why you like to work in publishing. Applicants may be required to undertake a written exercise in the competencies required for the position.
Please submit your application to The Head: Human Resources, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001 or hand deliver to HSRC Building, Room 1353, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria. E-mailed and faxed applications will not be accepted. Enquiries and not applications may be directed to jrwightman@hsrc.ac.za. The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of its senior managers, research leaders and support staff who are black, female or disabled.
Closing date: 25 August 2011. We encourage applicants to submit before that date.
Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only candidates who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their application.
APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Contact Information:
For inquiries: jrwightman@hsrc.ac.za
For submissions: jrwightman@hsrc.ac.za
Website: http://www.hsrc.ac.za/
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