Recruiting Editor
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) is currently seeking a Recruiting Editor to join our Recruiting team. Charged with increasing the breadth of scientific coverage in PNAS, expanding publication of interdisciplinary research articles, diversifying our author base, and bringing research in new and emerging fields into the journal, the Recruiting Editor plays a key strategic role at PNAS. The ideal candidate has advanced scientific training and research experience (Ph.D. preferred) combined with broad scientific knowledge and an ability to be conversant across many disciplines. Publishing experience is a plus, but not a requirement. The position requires strong interpersonal skills, facility in verbal and written communication, excellent organizational ability, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and an ability to multi-task, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the sciences.
The Recruiting Editor role is both research-intensive and relationship-driven. Working with Web of Science, Dimensions, and other publication databases, and in consultation with members of the National Academy of Sciences and subject matter experts, the Recruiting Editor identifies topics, fields, and disciplines most likely to align with the journal's strategic goals; including those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion; develops a pipeline of potential authors; actively solicits manuscripts; and coordinates activities across journal departments to assure recruited submissions progress smoothly through the review and publication process. The Recruiting Editor also regularly organizes ad hoc committees to review and find consensus on proposals for new content; develops and solicits topics; and identifies and recruits appropriate authors and editors for Special Features (thematic issues). The Recruiting Editor regularly uses data analytics and online resources to make evidence-based strategic decisions and to track key performance indicators of articles. The ideal candidate will be motivated by solving a full range of complex problems, developing new procedures, and building relationships with top researchers in all scientific disciplines.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Work with publication databases, online resources, members of the National Academies, and subject matter experts to identify topics, fields, and disciplines that align with PNAS strategic goals. Maintain a working knowledge of trends in a range of scientific disciplines.
- Actively identify and recruit submissions from top authors in strategically important fields. Maintain journal standards for selection, processing, and review of recruited papers.
- Develop and maintain relationships with members of the National Academies. Work with the Editorial Board, Academy members, and subject matter experts to develop Special Feature themes, recruit Special Feature editors, and solicit manuscripts for Special Features.
- Solicit, secure, evaluate, and coordinate the review of other special article types, including Inaugural Articles, Perspectives, and Retrospectives.
- Coordinate with the Production and Editorial teams to track the submission, review, and publication process of all recruited papers, ensuring adherence to production and review schedules. Serve as liaison between departments and oversee the work of editorial support staff assisting with recruited papers.
- Track, analyze, and improve upon key performance indicators (KPIs) for PNAS Recruiting. These may include the number of authors in various stages of the recruiting pipeline, the percentage of recruited manuscripts that are accepted and published, and metrics reflecting the quality of recruited manuscripts. The successful candidate will consistently secure high-quality original research submissions, maintain a solid pipeline of submissions, and reach target publication, usage, and quality metrics.
- Attend webinars, conferences, NAS-sponsored meetings, and other events to meet authors and recruit papers. Serve as spokesperson for PNAS at conferences when necessary.
- Coordinate with the Marketing and Product teams to present and promote recruited content. Draft written content, select images, suggest target audiences, and provide editorial guidance.
- Set and monitor departmental budget, particularly as it relates to papers recruited, page budgets, and marketing/advertising initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to solve problems of substantial variety and complexity. Ability to undertake tasks broad in nature, requiring ingenuity, and originality. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of complex problems and issues. Ability to operate independently, and exercise substantial latitude for independent judgment, discretion, and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or related field, or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience: Six years of related professional experience, two of which were in a supervisory capacity (if position includes supervisory responsibilities).
Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to Director or Executive or Managing Editor. General direction is provided. Supervises staff.
Work Environment: Office environment with occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site locations.
Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.