Job vacancy: Managing Editor

Job title

Managing Editor

Salary

Circa £50k per annum

Reporting chain

Heads of Publishing; Executive Director

Job summary

The Managing Editor (ME) is responsible for supporting the Heads of Publishing in the publication of the international journals of the Royal Astronomical Society.  The role requires a thorough understanding of the publishing landscape especially Open Access journals and development strategies for their success.  The ME will have expertise in the management of the online manuscript tracking for high volume journals and will have a thorough understanding of editorial processes. The ME will establish professional, effective relationships with journal stakeholders and take responsibility for the management of submissions through peer review for two of the RAS journals to ensure rapid processing and publication of submitted manuscripts, and a smooth transition through to production.  The ME will also manage some journal-related projects, and will support the promotion of the RAS journals at external events.

Key responsibilities

Peer review

• Oversee the effective use of the online submission systems and ensure the highest ethical standards are achieved across the submission, peer review and acceptance processes of the RAS journals
• Work with the Assistant Editors to provide peer review support to Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS)
• Assigning MNRAS papers rota, and leave cover
  • On a rotational basis take responsibility for assigning MNRAS submissions appropriately
  • Check new submissions on receipt to ensure that they comply with the requirements of the journal
  • Work with allocated Editors to ensure a smooth peer review process; taking full responsibility for assigned papers
  • Convey decisions to the authors at the direction of the relevant Editor and send accepted papers to the Society’s publishers, Oxford University Press (OUP)
  • Provide appropriate cover for other members of the publications team on periods of absence as required, ensuring that the journals are adequately staffed at all times
  • Maintain a close working relationship with editors, authors, referees and the publisher’s production team
  • Help to resolve disputes, including ethical matters, arising during the peer review process, escalating any problems
  • Act as the main point of contact for MNRAS system queries
  • Prepare regular reports and statistics for the Editors and Heads of Publishing
• Manage the editorial peer review process provided by OUP on RAS Techniques and Instruments (RASTI)
  • Monitor manuscript flow
  • Advise on procedures, processes and journal development
  • Run ad hoc reports as required
  • Establish close working relationship with Editor-in-Chief, and support commissioning of articles
• Contribute to oversight of the editorial function on Geophysical Journal International through familiarisation with its subject area and working practices

Journal management

• Deputise in the absence of the Heads of Publishing
• Manage specific journal projects e.g. special issues and for the MNRAS bicentenary
• Support and contribute to the strategic development of the journals
• Organise annual Editorial Board meetings for MNRAS and RASTI, and ensure timely completion of required reports. 
• With the Heads of Publishing, organise effective online and in-person workshops for authors and referees.
• Work with RAS Assistant Editor colleagues to share best practice and consistency of processing standards
• Actively contribute to team and Society meetings
• Support editorial colleagues to promote the Society’s publications both internally and externally by attending national and international meetings/conferences/events
• Attend appropriate seminars/workshops/courses on publishing matters to maintain an awareness of current and future trends, especially in relation to Open Access and publishing ethics
• Assist in the recruitment and training of new Assistant Editors and Editorial Board members
• Undertake any other reasonable duties consistent with the scope and nature of the role as requested by the Heads of Publishing or Senior Management Team. As part of a small team, this may include supporting other RAS roles from time-to-time depending on priorities at the Society.

Essential skills

• Direct experience of working within the academic publishing environment
• Experience with, and / or knowledge of, Open Access publishing and a willingness to engage with stakeholders on the subject
• Experience of managing projects and multiple deadlines
• Excellent relationship-building skills and proven experience of collaborative team work
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• High level of IT literacy

Desirable skills

• A post-graduate qualification and/or experience within academic research preferably in astronomy or geophysics.
• Experience of working for a learned or professional society (or other charitable organisation with trustees, committees and membership)
• Experience of using and configuring online peer review and submission systems e.g. ScholarOne Manuscripts
• Supervision experience

This job description is not intended to be either prescriptive or exhaustive. It outlines the main areas of responsibility at the time of writing.

Application process

Applications, including a CV, covering letter and the names of two referees, should be sent by email to Liz Baker & Kim Clube, Heads of Publishing, Royal Astronomical Society, publishing@ras.ac.uk.

Applicants should note that this is a UK-based position and will involve working two days a week in the Royal Astronomical Society’s offices at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London.

Closing date

Application deadline 20^th September 2024.

Interview details

Candidates shortlisted for interview (which will be held during the week of 7^th October) will be informed by email no later than 4^th October.

The position will be available from 1^st December.

Further information

The Royal Astronomical Society supports and connects astronomers and geophysicists, in the UK and globally, throughout their careers. We assist them to sustain and advance the rigorous scientific study of the origins and evolution of our own planet and the whole wider cosmos. We promote a better understanding of the relevance and value of our subjects throughout all society, from inspiration for young people to advice to government.

The RAS journals portfolio consists of Geophysical Journal International (GJI), Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS), and RAS Techniques & Instruments (RASTI).

The Society is committed to providing an environment in which staff are selected and treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of ethnic or national origin, race, gender, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religious or political beliefs, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or family circumstances.