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We seek a highly skilled and experienced Senior Commissioning Editor with a strong political inclination to manage and curate the development, reviewing, and shaping of new manuscripts and content for publication at the publishing house and across various platforms. This senior role requires an understanding of the political and related landscape, editorial judgment, and a proven track record in content commissioning and editorial control. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the department’s narrative, engaging a diverse audience, and ensuring journalistic integrity.

Key Responsibilities:

1.        Content and Strategy Development:

• Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, reader preferences, storytelling techniques, and competitive landscape to inform acquisition decisions.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive commissioning strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and objectives.
• Evaluate manuscript submissions, assist with negotiation of contracts with authors, and recommend strategic decisions on which projects to pursue based on marketability, audience appeal, and alignment with the organization’s focus and mandate.

2.      Political Content Curation:

• Identify, commission, and manage the production of original books, articles, analysis pieces, opinion editorials, and multimedia content.
• Ensure a diverse range of voices and perspectives are represented in commissioned content, fostering inclusivity and engagement.

3.      Editorial Oversight:

• Provide editorial direction and guidance to authors, ensuring that all commissioned content meets the organization’s direction, quality standards and adheres to its editorial guidelines and overall coherence.
• Work closely with authors to develop and refine manuscripts, provide feedback on content and market trends, and collaborate with internal teams throughout the publication process.

4.      Trend Monitoring:

• Stay informed about current political events, public opinion, and emerging trends to inform commissioning decisions and adapt content strategy.
• Stay updated on industry trends, market dynamics, and publishing best practices to drive innovation and growth in the publishing program.
• Analyze audience engagement and feedback to refine content offerings and improve relevance.

5.      Collaboration:

• Work closely with editorial, marketing, and sales teams to recommend and execute strategic plans for acquired titles, including cover design, marketing campaigns, and distribution strategies.
• Coordinate with marketing and social media teams to ensure effective promotion and distribution of commissioned content.

6.     Audience Engagement:

• Develop and implement strategies to engage the audience effectively, utilizing various platforms (digital, social media, newsletters) to distribute commissioned content and drive conversations around political issues.
• Monitor audience metrics and engagement levels to assess the impact of content and adjust strategies as needed.

7.      Project Management

• Manage manuscript-level budgets, forecasting, and financial projections to meet revenue targets and achieve publishing objectives.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines to ensure timely delivery of high-quality manuscripts.

8.      Performance Analysis:

• Analyze the performance of commissioned content using analytics tools, assessing readership, engagement, and impact to inform future commissioning strategies.
• Prepare reports and presentations on content performance and audience insights for senior management.

9.     Editorial Crisis Management:

• Anticipate and manage editorial challenges, including sensitive political topics, ensuring that all content adheres to ethical standards and guidelines.
• Develop protocols for handling controversial issues and responding to audience feedback.
• Some travel required

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Journalism, Communications, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
2. Significant experience (10+ years) in writing and/or journalism, with a strong portfolio of content including political content.
3. Proven track record in a senior editorial and commissioning or similar role, with experience in content strategy, team leadership, and project management.
4. Strong understanding of the publishing industry, book market trends, and literary genres. Ability to evaluate manuscripts, assess potential, and make strategic recommendations on acquisitions.
5. Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy and to provide feedback and guidance to authors effectively. Understanding of storytelling principles, narrative techniques, and audience engagement strategies.
6. Deep knowledge of the political landscape, issues, and trends, with a strong network within the political community.
7. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality or integrity.
8. Proficiency in editing tools and software, such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or editing software, digital publishing tools, content management systems, and data analytics.
9. Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously.



Preferred Skills:

1. Experience in content production, including video, podcasts, and interactive content.
2. Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data to inform editorial decisions.
3. Passion for political engagement and advocacy, with a commitment to journalistic integrity and ethical reporting.