Journals Commissioning and Development Editor, Durbanville

Job Description
About the role

AOSIS is looking for a commercially aware, relationship-driven Journals Commissioning and Development Editor to help grow and strengthen our portfolio of scholarly journals.

This role suits someone who understands scholarly publishing, enjoys building credibility with academic stakeholders, and can turn market insight into practical journal development actions. You will work across journal growth, editorial board support, community engagement, competitor analysis, and strategic development.

You will engage with Editors-in-Chief, Editorial Board members, societies, researchers, and internal teams to increase submissions, strengthen journal positioning, and identify development opportunities across the portfolio. The role combines publishing judgement, stakeholder management, structured analysis, and project execution.

What you will do

• Develop and implement journal commissioning and development plans for a portfolio of open access journal
  
• Build strong relationships with Editors-in-Chief, Editorial Boards, society partners, and other academic stakeholder
  
• Identify target research groups, and emerging subject areas to support journal growth
  
• Drive initiatives to increase submissions, visibility, and community engagement
  
• Conduct competitor and market analysis to identify risks, opportunities, and growth areas
  
• Support the acquisition or initiation of new journals
  
• Represent AOSIS at conferences and other relevant academic events where required
  
• Plan and support Editorial Board and Journal Oversight Committee meetings, including preparation of papers, meeting coordination, and minute-taking
  
• Manage Editorial Board and committee terms, editorial profiles, and editor contract administration
  
• Work with internal teams, including indexing, analytics, marketing, and publishing operations, to ensure coordinated execution
  
• Support journal contract renewals and broader publishing strategy projects
  
• Coach or guide junior colleagues where required by business needs. 
  
  

RequirementsWhat we are looking for

We are looking for someone who can combine publishing knowledge with commercial judgement and disciplined execution.

You are likely to be a strong fit if you have:

• A degree-level qualification, with a master’s degree advantageous
  
• Experience in scholarly publishing, ideally with responsibility for journal development, commissioning, or portfolio growth
  
• A sound understanding of the peer review process
  
• Experience building productive relationships with editors, boards, societies, or other external stakeholders
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
  
• Good judgement, analytical ability, and commercial awareness
  
• The ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities
  
• A structured, organised, and proactive working style
  
• Confidence working across teams in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
  
• Strong Microsoft Office capability, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.  
  

The kind of person who will thrive here

This role will suit someone who:

• enjoys engaging with academic communities
  
• is credible with senior stakeholders
  
• notices opportunities others miss
  
• can move from analysis to action
  
• is comfortable balancing detail with strategic priorities
  
• takes ownership and follows through
  
• works well across functions without losing momentum.
  

The strongest candidates will be curious about research trends, commercially alert, and motivated by growing journals with purpose and discipline.

Why join AOSIS

At AOSIS, you will contribute to the growth and development of open access journals in a business that values quality, partnership, and long-term publishing strength. You will work with experienced colleagues across publishing and support functions and have the opportunity to shape journal development in a meaningful way.

Apply

If you have experience in scholarly publishing and a strong interest in journal growth, stakeholder engagement, and portfolio development, we would like to hear from you.

BenefitsApplication Instructions

Please submit your CV and a short motivation letter detailing your experience. Please included the names, email addresses and telephone details of three referees we may contact.

Other important information:

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  
• All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments and psychometric tests as part of the selection process.
  
• Applications will only be considered after the closing date or if they comply with at least the minimum requirements.
  
• Ms Hannah Boast , for application-related enquiries.
  
• AOSIS is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of AOSIS and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
  
• All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. 
  
• All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials and criminal and credit checks (if applicable).
  
• AOSIS reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions.
  
• Applicants should be South African citizens, permanent residents with a bar-coded ID, or possess a valid work visa or permit.
  

Requirements
Qualifications and experience Education: Bachelor’s degree in Publishing, Journalism, Communications, English, Humanities, or a related field. Experience: 1 to 3 years in publishing operations, editorial coordination, or administrative support roles. Technical skills: Proficiency in digital tools such as ClickUp, Excel/Sheets, and SharePoint, and familiarity with publishing platforms. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with professional email etiquette. Attention to detail: Demonstrated ability to manage complex workflows and ensure quality control. Preferred attributes Experience with open-access publishing and Creative Commons licensing. Familiarity with metadata standards (DOI, ORCID, ROR, Crossref). Background in academic institutions, libraries or research administration. Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. Who we’re looking for This role is ideal for someone who is: Systematic: You enjoy administration, following checklists/SOPs, ticking boxes, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. Reliable: You take ownership of your work and deliver on time without being chased. Process-minded: You want to understand how workflows can be improved – not just follow them. Calm under pressure: You can juggle multiple books, authors, and deadlines with composure. Collaborative: You are comfortable working with editors, authors, and colleagues across departments.