Job Description
Sourcebooks is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director for our Publishing Operations team to oversee all production operations for our new accelerated, bespoke publishing team. This leadership role requires balancing the needs of our authors with demanding production schedules, fostering an environment of innovation, quality, and excellence. The ideal candidate will possess a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to find a “yes” while maintaining composure amidst daily challenges and opportunities. A passion for books and experience in publishing, marketing, or advertising is essential.
This is a remote position with occasional trips to our office in Naperville. This position can be hybrid in Naperville or NYC, or fully remote in the following states ONLY: AZ, CT, MD, MN, NC, NJ, NY, NV, OR, PA, TN, TX, WA, AND WI
Director of Publishing Operations Responsibilities: - Oversee and manage all aspects of publishing operations for our author-centric titles, ensuring alignment with the company’s and the author’s strategic goals.
- Balance the creative and logistical needs of authors with the constraints and demands of production schedules.
- Lead and mentor a diverse team of professionals, including project managers, quality assurance managers, and production staff.
- Develop and implement strategies to enhance efficiency, quality, and speed to market while maintaining high standards of production.
- Cultivate strong relationships with authors, ensuring their needs and visions are fully supported and realized.
- Monitor industry trends and advancements in book production technologies, integrating new practices as appropriate.
- Resolve complex production issues, ensuring minimal disruption to schedules and quality standards.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including editorial, design, sales, and marketing, to ensure seamless operations.
- Prepare and manage the production budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality.
- A willingness to commit to overtime as needed to meet demanding schedules.
Required Skills/Abilities - Strong understanding of book production processes, including both digital and print formats.
- Proficiency in project management tools and software (Smartsheet, Monday.com, Harvest, Filemaker)
- Familiarity with design and preflighting tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
- Ability to create department structure and develop new processes with out-of-the box thinking.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Expert conflict resolution skills – creating calm out of chaos is essential.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and changing environment.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically.
- Belief in the power of Growth Mindset.
Qualifications/Experience: - A minimum of 10 years of experience in publishing, marketing, advertising, or a related field.
- Bachelors Degree in Publishing, Marketing, Communications or a related field.
- Proven experience in a leadership role, managing production teams and processes.
- Demonstrated success in balancing creative and logistical aspects of production.
- Demonstrated success in creating structure, processes and workflows in support of new business models.
Sourcebooks is a thriving entrepreneurial company that brings extraordinary authors to readers in dynamic, data-driven ways. We create books that transcend categories and defy odds, and we have been honored with hundreds of national bestsellers and awards. We are a company of enthusiastic book lovers passionate about connecting books to readers in new and innovative ways. Story by story, book by book, we have changed more than 300 million lives. Join us as we change 300 million more.
Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, & generous paid time off.
We value the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
Job Tags
Full time, Temporary work, Remote job, Flexible hours,