Managing Editor (Maternity Cover)
The role
An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen for a Managing Editor to work on our diamond open access, peer-reviewed journal, Veterinary Evidence (VE).
As Managing Editor, you will be responsible for the management, strategic development and performance of the journal. You will implement and project manage new scholarly publishing initiatives to enhance the impact, reach, and reputation of Veterinary Evidence, as well as develop and manage the editorial team to ensure the timely publication of high-quality, peer-reviewed content.
Responsibilities:
Reporting into the Head of Library and Knowledge Services, this is a crucial role with key responsibilities to include:
- Advise and assist the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board in the strategic planning and execution of VE’s editorial program.
- Ensure that VE complies with editorial policies and procedures and upholds standards of ethical conduct at all stages of the publication process.
- Keep abreast of, and implement, new scholarly publishing initiatives to ensure the journal’s quality and ethical standing.
- Lead, develop and manage the performance of the Assistant Editor and Editorial Assistant.
- Ensure VE complies with the criteria set by databases and indexers.
- Develop and lead the implementation of commissioning plans.
- Work closely with stakeholders and Editorial Board Members to encourage submissions and engagement in peer review and other related activities.
- Prepare and present monitoring reports to the Editor-in-Chief, Editorial Board and Board of Trustees.
- Undertake the recruitment and selection of Editorial Board Members.
- Prepare, negotiate and renew editor agreements.
- Host three annual Editorial Board meetings alongside the Editor-in-Chief, present formal reports and proposals, and lead discussions as an aspect of maintaining and improving the editorial relationship.
- Build and maintain relationships with the veterinary community, readers, editors, authors and reviewers.
- Work closely with the Communications team to improve the visibility, uptake and reputation of VE.
- Work with the Digital team to continually improve the user experience of authors, reviewers and editors.
- Project manage initiatives in conjunction with other departments and stakeholders to improve the accessibility, reach, reputation, and impact of the journal.
Essential skills, knowledge & experience
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Significant experience in a journal management role.
- Extensive experience of online STM publishing and in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the publishing process.
- Proven track record of working with a wide variety of stakeholders and delivering successful results.
- Line management experience.
- Demonstrable expertise in project management.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Excellent writing, editing, research, and communications skills.
- Relationship building skills and stakeholder management.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
- Motivated problem solver with meticulous attention to detail.
- Strong people management skills.
Desired skills, knowledge & experience
- A working knowledge of medical or veterinary terminology and evidence-based medicine desirable.
- Experience of working with digital publication software.
- Experience of working with HTML.
- Experience with submission and peer review systems such as Editorial Manager
The ideal candidate will be a problem solver with strong people management skills and meticulous attention to detail.
You will be able to work autonomously while effectively managing stakeholder and editorial board members to ensure the journal continues to meet the needs of the veterinary professions.
If you are a motivated and dynamic publishing professional with a passion for scholarly publishing, creative ideas, and an interest in advancing the quality of veterinary care for the benefit of animals, the public and society, then we encourage you to apply.
What you can expect
The RCVS is an equal opportunities employer.
We offer flexible working, 2 days paid volunteering per year, Holiday Trading, Loyalty Bonus, Babylon Health app free, Employee Assistance program, Free eye tests, In House Staff Massages and a generous pension and benefits package.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Closing date: 30th November 2023
Interview round 1: 7th December 2023
Interview round 2: 13th December 2023
Start Date March 2024
* To apply for the role please include your CV and Cover Letter in one document outlining how your experience & qualifications meet the Essential Criteria*