Publications Manager

The British Educational Research Association (BERA) is seeking a Publications Manager to oversee its publishing programme during a period of maternity leave. You will oversee our four academic journals, Research Intelligence magazine, the BERA Blog, book series, research reports and more. The role involves collaboration with BERA staff, committees, editorial teams, members and external partners to support our strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Publications Management: Developing BERA’s publications portfolio, maintaining standards, managing relationships and recommending activities.
• Journal Oversight: Supporting our journal editors, managing publishing partnerships and developing strategies for the journals.
• Academic Publishing: Managing the production of Research Intelligence, the BERA Blog, research reports and other outputs. 

The role will also assist with project work, monitor budgets and support the work of our Publications & Digital Content Officer.

• Contract: Fixed-term from mid-October 2024 to late November 2025.
• Starting Salary: from £46,253
• Flexible Working: Options include full-time cover or flexible freelance arrangements.
• Reports to: BERA Chief Executive

As Publications Manager you will need the following skills and experience:

• A thorough understanding of professional publishing, ideally in an academic setting, and the changing publishing environment, particularly around open access, soft copies, websites and social media.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to convey complex information in a clear and understandable way, and the capacity to negotiate at all levels of an organisation, both within BERA and externally.
• Having the personal stature and capability to influence a broad range of people including key decision makers/stakeholders.
• Highly organised in your approach to work, with the ability to prioritise your work under pressure to ensure it is completed accurately and to deadline, exercising initiative and working independently as appropriate.
• Excellent IT skills and computer literacy and familiarity with the Microsoft suite of software to intermediate level in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email, Outlook, and the internet.
• Experience of working in academic publishing and with academic editors or contributors.
• A track record of having written, edited and published for a range of different audiences.
• Experience of having managed publications processes including tendering, commissioning and overseeing production.
• Experience in using own judgment and sound decision-making.

The BERA Office and Benefits

BERA has a small central office, designed to manage the day-to-day business of the Association. Its work is overseen by a Chief Executive appointed by Council, who is responsible for, and has oversight of, all BERA’s functions and activities. We offer a generous set of terms and conditions, including 27 days annual leave plus 10 closure days and bank holidays and 10% employers’ pension contribution.

The BERA office operates on a flexible working arrangement, with some core days in the office in Camden required of all staff. Flexibility is a central part of our offer to staff and for this role, we can discuss the amount of time required in the office for the duration of the role.

About the British Educational Research Association (BERA)

BERA is the largest UK-wide educational research organisation. With 3,000 members, it is a member-led organisation dedicated to supporting educational researchers and promoting high-quality research in education. It seeks to enhance the field of study, the growth of public knowledge and critical understanding, and the application of findings for the improvement of educational policy and practice.

If you think you have the correct skills and experience for this Publications Manager role please apply today!