WHH Cover
Global Development Matters
CARMA site badge

Job Opportunity: Publications Coordinator


February 22, 2008

The Center for Global Development (CGD) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organization in Washington, DC, that works to improve the policies of rich countries towards development through rigorous empirical research and active engagement with the policy community in the U.S. and other rich countries. CGD’s core intellectual products include books, policy briefs, working papers and CGD notes.

The Center seeks a crackerjack publications coordinator who is knowledgeable about global development policy debates, has excellent writing and editing skills, and exhibits keen attention to detail. The successful candidate will have a minimum of three to five years publications experience and be knowledgeable about principles, practices and trends in the publishing industry. S/he will readily summarize complex issues in short, lucid prose; and will delight in juggling competing project priorities in a variety of formats on multiple topics in a lively, fast-paced work environment. S/he will also posses superior communications/interpersonal skills and be comfortable managing relationships with CGD fellows and outside vendors. Basic knowledge of the Web, HTML and blog software are a plus, as is experience as an editor at an academic journal.

General Responsibilities:

  • Project management: Oversee preparation of all CGD print materials, from inception, through peer review, revisions, editing, design, layout, printing, delivery, and promotion. This sometimes includes substantial editing, copyediting, and occasional desk-topping and layout, as well as managing relationships with authors and publication services vendors.
    • Maintain a database of up-to-date information for the Director of Communications and Policy and CGD management on the current status of all CGD print materials. Produce regular reports to convey this information clearly to management.
    • Offer guidance and advice to CGD authors (resident and non-resident fellows) on publication procedures, provide editing and other support, and help to ensure timely transformation of their manuscripts, working papers, reports, briefs and notes into polished publications.
    • Gather copy and graphics from contributors/partners; ensure that authors’ corrections are implemented; draft promotional material and back cover copy as required, and proofread and copy edit small amounts of text associated with the publications and brochures (blurbs, etc.).
  • Manage relationships with free-lance editors, graphic designers, typesetters, mail houses and printers, obtaining price quotes, establishing production schedules, and monitoring the quality and promptness of delivery of contracted services. Serve as chief liaison between these vendors and CGD.
  • Coordinate with the Brookings Institution publications staff, which provides production and marketing services for CGD books, ensuring that they have the necessary timely information to support the CGD publications program.
  • Marketing: Responsible for designing promotional ads for CGD publications and for assessing the value of these marketing activities and exploring other outlets.
  • Serve as main point of contact for all external permissions-related queries. This includes sending CGD publications to university professors and members of the media, and alerting authors when their materials are being used.
  • Record keeping: Maintain information on publications inventory, as well as information on expenditures for all CGD materials and sales information for CGD books (in coordination with Brookings and PIIE).
  • Update the publications page on the CGD Web site, and make other small Web updates as needed.
  • Serve as part of an energetic communications and policy team charged with promoting a wide variety of CGD research and initiatives to development experts, policymakers, press, and the general public.

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree and three to five years of relevant work experience.
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
  • Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Advanced knowledge of other Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Publisher.
  • Ability to meet stringent deadlines and to interact effectively with technical experts, academics, and publishers

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to: hrjobs@cgdev.org. Please indicate in the subject line “Publications Coordinator.” Deadline for application is March 7, 2008.