Associate Managing Editor
Associate Managing Editor
Job Purpose
The Associate Managing Editor is responsible for the end-to-end management and development of assigned journals, ensuring timely publication, operational excellence, and strong stakeholder engagement. The role works closely with editors, authors, reviewers, societies, and internal teams to support journal growth, publication quality, indexing objectives, and overall portfolio performance.
Key Responsibilities
Journal & Portfolio Management
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Manage the end-to-end publication process for assigned journals, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of issues.
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Serve as the primary point of contact for journal-related operational matters and escalations.
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Coordinate closely with editors, editorial boards, authors, reviewers, and internal stakeholders to ensure efficient journal operations.
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Ensure a seamless transition of newly acquired journals from the acquisitions stage to editorial management.
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Monitor publishing schedules and proactively address delays to maintain publication timelines.
Stakeholder Management
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Build and maintain strong relationships with journal editors, authors, reviewers, society partners, and internal teams.
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Liaise regularly with Sage India, UK, and US colleagues to address editorial, production, and operational requirements.
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Provide high-quality service and support to editors, societies, and contributors.
Journal Development & Performance
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Identify opportunities to enhance journal performance, visibility, and impact.
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Work closely with editors on manuscript flow, turnaround times, editorial planning, and publication strategies.
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Drive initiatives related to journal indexing, abstracting, Impact Factor acquisition, and overall portfolio growth.
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Educate and guide editors on indexing criteria, citation performance, and Impact Factor improvement strategies.
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Identify and implement journal-specific development plans to improve performance and reach.
Marketing & Promotion
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Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop and execute journal-specific promotional activities, including:
- Call for Papers campaigns
- Impact Factor announcements
- Special Issue promotions
- Article-level marketing initiatives
- Conference and event promotional support
Reporting & Analysis
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Prepare and present journal performance reports and publisher reports for internal and external stakeholders.
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Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics.
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Maintain accurate journal records, reports, and portfolio documentation.
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Prepare personal performance reports aligned with departmental objectives.
Contract & Business Management
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Support drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing journal contract renewals and addenda.
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Develop an understanding of publishing business models and contractual frameworks.
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Support onboarding, maintenance, and renewal of new publishing products and content solutions.
Continuous Improvement
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Stay updated on industry developments, publishing trends, and emerging technologies.
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Contribute to process improvements and operational excellence initiatives.
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Work independently to achieve departmental objectives while escalating issues appropriately when required.
Key Accountabilities
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Effective management of assigned journal portfolios.
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Delivery of publication schedules and service-level commitments.
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Enhanced journal visibility through indexing and abstracting achievements.
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Strong stakeholder satisfaction and relationship management.
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Accurate reporting and performance tracking.
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Successful implementation of journal development initiatives.
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Compliance with publishing standards, contracts, and internal policies.
Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Essential Qualifications
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Postgraduate degree in Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Publishing, or a related discipline.
Experience
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2-3 years of experience in scholarly journal publ