The Natural Areas Association is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to natural areas conservation.
As the Managing Editor (“ME”), this position requires a commitment to the mission and expressed values of the Natural Areas Association. The NAA’s mission is to support the community of natural areas professionals. We help members reach their professional goals, promote natural areas management based on science, work to raise awareness about the need for natural areas conservation, and support natural areas research.
Purpose of Position:
The Natural Areas Journal is published four times per year by the Natural Areas Association. Each issue averages 100-120 pages and generally contains 10-12 articles and 5 book reviews. The Managing Editor (ME; a contracted position) is responsible for all tasks involved in the development/production of the Journal that occur after manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and accepted by the Lead Editor, up to the time of transmittal to the Production Manager (PM), who is responsible for the design/layout of the issue and sending the print-ready files to the printing company.
The job entails: editing all manuscripts accepted by the Lead Editor, ensuring a consistent editorial quality of the articles and other content; establishing the table of contents and an annual production schedule in conjunction with the Lead Editor and the PM, and helping to ensure that the Journal is published in a timely manner. Other responsibilities include: coordinating with the layout/design staff; contributing editors (e.g., Book Review Editor); and authors. The ME also coordinates with NAA staff on non-article content (e.g., conference ads, NAA membership announcements, other editorial content) to obtain general information about the Association to include in the Journal, to ensure that the Journal meets the level of quality desired by the Board of Directors, and to troubleshoot and/or obtain assistance or guidance with any administrative or operational problems that may arise.
The ME also participates in periodic (usually quarterly, at minimum) NAJ “staff” meetings with the Lead Editor, PM, the NAA Executive Director, and Operations and Membership Manager.
Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Managing Editor include, but are not limited to the following:
Performed on a cyclical basis in the context of issue production
• Upon notification of manuscript acceptance by Lead Editor, retrieve a final copy of the accepted manuscript (electronic files) from online manuscript submission and peer review management site (PeerTrack).
• Review contents to be sure all parts (text, tables, figures, supplements) are included.
• Make sure Lead Editor’s requested changes have been made.
• Communicate with Lead Editor about any major concerns with accepted articles.
• Work with the Lead Editor to determine each issue’s table of contents.
• Inform authors (via email) of the preliminary schedule for the issue; request their availability to review proofs. Include a request for cover photos (submissions go to PM), and advise authors to identify any correspondence properly in the subject line.
• Review cover photo contributions and choose cover photo(s) in conjunction with the PM.
• Copyedit all articles according to Natural Areas Journal Style Guide; transmit copyedited articles, including tables, to PM, who then formats tables and lays out pages of the journal.
• Contact authors as needed, including queries (questions about inconsistencies, missing data or references, unclear statements, etc.).
• Enter authors’ changes/corrections to the manuscript and/or inform tech editor of changes/input obtained from authors.
• Request “Letter From the Editor” column from Lead Editor (sometimes discussion of potential topic takes place); copyedit and format; obtain photo/illustration if applicable.
• Receive book reviews and book list from Book Review Editor; copyedit as needed.
• Transmit all of the above-edited material to the PM.
• In conjunction with the PM, review final “blue line” proof of cover and inside of Journal sent by the printer.
• Provide any needed corrections to the PM.
• Transmit final version of the table of contents to Director of Operations for posting on NAA website, listserves, and other promotional venues.
• About once a year, review the Style Guide and consider necessary fine-tuning or updates.
Qualifications:
• Have excellent working knowledge of the publications production process;
• Experience working on peer-reviewed scientific/technical journals;
• On-screen editing skills and ease with word-processing software;
• Familiarity with desktop publishing;
• Proven ability as an editor or copyeditor;
• Familiarity with editorial standards and styles;
• Educational background in natural/ecological sciences and/or natural resources management are very helpful;
• Communicate with authors in both academic and agency settings.
Comments:
Physical Demands:
Normal office duties as performed at a desk (may require long periods of sitting and computer typing). Ability to carry equipment up to 15lbs. Driving to vendors or for errands may require the use of personal vehicle.
Work Environment:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary is dependent on experience. There is no health insurance or retirement plan with this position.
The Natural Areas Association is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or marital status.
Point of Contact:
Email a cover letter and resume to Lisa Smith, Executive Director, Natural Areas Association, lsmith@naturalareas.org; 724-995-8466.
Deadline: November 9, 2018
Employer: Natural Areas Association
Contact: Lisa Smith
Address:
125 West Main Street
P.O. Box 594
Work Phone: 724-995-8466
Email: lsmith@naturalareas.org
Website: www.naturalareas.org