Managing Editor

The Quality Press Managing Editor is primarily responsible for (1) the effective acquisition of all Quality Press published products, and (2) implementing and monitoring editorial activities necessary to the development, production, and publication of about 20 homegrown (“H item”) books per year, as well as strategically recommending non-ASQ publications for resale in the ASQ online bookstore. The Managing Editor creates the strategy for the acquisition, management and oversight of the front and back list book program for ASQ.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

• Creates and executes an annual product development and publication plan reflective of portfolio need and fit, content assessment, homegrown books and publisher volumes, and industry/market need as approved by Publisher. 
• Ensures Quality Press alignment with ASQ’s overall BoK development activities. Oversees the publication volumes program (selling of other publishers’ books) and ensures alignment with overall publishing strategy and needs of market. Develops and maintains an awareness strategy of available quality product from other publishers which would be desirable for Quality Press to distribute to its market. 
• Proactively recruits, negotiates contracts, and signs authors for books and other media. Prepares contract proposals including contractual terms and conditions for approval of Publisher. 
• Completes a production, cost, market, revenue pro forma for each proposed book and leads the collection of data for an annual Quality Press P&L annual portfolio review. 
• Responsible for performing an effective pre-publication launch plan with marketing partners. Coordinates with Creative Services for the prepress production of Quality Press books. Sets and adheres to production timetables, production budget, answers any questions, and works toward maintaining quality. 
• Manages all content and technical reviews of Quality Press projects for the purpose of evaluating market positioning and obtaining critical feedback for manuscript improvement/development. Includes maintaining and developing the Quality Press standing review board, its database, and its procedures; monitors expenditures of the editorial review budget. 
• Contributes to the development of a digital publications strategy and oversees growth of digital portfolio of all Quality Press products available within ASQ and through partners that may include Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, EBSCO/eBrary, Google, Knovel, Kobo, and VitalSource and with assistance of coordinator, prepares an annual report on ASQ’s digital delivery. 
• Manages ASQ’s bookstore, which includes reporting, inventory management, customer inquiries/complaints, reprinting and financial oversight. 
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Publisher.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism or related field is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in editing, developing, or acquisition of a publishable product in a customer-focused environment. Book publishing experience is preferred.
• Superlative writing, editing, proofreading and grammatical skills are required.
• Knowledge of PC environment is required.
• The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously is required.
• Must have excellent organizational skills, pay thorough attention to detail, and follow up appropriately.
• Background of financial management and maintaining a budget.

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Demonstrated work ethic, and superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated capacity for embracing change and learning new technologies.
• Knowledge of XML/ePub digital publishing.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and InDesign, as well as knowledge in web analytics and content management systems.
• Working knowledge of the quality profession, including principles, continuous learning, customer focus, and teamwork and partnering skills.