Journals Commissioning Editor

Journals Commissioning Editor

Job title: Journals Commissioning Editor

Location: Hybrid (UK, two days a week in the London office) or Remote (US)

Reporting to: Publisher

Department: Journals

https://iwaponline.com/pages/journals_commissioning_editor

About Us: IWA Publishing is a leading international publisher of water, wastewater, and environmental research. We are committed to sharing knowledge about our most valuable resource, water, helping to improve global health and well-being. We publish a portfolio 14 journals in-house, and 800 books, along with other information resources. 

Role Summary: We are seeking a proactive and collaborative Journals Commissioning Editor to join our team and deliver exceptional, author-focused service across our portfolio. This role involves driving the Special Issues strategy, building strong relationships with authors and editors, and providing a seamless manuscript transfer experience. You’ll guide authors through the submission process with a consultative approach, ensuring their work finds the right platform. With a PhD (or equivalent experience) in water sciences or a related field, and knowledge of journal publishing, you’ll bring strong organisational and communication skills to this pivotal role. Join us in shaping the future of water research publishing by and championing the strategic growth of the IWA Publishing’s portfolio. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a consultative partner for authors, guiding them through the submission process and ensuring a positive and supportive experience.
• Meet annual commissioning targets and support with the achievement of journal KPIs.
• Drive the delivery and implementation of the Special Issues strategy, including identifying Guest Editors, managing proposals, and ensuring timely delivery of content.
• Maintain an efficient manuscript referral and transfer network within the portfolio, ensuring qualified rejected manuscripts are seamlessly referred and transferred to suitable journals, in collaboration with editors.
• Build relationships within the subject community and develop a network of editors, authors, and collaborators to ensure a robust pipeline of content.
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends, hot topics and key authors in the water research field.
• Work closely with the Books Commissioning Editor to align thematic content across IWA Publishing.
• Stay updated on hot topics and key authors in water research to inform journal development.
• Work with the Books Commissioning Editor to align content themes across IWA Publishing’s portfolio.

Requirements:

• A PhD or equivalent experience in water sciences or related fields (e.g. environmental sciences, water-based epidemiology).
• Deep understanding of the academic research environment and publishing landscape.
• Prior experience in journal publishing is essential; commissioning experience is desirable.
• Familiarity with bibliographic databases (e.g. Web of Science, Dimensions) is desirable.

Skills and Attributes: 

• Strong customer focus with a passion for delivering exceptional author experiences.
• Outstanding time management and organisational skills to manage complex workflows.
• Proactive and able to take initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building capabilities.
• Ability to interpret subject trends and opportunities in water research.
• High standard of written English.
• Commercial awareness and a solution-oriented mindset.

Working with us:

At IWA Publishing, we value our employees and strive to create an enriching and collaborative work environment that promotes professional growth and personal well-being. As a member of our team, you will receive a benefits package designed to support your needs and enhance your work-life balance. Our benefits include: 

• Flexible Working Arrangements
• Competitive Salary
• 24 days of annual leave, in addition to bank holidays and a Christmas closure period
• Wellbeing Day
• 7% Employer Pension Contribution
• Personal accident and travel insurance
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Private Health Insurance

How to Apply:

If you have the skills and experiences that we are looking for, and are passionate about advancing research in water sciences and supporting academic publishing through strategic content acquisition and relationship building, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to Hebba Beech, Publisher, at careers@iwap.co.uk.  

Closing Date: 24 January 2025