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Human Kinetics is committed to building a more diverse workforce. We welcome BIPOC candidates and others who identify with underrepresented groups to apply.
Salary Range: $44,500-$60,000
Eligibility for remote work: Human Kinetics is headquartered in Champaign, IL. Preference will be given to candidates who are able to work locally onsite at least 3 days per week, but this position is eligible for full-time telecommuting for candidates who have at least 1 year of experience successfully working in a remote position. For fully remote new hires, an onsite training period in Champaign at the outset of employment is required, with travel and accommodation expenses paid by Human Kinetics. Specific details of the onsite training plan will be customized to ensure the timeline is workable for the Special Projects Manager as well as HK.
*We are unable to hire remote employees from the states of New York and California and the city of Chicago.
Job Summary
The Special Projects Manager is responsible for overseeing the editorial, production, and e-learning workflow for digital content that HK is converting from our legacy delivery platforms to our new delivery platforms, as well as continuing education courses as assigned. The Special Projects Manager is responsible for managing these new and conversion course projects and other special projects through multiple processes across departments to ensure that all pieces are in place for the projects to move through efficiently and be released according to the quality, budget, and schedule expectations established by the Acquisitions Editor. He or she develops a high-level understanding of HK systems and processes, as well as specialized knowledge of HK’s ancillary, digital-only, package, and professional education processes and content, including the use of technical tools used in the production of online courses and advanced word processing functions used in formatting files for continuing education courses. The Special Projects Manager is responsible for participating in the creation and upkeep of procedure documentation as well.
As necessary and as time allows, the Special Projects Manager may also perform managing editor work for print-based product suites.
Essential Functions
1. Oversees and manages the legacy conversion process for assigned projects. Organizes project details, including identifying existing project components and content, requesting ISBNs, and updating component matrix documents as appropriate. Collaborates with staff across multiple departments to ensure project components and details are prepared appropriately for update and conversion. Ensures changes are made correctly.
2. Manages new print or non-print projects that have special requirements (e.g., packages, digital-only products, HKVideo collections, Bloomsbury collections, ancillary products, creation of NIMAS files for the National Instructional Materials Access Center), including collaborating with colleagues in other departments or with external publishing services companies, as needed, and modifying existing procedures or systems to best meet the needs of the project.
3. Routinely completes ME responsibilities for new continuing education courses, managing the project through internal stages across departments. Ensures assigned projects meet the quality, budget, and schedule expectations established by the Acquisitions Editor.
4. Works with ELAD teammates to ensure content production, publishing, licensing, testing, and release steps are completed according to established procedures and timelines.
5. Regularly communicates project priority and status updates to key stakeholders, and works to prevent bottlenecks in the process so that launch timelines are met consistently. Maintains open lines of communication to anticipate, problem-solve, and resolve any potential issues that may cause delays or extra work. Seeks guidance from the Continuing Education and Special Projects Manager as appropriate when problem solving or troubleshooting are needed.
6. Collaborates with the Continuing Education and Special Projects Manager to refine written procedures as needed.
Secondary Functions
1. As necessary and as time allows, may perform managing editor work for print-based product suites.
Job Qualifications
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree (5+ years’ experience managing complex details, projects, or processes in any professional environment will be considered in lieu of a degree)
Demonstrated attention to detail on HK’s proofreading diagnostic test: “errors” score of at least 18/23.
Preferred Education: Bachelor’s or advanced degree, preferably in a language-related field or in one of the sport sciences
PMP or equivalent certification
Demonstrated editorial proficiency on HK’s proofreading diagnostic test: “queries” score of at least 11/21
Required Experience: 3+ years’ print or online publishing experience or experience managing complex details, projects, or processes in any professional environment
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite (specifically, Word, Excel, and Outlook), as well as experience with project management tools/platforms (such as Asana, Trello, Jira, Planner, or comparable tools)
Preferred Experience: Familiarity with e-learning software and platforms, content management systems, or other comparable tools and systems
Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat DC or Adobe Acrobat Standard
Advanced word processing experience (to create formatted files for final publication)
Required Competencies:
Integrity
Resourcefulness
Effort
Respect
Teamwork
Stewardship
Accountability
Adaptability
Attention to detail
Computer literacy
Decision making
Financial awareness
Functional expertise and usage
Planning and organizing
Quality orientation
Results orientation
Stress tolerance
Conceptual thinking
Continuous learning
Initiative
Interpersonal understanding
Oral communication
Organizational awareness
Self-confidence
Technology expertise and usage
Written communication
Preferred Competencies:
Customer focus
Innovation orientation
Strategic thinking
Data gathering and analysis
Leadership
Negotiating
Job Demands
Office Equipment: Frequent computer use. Occasional copier, printer, scanner, and phone use. Rare use of a Mac Computer.
Mental Demands: Frequent problem-solving, organization, reading/writing, and time management. Occasional decision-making with rare use of supervision and data interpretation skills.
Working Conditions: Indoor, office environment.
Physical Demands: Frequent sitting, seeing, and typing. Occasional standing, walking, hearing, and talking. Rare lifting, carrying, and driving.
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.
