Role: Editorial Coordinator (Maternity Cover)
Reports to: Head of Publishing
Location: St Albans/flexible
Contract: 9 months (in first instance)
Deadline: 30 April 2024 (applications considered on a rolling basis)
To apply:
Please email a covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) detailing your suitability to the role and your most recent CV to the Head of Publishing at recruitment@royensoc.co.uk
If you would like to informally discuss the role or have any questions prior to application, please do contact Head of Publishing, Emilie Aimé at emilie@royensoc.co.uk.
This vacancy may close early if we receive sufficient strong applications for the role. Please submit an application as soon as possible if you are interested in applying.
Overview and Background:
Originally founded in 1833 as the Entomological Society of London, today the Royal Entomological Society (RES) is devoted to the promotion and development of entomological science. The Society supports international collaboration, research and publications in the field of insect science.
Headquartered in St Albans, the Society maintains an entomological library, hosts an annual conference, Ento, and convenes several special interest groups covering a range of scientific fields. Through its outreach work and events, the Society looks to promote and increase the public’s understanding of insect science. Working with partner organisations, the Society organises the annual ‘Insect Week’.
Governed by elected members and fellows of the Society, sitting as a council and chaired by the RES President, the organisation currently has a team of 17 paid staff that run the Society and its day-to-day activities on behalf of the members. There are also many volunteers who support the Society’s operations.
The Society’s vision is to enrich the world with insect science. Our seven journals form a key part of our 2022-2025 strategic plan, the first objective of which is to develop the quality and reputation of our journal portfolio. Our journals cover topics across entomology and provide a vital income stream to the Society.
Job Purpose:
Responsible to the Head of Publishing, the Editorial Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of the editorial administration for the RES member magazine Antenna. You will also work closely with the Head of Publishing on various ad hoc publishing projects across our journals and books.
Main Terms and Conditions
Contract: This is a 9-month fixed term contract at 0.4 – 0.6FTE (maternity cover)
Remuneration:
This salary is a Band 2 position on the RES salary scale. The salary is between £12,180 – £18,270 p.a. (pro-rata of £30,450 full-time equivalent).
The salary scale is reviewed annually with both a cost-of-living and performance related pay increase within the pay bands determined in the pay policy. Any pay awards are applied to salaries at this point.
Hours of work:
This is a flexible appointment of between 0.4 and 0.6FTE based on 37.5 hours per week. The working pattern has flexibility and can be discussed during the recruitment process. Please make any requests for flexible working clear in a covering letter in your application.
Annual & Bank Holidays: The holiday year runs from 1 March to 28/29 February each year. You will have a prorated annual holiday entitlement equivalent of 25 days plus an additional 8 Public/Bank holidays. Anyone joining part-way through a year will receive a pro-rata entitlement for that year. In addition to the above, we recognise and reward staff loyalty by awarding additional paid leave days, based on length of service, up to a maximum cumulative total of 5 additional days paid leave (pro-rata for part time).
Pension: The post-holder will be eligible to join the RES Pension Scheme.
Additional Employee Benefits: These include an Employee Assistance Programme offered to all members of the team. A cycle-to-work scheme is available for all employees.
Probationary Period: This post has a 3-month probationary period, during which your suitability for the post will be assessed.
The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity: We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and supportive organisation to all our team and membership. All of our team are highly-valued and we will support everyone to carry out their role successfully. As a living wage employer, we are committed to ensuring fair pay for all our colleagues. We encourage staff to be involved with the organisation and have a flexible approach to enable our staff to work and achieve to the best of their ability. We will support individuals to develop in their roles with access to annual reviews and training development.
Key Accountabilities
Publishing
- Support the Antenna editorial board to ensure the magazine publishes four issues a year keeping to copy and print deadlines:
- Liaising with authors, editors and typesetters as required, including soliciting and chasing copy and answering queries in a professional and timely manner
- Managing pipeline of articles from proposal to publication using appropriate tracking systems and
- Proactively suggesting improvements processes and content
- Supporting journal promotion and outreach:
- Promoting published articles on social media platforms
- Tracking author promotion of their articles and amplifying
- Providing support to the Head of Publishing and Managing Editor on projects as required, including:
- Research and development including the preparation of data
- Updating documentation and guidelines including research and development
- Supporting publishing meetings including Publications Committee
- Collaborating with external stakeholders and other society staff
Other
- Complying with all relevant legislation and contributing to RES policies and procedures.
- Working closely with other staff to ensure effective teamworking and high standards of work including supporting the day-to-day operations at Mansion House, where applicable.
- Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity, ensuring RES has a welcoming and inclusive image that is shown through all work.
- Undertaking any other reasonable duties consistent with the scope and nature of the role as requested by the CEO or Senior Leadership Team. As part of a small team, it may include supporting other roles from time-to-time depending on priorities at that time.
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge and Experience
- Previous experience in academic or trade publishing, preferably STM
- Experience of using social media to generate interest in a topic
- Educated to a degree level or equivalent (desirable)
- Experience of using Microsoft Office software (desirable)
Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and an eye for detail
- Excellent organisational, prioritisation and time management skills, working to conflicting deadlines
- An analytical and positive approach to problem solving
- Proactive approach to working and able to work on own initiative
- Demonstrable commitment to equality and diversity combined with the ability to generate trust and confidence, representing everyone in the entomological community
- Excellent interpersonal skills
Personal Qualities
- Strong commitment to the aims and objectives of the Society, including an interest in the natural world.
- A strong work ethic, trustworthy and reliable
- Compassionate attitude and understanding of the needs of people
- Positive can-do attitude
- Desire to enhance and develop skills and knowledge
- Recognition of the importance of personal responsibility for health and safety
- Commitment to values of openness, transparency and to working with integrity
- Drive and enthusiasm
