Position Summary

The Publisher leads the development and execution of the NAIS publishing plan, managing editorial, production and financial performance across books, digital publications, course and instructional materials, and related content. The Publisher is responsible for managing the publishing pipeline, ensuring high-quality content production, and maximizing profitability while supporting the organization’s goals, thought leadership, and brand identity. The role works collaboratively with other teams at NAIS and with authors and other subject matter experts in the field to develop content and monitors trends in marketing and distribution to ensure that the products are responsive to audience needs and advancements in the field.

Responsibilities

• Develops a strategic vision for the development of new books and ancillary products at NAIS, focusing on market trends, member needs, organizational priorities, and revenue generation.
• Manages external writers, editors, designers, printers, and production vendors in the development of NAIS publications, generating and managing contracts and permissions.
• Advises and collaborates on the marketing strategy to promote, distribute and/or merchandise the products.
• Responsible for the financial management of the publishing program including budgeting, financial planning, approving vendor invoices and negotiating vendor contract terms (with assistance as needed from NAIS finance and accounting and legal teams).
• Develops strategies to revise, repurpose, and repackage editorial content from backlists, both in print and online.
• Tracks sales and inventory of NAIS publications, maintaining records and performance data in NAIS’s database and online bookstore.
• Manages the relationship with NAIS’s publications fulfillment house, responding to queries as needed.
• Monitors advancements in digital technology and develops new approaches/channels/platforms to deliver NAIS content.

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, marital status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Disclaimer: This document describes the position currently available. It is not an employment contract. NAIS reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time, as determined by the needs of the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism or a similar field.
• Minimum 10 years of applicable experience, ideally in an association or non-profit setting. Experience in K-12 education or similar field highly desirable.
• Strong publishing, writing and editorial skills with an ability to translate ideas into action plans in a highly matrixed environment.
• Experience standing up a publishing effort from the ground up.
• Expertise in creating digital publications and course materials with an understanding of sound instructional design principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, able to work cooperatively and effectively with different personality types as well as other departments, vendors and clients.
• The ability to prioritize tasks and transition seamlessly among projects of varying scale, audience, format and distribution channel.
• Ability to manage efficiently, independently, and as part of a team; to communicate regularly; and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; able to adapt and learn new software and web-based systems.

Competencies

• Editorial and Publishing Skills: Knows how to develop, manage, and distribute content across a variety of channels.
• Project Management Skills: Implements best practices to build, manage and facilitate efficient cross-functional teaming to deliver consistent quality and cost-effective delivery of publications.
• Collaboration Skills: Develops and manages relationships to carry out work assignments and achieve department goals. Works cooperatively with others toward common goals/objectives and utilizes tactfulness, diplomacy, and ethical behavior.
• Teamwork and Cultural Competence: Promotes cooperation and commitment within the team; seeks input from others, helps others achieve goals and deliverables, and shows consideration for and respect for individual differences. Actively listens, demonstrating an elevated level of empathy, and using effective engagement skills to help create a welcoming environment and establish the appreciation of similarities and differences among cultures.
• Problem-Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in team problem-solving situations.
• Adaptability: Adjusts to circumstances and environments and to people’s diverse work styles.
• Technical Capacity: Has a strong understanding of systems and tools and adapts to new technology when needed.