Publisher and Author Relations Manager at Devex

Job Description

Based in Nairobi with regular travel to both Uganda and Zambia, the PAR manager will assess the current publishing landscapes in each country, and build the relationships necessary to acquire and produce content for a global digital library. In the first year, this individual will work with the team to acquire a minimum of 120 new titles in local languages for the LOCAL project.

The ideal candidate is gregarious and enthusiastic professional with proven successful publisher/author relations experience in Kenya, and Zambia or Uganda. You are a self starter, team player, and strategic thinker

This is a grant funded, 12-month contract position starting October 2017 and ending September 2018 with the possibility of renewal.

Responsibilities

• Conduct publishing and digital content landscape review and analysis.
• Recruit and steward publishers, authors, and content producers to create, sell, or donate content to Worldreader.
• Source relevant public domain and creative commons content local and relevant to our program partners.
• Lead and project manage the acquisition, licensing, and translation of new or existing content.
• Significant travel to Zambia and Uganda.
• Any other duties as assigned related to or in support of the organization’s vision and mission.

Qualifications

• A minimum of three and preferably at least five years working in book publishing OR experience in a partner-facing content role.
• Professional experience writing and/or editing in a publishing or content creation environment.
• Proven project and relationship management skills.
• Past success in operating in a fast-paced, constantly-evolving team environment.
• Advanced English proficiency; written and verbal communication.
• Comfort and expertise with databases, mobile and web technologies.
• B.A. in Business Administration, English, or other relevant field of study.

Nice to Have

• Demonstrated knowledge of electronic publishing workflows with epub and mobi files, metadata collection, and ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders in a production process.
• Experience working internationally including in Zambia and Uganda.
• Experience producing or managing local language content.

Candidates need to have existing work authorization in Kenya.
Compensation and benefits

In addition to competitive salaries, staff enjoy:

• professional development and training,
• opportunities to travel internationally,
• flexible schedules to accommodate for our international presence, and
• the opportunity to work with talented and passionate people committed to a world where everyone is a reader.