Senior Project Manager Publishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Princeton University Press (PUP) seeks a Senior Project Manager of Publishing Operations to oversee the production, in print and digitals forms, of a diverse range of titles, including complex and high priority projects, from unedited manuscript through final publication. Reporting to the Executive Director of Publishing Operations, the role carries responsibility for title-level production editorial and manufacturing decisions and vendor coordination and supports key publishing areas, including textbooks, nature, and art titles. This position is responsible for sustainable planning, scheduling, cost control, and print strategy from early planning stages through publication. The position requires an experienced communicator and problem-solver who is both strategic and detail-oriented, entrepreneurial in spirit and skilled at fosteringrelationships with a diversity of stakeholders/collaborators. The role also serves as an organizational steward for standard operating processes to ensure optimal publishing workflows and quality publications. 

This is a full-time position with comprehensive and industry-leading benefits that include a focus on wellness. PUP is a staff choice organization when it comes to work location and flexible scheduling. The Press respects and trusts that staff can determine where and how they best function to perform their role. The selected candidate will be able to choose either 100% remote (within the US), hybrid, or full-time in our Princeton, NJ office.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

•    Manage a varied list including heavily illustrated 4-C books with significant design and manufacturing complexity such as textbooks, nature/field guides, and art books, taking projects from raw manuscript through final print and digital publication. 
•    Serve as primary production contact for assigned titles, including author liaison, coordinating closely with Acquisitions Editorial, Creative Media Lab, other Operations, and Marketing and Sales staff.
•    Assign, oversee, and evaluate the work of packagers, freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, indexers, and compositors; ensure quality and cost effective control. 
•    Create art logs and work with Illustration manager, designer, freelancers, and colleagues as required, to ensure art programs are prepared for optimal publication. 
•    Convey detailed information to the designer concerning the range and complexity of design elements in the book and its art program. 
•    Make title level manufacturing recommendations, including print method, specifications, schedules, and vendor coordination, in consultation with colleagues. 
•    Develop and maintain detailed production schedules, estimates, and workflows before and during production in Biblio; adjust schedules proactively as projects evolve. 
•    Process improvement and workflow optimization. Continuous process improvement througheffectiveproject management andcross-departmentalcommunications.Resolves and suggests improvement on procedural issues; answers questions; and ensures smooth workflow. 
•    Monitor production costs against budget and uphold PUP quality standards. 
•    Prepare projects for production handover, ensuring copyediting, design, permissions, and manufacturing considerations are fully addressed. 
•    Review permissions logs, copyright pages, covers/jackets and copy, and regional or audio editions and ebooks as assigned. Reviews epub galleys as needed.  
•    Provide additional support to specialized publishing areas during periods of high demand or transition. 
•    Coordinate printer proofs, digital proofs, F&Gs, and ancillary materials; resolve manufacturing or quality issues for assigned projects. 
•    Participate in production coordination meetings as needed to flag risks and propose solutions for assigned projects. 
•    Contributes to overall publishing operations with new ideas in the dynamic operations landscape. 

•    Required, a degree from a 4-year college or universityor equivalent experienceplus a minimum of 5 years of experience with handling all aspects of 4-C books with complex designs or equivalent experience managing complex illustrated products. 
•    A combination of equivalent education and work experience may be substituted for the above requirements.
•    A working knowledge of on-screen editingis essential.
•    Demonstrated ability to diplomatically manage complex workflows and cross-functionalteams with clarity and strategic foresight. 
•    Strong proficiency with process improvement and workflow optimization across organizational functions and within project teams.
•    Capacity and passion for problem solving, process improvement and workflow optimization. 
•    Capability to communicate across various modes to interact appropriately and respectfully with others.  
•    Ability to establish, develop, and maintainhigh-functioningworking relationships with authors, in-house colleagues, freelancers and vendors.
•    Ability to adapt to frequently changing technologies and procedures. 
•    Proficiencyin publishing tools and platforms (e.g., title management systems, project tracking software, shared calendars). Prior demonstrated experience with relevant publishing systems (e.g. Biblio) preferred.
•    Basic computer skills, including knowledge of Acrobat, Word, and Excel; familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud is preferred (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop).
•    Ability to work independently and manage a multitude of tasks and ever-changing priorities within strict deadlines. 
•    Demonstrated accuracy, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
•    Ability to maintain, and operate from, a perspective that encompasses the entire mission of the Press.
•    Enthusiasm for collaboration, and commitment to PUP’s professional code of conduct, located at https://press.princeton.edu/about/mission-values. 
•    This requisition is for a position in the U.S. Candidates must have current legal authorization to work immediately in the U.S. PUP will not attempt to obtain employment sponsorship for any applicants.
Base Salary: $75,000/year plus extensive benefits package for selected candidate who meets minimum qualifications. Starting salary may be negotiable based on relevant skills and prior experience that exceeds minimum qualifications. 

Application Instructions: Apply if you meet minimum qualifications by sending a cover letter* with salary requirements, and a résumé at PUP’s application website by Friday, June 5th at 11:59PM ET.**
*Please include in your cover letter a description of what you are currently reading and what’s on your “to read” list.  Note that the cover letter is reviewed closely as a writing sample, and to gain an understanding of applicant’s interests and qualifications. 
**Application review will begin the week of June 8th. Due to application volume, only finalists will be contacted.
 

PUP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Selection criteria is focused on relevant knowledge, skills and abilities.  Applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. 

Founded in 1905, Princeton University Press is an independent, nonprofit publisher with close connections to Princeton University. The Press brings influential voices and ideas to the world stage through their academic scholarship, advancing the frontiers of scholarly knowledge, and promoting the human conversation. For more information on Princeton University Press, visit http://press.princeton.edu/.