Description

Looking to contribute to a mission-driven company?   At the American Water Works Association, you’ll find purpose, great culture, collaborative colleagues, great benefits, and interesting work. Our mission is providing solutions to effectively manage water, the world’s most vital resource.  We are seeking a Sr Editorial Manager of Books to join our Publishing department.  

Position Objective/General Purpose

Manages and coordinates editorial life cycle for print and electronic products (manuals, standards, data products, reports). Develops and manages editorial schedules. Assigns and oversees internal and external editorial resources. Ensures consistent application of AWWA editorial standards. Leads creation and ongoing refinement of editorial strategic plan in collaboration with key stakeholders.  Manages direct reports. 

Essential Job Functions

• Manage and coordinate editorial schedules and workflows for print and electronic products (manuals, standards, books/handbooks, data products, reports).
• Serve as the primary editorial liaison with ETS to evaluate incoming projects and ensure clear communication, resource planning, and timely execution.
• Serve as project manager for manuals post-manuscript submission to the Publishing Dept. Provide editorial and production status updates to manual chairs pre-publication.
• Manage internal and external editorial resources, including freelance editors and proofreaders; manage outsourcing, vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and associated costs.
• Evaluate and prepare manuscripts for production, including initial manuscript reviews, guidance to authors and editors, and implementation of strategies to manage expectations regarding editorial standards and formatting requirements.
• Ensure editorial quality and standards compliance by maintaining consistency with AWWA style, the Chicago Manual of Style, accessibility guidelines, and accepted technical publishing best practices; provide final editorial approval for release to production.
• Continuously monitor trends and technologies in publishing, editorial workflows, and the drinking water profession to inform process improvements, innovation, and strategic planning.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including attending internal/external meetings, participating in training, and adhering to organizational policies and procedures.
   

Supervisory Duties:

• Support AWWA mission and vision in all interactions
• Provide leadership to direct reports
  • Guide project prioritization
  • Foster a positive work environment
• Demonstrate and model AWWA core competencies in communication, productivity, quality, responsiveness, and leadership\
• Model and facilitate exceptional customer service to improve internal and external customer satisfaction
• Full supervisory responsibility for recruitment, hiring, retention, performance and professional development, coaching, mentoring, performance management, and termination of direct reports

Requirements

Education, Certification or Formal Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in scientific or technical journalism, English, or related area required
  • Training, coursework, or experience in engineering or the sciences including but not limited to biology or chemistry strongly preferred

Work Experience (including computer skills):

• Minimum of seven (7) years’ technical editing experience required including a minimum of five (5) years’ project management experience; engineering or environmental sciences technical editing experience preferred
  • Demonstrated knowledge of technical publishing practices and industry editorial standards (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style) required
  • Familiarity with copyright law and permissions standards required
  • Demonstrated proofreading and publishing production experience required
  • Experience with web-based publishing and digital workflows strongly preferred
  • Experience working for an association and/or managing volunteers preferred
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in publishing production management (editorial to printer product management-print and electronic) required
• Minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory role or two years’ experience leading cross-functional teams with demonstrated results preferred
• Intermediate computer skills and proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook required; advanced proficiency in online publishing tools strongly preferred

 COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The targeted pay is $96,800 to $121,000 / year depending on experience and is paired with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Three separate paid time off accounts (Vacation, Sick and Personal)
• Immediate eligibility and vesting for retirement savings plan with a 3% employer contribution and up to 3% company match upon hire
• Excellent medical, dental and vision plans with generous cost sharing by employer
• $250 payment towards the cost of at-home computer equipment
   

Submit cover letter along with resume.  Position is open until filled.

AWWA is an employer dedicated to equal employment opportunity; therefore, minorities, women, veterans and disabled persons are encouraged to apply.