Editor in Chief

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Editor-in-Chief oversees all aspects of on-time publishing and distribution of ISPE’s bimonthly member magazine Pharmaceutical Engineering® in both print and digital formats. This position is responsible for the continued evolution and improvement of ISPE’s flagship publication, to ensure value to membership and financial growth.

The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for strategic planning and development of magazine content, reach outs to potential authors, author interactions on manuscripts, including ensuring Content Priorities as determined annually by the ISPE International Board of Directors are represented in the magazine content. The magazine publishes six print issues each year plus additional digital-only content (Online Exclusives).

The Editor-in-Chief oversees the peer review and copyediting process and full-time/contract staff to constantly improve the content of the publication. This position edits and oversees editing of all content in the magazine; writes or assigns writing of additional content including feature articles, content about ISPE activities, and blog posts including coverage of conferences and other ISPE events.

The Editor-in-Chief acts as the Primary Staff Liaison to the Pharmaceutical Engineering Committee (PEC) and interacts and collaborates with the Guidance Documents and Communities of Practice components of the Publications group, as well as with Membership, Conferences and Digital Engagements, Training, Foundation, Marketing, Accounting, and other departments of ISPE in alignment with the organization’s content priorities and strategic goals and objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and enact strategy for print and digital magazine content, including:

-Article development to align with Content Priorities and other major topical needs

-Solicit articles on key topics to meet issue themes and other major topical needs

-Interact with ISPE Communities of Practice (CoPs) and Committees in development of “theme” and other content on key topics

-Create the annual schedule/timeline for production of the print issue

-Develop/expand Online Exclusives and other digital content opportunities

-Interact with sales/marketing and communications staff on marketing/revenue-related initiatives including sponsored content/white papers and the marketing of ISPE conferences and products

-Development of multiple issues in order to ensure a smooth flow of delivery/production of upcoming issues while allowing authors sufficient time to produce content

• Manage the production process from article development to layout, design, and print. Includes editing submitted articles; oversight of the review/revision/technical and copyediting of content by other staff/freelance editors; editing proofs and overseeing copyeditors’ editing of proofs; layout of each print magazine issue; interacting with the designer on issue layout and related issues; managing page proofs in layout; and managing production tasks including preparing the print order, mailing lists, follow ups on posting the digital magazine, etc
• Drive print and digital hybrid model strategy, focusing on delivering relevant content and making the magazine available on multiple platforms to increase revenue. Includes expansion of Online Exclusives and developing and executing other initiatives related to this model
• Establish and maintain a strong network of authors, contributors, and subject matter experts to generate relevant, innovative high-quality editorial content that is both mission focused and of interest to the ISPE audience
• Develop processes, systems, and production schedules to ensure on time, on budget publication of the magazine
• Collaborate with ad sales to foster expansion of revenue initiatives including sponsored content and white papers, development of new initiatives such as Pubs Lounge at Annual Meeting and podcasts program, and other strategic and developmental activities related to revenue growth including attending monthly finance and ad sales meetings
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team on social media platforms and with member communications
• Collaborate with other content-producing groups in ISPE in development of content to meet Content Priorities and other needs
• Review/copyedit content for other departments including marketing communications as needed.
• Work with the PEC to plan a schedule of editorial topics for the Society’s magazine in advance, develop leads for articles on “hot” topics, and solicit articles
• Oversee the editorial review process and ensure that all articles undergo a formal technical review by peer reviewers to include as appropriate relevant subject matter experts, including individuals from the various CoPs and committees
• Attend and cover ISPE events and meetings to develop content and engage with potential authors of future content for the magazine and web site. Includes writing features, blogs, and other content as needed
• Oversee reader survey and industry research, keeping abreast of reader’s needs, and implementing improvements to the magazine based on survey results
• Create and monitor department operating budget (expenses)
• Routinely work in accordance with and adhere to company policies and core values
• Work harmoniously with others
• Other projects, duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Director, Publications

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in English, journalism, marketing, or communications
• Master’s Degree in a STEM field or minimum of 5 years of relevant print and digital publishing/magazine experience as editor-in-chief of a magazine, preferably in a STEM field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in leadership or management role
• Minimum of 5 years of pharmaceutical industry experience supporting Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Regulatory and/or Development is highly desirable
• Experience working in an association and/or managing volunteers or cultivating engagements with high-level external stakeholders or clients is a plus

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Superior organizational and detail skills, including the ability to set and maintain schedules and deadlines and handle concurrent tasks
• Excellent strategic, management, and communication skills
• Demonstrated expertise in managing complex projects with shifting priorities and involvement of multiple stakeholders with a positive attitude, meeting tight deadlines in a fast paced, highly collaborative environment
• Proven ability to work with writers and copyeditors and work on multiple issues of the magazine in a deadline-oriented environment
• Ability to deal tactfully with volunteer authors, peer reviewers, and association members; ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with high expectations
• Outstanding editing skills, including proofreading, copyediting, and substantive editing; experience with STEM or other technical content is highly preferred
• Proven ability to work with and manage vendors including design, print, and mail.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and manage a budget
• Knowledge of the effective use of graphic design
• Knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style is preferred
• Nonprofit publishing experience is preferred
• Experience with ScholarOne or other journal manuscript management platforms is preferred.
• Website content management skill (Drupal preferred)
• Creativity, adaptability, and decisiveness
• Proficiency in English required; proficiency in other languages is a plus. Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity are critical
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products with database proficiency
• Executive level presence and experience in working in a client advisory role demonstrating professionalism, and ethical demeanor at all times
• Ability to travel (less than 20%, a mix of domestic and international)

The above declarations are not intended to be an “all inclusive” list of duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job and are a reasonable representation of its activities.