Product Assistant

The Product Assistant is a novice position responsible for supporting the assigned Publisher and Content Development and Operations Manager. They will work across the Publishing and Professional Learning departments to unify processes and help both groups reach key goals for signings, transmittals, books publishing, multimedia and online product development and publishing, video development, and the creation of new professional learning products. This role supports the daily acquisitions, editorial, production, administrative, and scheduling needs and demands of the Editors and Publishers to whom they are assigned and will serve as an additional support to all editorial staff during the busiest transmittal seasons. This position is remote and requires reliable access to internet. Training and support will be provided for all the processes listed.

A successful Product Assistant is someone who:

• Pays close attention to detail and accuracy and stays organized
• Can meet target goals and prioritize workload effectively, with supervision
• Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively with all internal and external colleagues
• Practices cultural competence by using self-awareness, sensitivity, skills, and knowledge to navigate relationships across differences
• Is curious about learning new systems and improving existing processes by working collaboratively with team members across the business
  
  

A cover letter is required when applying for this position.

Crucial Job Functions & Responsibilities

The job functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assist Editors in handling proposals by:

• Processing proposals for new print and digital content submitted for multiple departments
• Proactively inviting peer review for proposed projects and leading all aspects of the review process, including book orders and payments.
• Researching and continually adding new educators from all backgrounds to the peer reviewer database.
• If the decision is made to move ahead on a proposal, entering preliminary information about proposed projects into internal databases. This may include researching appropriate processes for innovative products.
• Updating project metadata as advised.
• For approved proposals, updating multiple databases; sending complete proposal for Publisher/Vice President’s approval; and posting approved proposal to databases.
  
  

Assist team in preparing contracts by:

• Drafting basic author/editor contracts, agreements, contributor agreements, amendments, rights reversions, cancellation agreements, and some independent contractor agreements according to the Publisher’s/Editor's requirements.
• Drafting all Assignment of Payment and Revocation of Assignment of Payments.
• Working with author, Publisher, and legal team to revise contracts when needed.
• Routing contracts to authors and Vice President for electronic signing.
• Sending or maintaining author and contributor tax forms.
  
  

Onboarding authors and consultants upon contract signing by:

• Leading new author sessions to introduce contributors to Corwin’s standards and guidelines for publishing content, which include guidance for content preparation and file formatting, standards for third party content and permissions clearance, and our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion guidelines.
• Aiding authors with design preparation and manuscript/product tagging for typesetting
• Updating product schedules and key dates
• Learning about the evolving standards for online content production, including courseware delivered via third-party software
  
  

Help team with manuscript and product development and delivery by:

• Proactively inviting peer reviewers in appropriate fields to review draft content.
• Distributing manuscripts and product previews to selected reviewers compiling completed questionnaires
• Processing reviewer orders or monetary compensation through purchase order system.
• Reviewing, researching, and answering permissions questions for authors with assistance from Editorial and Legal Department, as needed.
• Advising on, or compiling and completing, permissions logs.
• Prior to transmittal, working with our authors to ensure their manuscripts and online courses are delivered correctly, with properly formatted photos, ancillary materials, permissions, and other material that are vital for production.
• Drafting and sending electronic permission requests on behalf of the author.
• Performing photo research and/or assisting in photo replacement and captioning when needed.
• Troubleshooting online courses and content related to our MetaX content.
• Coordinating the development of training and supplemental materials (such as surveys, PowerPoint files, and other ancillary products) tied to our Visible Learning and Author Pathway content
  
  

Lead the book transmittal process and participate in production process by:

• Tracking, monitoring, and collecting all required content, preparing content for transmittal, and entering basic metadata in internal databases.
• Communicating with authors, Associate Editors, Development Editors, Production Managers (PMs), Production Editors (PEs), and Video Producers to ask questions, clarify needs, follow up on key dates, secure missing content, and deliver complete and accurate transmittals.
• Completing permission logs to be signed by author and posted to database.
• Generating QR codes for video and other online content.
• Working with production to prepare and create online content for companion websites.
• Participating in brainstorming sessions regarding interior design, cover design, and final title.
• Participating in the review of page proofs for accuracy of art, credit lines, permissions issues, figure placement, and layout.
• Assisting all Editorial teams (STEM, Leadership, Literacy, VL+, and Fisher-Frey) with transmittal workflow during the busiest seasons.
  
  

Manage Post-Publication workflows by:

• Processing book orders for post-pub (copies to authors, endorsers, reviewers, etc.).
• Updating metadata in database as needed.
  
  

Providing excellent author care by:

• Answering all inquiries and requests from authors throughout the above process in a timely and respectful fashion.
• Representing Corwin in a professional and courteous manner in all interactions with authors, peer reviewers, and colleagues.
  
  

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Attending and scheduling team meetings.
• Recording Key Performance Indicators (data about signings, transmittals, published titles, and budget) monthly.
• Maintaining budget reports and cost monitoring spreadsheets.
• Reviewing inventory for Resource Guides in conjunction with various team members.
  
  

Qualifications, Education, And Aptitudes

Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:

• Curiosity about K-12 education preferred
• Familiarity with Microsoft Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Docs preferred but not required
• An interest in statistics and the use of software for analyzing data
• Ability to quickly master proprietary systems for record-keeping
• Demonstration of high level of maturity and professional integrity
• Excellent verbal, and written communication skills
• Strong research skills
• Ability to tackle unique problems and propose multiple solutions
• Ability to exhibit empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a positive point of view, particularly when resolving difficult problems.
• Exhibits good listening skills, accepts feedback, and takes ownership of projects.
  
  

If you have a disability and you need any support during the application process, please contact [email protected]. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Pay Transparency & Benefits Package:

Sage Publishing is committed to being an inclusive employer where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect. Sage is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

Compensation at Sage is influenced by several factors, including but not limited to skill set, nature and level of experience, qualifications, and other relevant considerations. Please note that the compensation details listed in U.S. role postings reflect the base salary only and do not include bonuses or benefits. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range and additional aspects of the compensation/benefits package for this position during the hiring process. If your desired salary falls outside of this range, we hope you'll still apply as there may be other positions that better align.

In addition to compensation, Sage offers a highly competitive and comprehensive PPO medical, dental, and vision care benefits package with SAGE covering most of the premium costs. Unique program benefits that support a healthy life, a company-sponsored anniversary trip every 5 years, a 401(k)-matching program of 100% up to 5% of pay, and other significant meaningful benefits. In alignment with our value for education, Sage offers financial support for bachelor's and graduate-level degree programs as well as learning for personal interest.

Sage offers freedom and autonomy in your day-to-day with hybrid or remote work, depending on the role. Join the nearly 2,000 Sage employees worldwide who deliver products and services that serve to fulfill our noble goal of education and dissemination of knowledge globally. We’d love to meet you!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Sage Publishing is committed to being an inclusive employer where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and partnership status, pregnancy and parental responsibilities, race, religion and belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We believe that diversity is a cornerstone of a vibrant culture. We want Sage to be an organization where the most talented staff and high-potential staff are recruited, have the opportunity to grow, and want to work. We strive to achieve a better representation of diverse talent at all levels, including leadership, across our workforce.