Production Editor I at Human Kinetics

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $42,000-$56,000, with an expected starting salary between $42,000-$43,000, based on experience and qualifications.

Eligibility for remote work: This position is required to work onsite at Human Kinetics’ headquarters in Champaign, IL. After 1 year of successful performance, the Production Editor I is eligible to request a 100% remote work arrangement within approved locations.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Applicants are not obligated to disclose expunged juvenile records of adjudication, arrest, or conviction as part of the application process.

*Learn more about our perks and benefits here: https://us.humankinetics.com/pages/human-kinetics-compensation-benefits-information

Human Kinetics is committed to building a more diverse workforce. We welcome BIPOC candidates and others who identify with underrepresented groups to apply.

Human Kinetics is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Human Kinetics will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact HR at 217-403-7609.

Human Kinetics Compensation & Benefits Information

Our compensation philosophy is to value the contributions of all HK employees and to reward exceptional performance exceptionally. To do that, we provide a standard increase to all HK staff, and we award merit increases and bonuses to people who make extraordinary contributions to the work we do.

Job Summary

As a member of either the AC or TP Editorial Department, the Production Editor I (PE I) is the ProdDev expert responsible for completing several editorial and production phases for assigned outsourced project suites according to the quality, budget, and schedule expectations established by the Division. Responsibilities include handling internal project management tasks related to permissions, design, art, photo, and video, as well as coordinating with HK’s Publication Services Manager to prepare and provide complete project materials to external outsourcing vendors. The Production Editor I also has responsibility for data entry and the occasional proofing of artwork, covers, or other small project components. The PE I functions at the entry level in all aspects of the position.

Essential Functions

1. For assigned projects, is the internal go-to person for the Division, Publication Services Manager (PSM), cover department, marketing department, and other colleagues. The PSM, in turn, is the main contact for vendor partners.
2. Prepares clear and complete project materials for the PSM and outsourcing vendor partners at various project management stages according to established procedures. As appropriate, provides guidance to outsource partners in transmittal materials about strategies for ensuring HK content reflects diversity and inclusiveness and is free of bias.
3. Provides prompt resolution to questions or concerns about manuscript issues, working with other HK staff as needed to ensure projects move efficiently through the vendor’s publication workflow.
4. Follows established procedures for sharing project files with the PSM/vendors and for storing final project deliverables from vendors in HK’s network file structure.
5. Compiles art, photo, design, and video manuscripts and completes those transmittals to HK in-house departments or to vendor partners as appropriate. Assists with photo/video shoots as needed. Provides feedback on design sample pages. Considers evolving accessibility guidelines for print and digital content and provides guidance in transmittal materials to vendors and HK teammates to apply those guidelines as appropriate for the needs of the project.
6. Transmits materials to HK’s Permissions Manager and ensures final credit lines are relayed to outsourcing vendor.
7. Completes data entry to ensure accurate art, photo, and permissions data and costs are recorded according to established procedures so that reports are correct and complete. Keeps the publication schedule updated with accurate schedule and project data.
8. Reviews samples of outsource partner’s work at appropriate milestone stages and provides constructive feedback.
9. For assigned outsourced suites that include ancillaries, coordinates with PSM, Instructional Designer, or other ELAD or HK staff as needed on the scheduling of ancillary components to release the print book and all ancillary components at the same time.
10. Applies knowledge of grammar, usage, and house and CMS style when proofing artwork, covers, and other limited project components as requested for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to HK and project quality expectations.
11. Contributes to HK’s profitability by working productively and ensuring project budgets and schedules are met.

Secondary Functions

1. Suggests improvements to editorial or PSM/vendor processes or systems to increase efficiency and promote innovation, and works with PSM to document or update outsourcing-related procedures.
2. During periods of lighter workload, completes editorial tasks from the editorial spare work MS Planner group or assists colleagues with other tasks as needed.

Job Qualifications

Required Education:

High school diploma.

Knows the rules of U.S. English grammar and style and can recognize errors.

Has knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style or another style guide.

Can perform basic math and is familiar with the functions of spreadsheets.

Demonstrated proficiency on HK’s proofreading diagnostic test.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s or advanced degree, preferably in a language-related field or in one of the sport sciences.

Required Experience:

0-1 years experience in print or online editing or publishing.

Proficiency with Microsoft Word or comparable word processing software, including accuracy in data entry

Can navigate collaboration and communication technology effectively.

Preferred Experience:

Project management experience.

Proficiency with the complete Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat DC.

Proficiency with publishing technology and productivity, collaboration, and communication software tools.

Required Competencies:

HK Values:

Integrity

Resourcefulness

Effort

Respect

Teamwork

Stewardship

Plus ProdDev Competencies:

Accountability

Adaptability

Attention to detail

Computer literacy

Decision making

Financial awareness

Functional expertise and usage

Planning and organizing

Quality orientation

Results orientation

Stress tolerance

Plus, for Production Editor I role:

Organizational awareness

Self-confidence

Written communication

Initiative

Preferred Competencies:

Innovation orientation

Continuous learning

Job Demands

Office Equipment:

Frequent Windows computer use.

Occasional phone/Teams calls and use of a copier, printer, or scanner.

Rare use of a Mac computer.

Mental Demands:

Frequent problem-solving required.

Occasional exposure to high/low temperatures.

Rarely outdoors or around fumes/loud noises.

Physical Demands:

Frequent sitting, typing, and seeing.

Occasional standing, walking, hearing, and talking.

Rare lifting, carrying, driving, and airline travel.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.