Junior Publisher Scholarly Books

This is not a remote work position.

Role purpose

The Assistant / Junior Publisher will coordinate the end-to-end publishing process for a portfolio of scholarly books. This includes managing manuscript submissions, overseeing peer review processes, coordinating production stages, ensuring metadata compliance, and facilitating online publication. The role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and effective communication with authors, editors, and contractors.

We welcome applications from candidates from editorial support and publishing operations, particularly those who excel in structured, deadline-driven environments and enjoy managing workflows, documents, and people with precision.

Key Responsibilities

• Manuscript management: Distribute author guidelines, verify manuscript formatting, and ensure rights and ethical compliance.
• Peer review coordination: Assign reviewers, track responses, and manage communications between reviewers, editors and authors, and internal stakeholders.
• Production oversight: Coordinate with copy editors, proofreaders and typesetters, conduct quality checks and implement changes, and ensure timely publication.
• Metadata and archiving: RegisterDOIs and reference lists and ensure accurate metadata entry.
• Project tracking: Maintain up-to-date records in project management tools (e.g., ClickUp), monitor timelines, and report on project statuses.

Requirements

Qualifications and experience

• Education: Bachelors degree in Publishing, Journalism, Communications, English, Humanities, or a related field.
• Experience: 1 to 3 years in publishing operations, editorial coordination, or administrative support roles.
• Technical skills: Proficiency in digital tools such as ClickUp, Excel/Sheets, and SharePoint, and familiarity with publishing platforms like OJS or OMP.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with professional email etiquette.
• Attention to detail: Demonstrated ability to manage complex workflows and ensure quality control.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience with open-access publishing and Creative Commons licensing.
• Familiarity with metadata standards (DOI, ORCID, ROR, Crossref).
• Background in academic institutions, libraries or research administration.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Who Were Looking For

• This role is ideal for someone who is:
• Systematic: You enjoy administration, following checklists/SOPs, ticking boxes, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
• Reliable: You take ownership of your work and deliver on time without being chased.
• Process-minded: You want to understand how workflows can be improved not just follow them.
• Calm under pressure: You can juggle multiple books, authors, and deadlines with composure.
• Collaborative: You are comfortable working with editors, authors, and colleagues across departments.

Benefits

Application Instructions

Please submit your CV and a short motivation letter detailing your experience with Moodle support. Please included the names, email addresses and telephone details of three referees we may contact.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Other Important Information

• All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments and psychometric tests as part of the selection process.
• Applications will only be considered after the closing date or if they comply with at least the minimum requirements.
• Ms Hannah Boast hannah@personastaff.co.za, for application-related enquiries.
• AOSIS is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of AOSIS and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
• All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.
• All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials and criminal and credit checks (if applicable).
• AOSIS reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions.
• Applicants should be South African citizens, permanent residents with a bar-coded ID, or possess a valid work visa or permit.