Publisher - Foundation Phase
Job details
The name of our company has changed from Pearson South Africa (Pty) Ltd to Maskew Miller Learning (Pty) Ltd, after the successful sale of shares to Novus Print (Pty) Ltd.
Maskew Miller Learning lends its name from the most trusted and recognisable publisher in South African learning, Maskew Miller. Established in 1893, we still provide the same quality learning products and services, that are meaningful to the local industry and can make a real difference in the lives of South Africans as they progress to a brighter future. As a 100% South African owned business, we look forward to focusing even more on supporting and overcoming barriers to learning, ensuring quality education for all.Main Purpose
The Publisher for Foundation Phase portfolio leads and manages the content creation for Foundation Phase related to STEM, Humanities and Languages (numeracy & literacy) products or services for Grade RR, R, 1, 2 and 3. This full-time position will operate as part of a project team and will report to the Lead Publisher for the Humanities & Commerce portfolio.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Contribution to Product strategy
Schools Foundation Phase expert.
Research and understand market needs in collaboration with the research team.
Maintain relationships with Curriculum officials and external stakeholders.
Generate Foundation Phase product and service pedagogy framework based on policy documents for all the subjects Relevant to Grade RR, R, 1, 2 and 3.
Research and analyse curricula, policy documents/gap analysis and evaluation criteria relating to submission and tender requirements.
Review and analyse competitor and alternative products/services.
Generate product or service concept/vision for all components.
Financial Management
Prepare product budgets for sign-off (forecast costs).
Manage product costs within approved budgets.
Respond to budget queries and changes.
Sign off and approvals of work as per schedule of authority.
Content Development
Develop detailed specific product/service plan.
Develop design spec and cover briefs.
Develop detailed instructional design/digital brief.
Develop detailed author/Subject Matter Expert (SME) commissioning brief.
Recruit appropriate authors/SMEs. This includes the development and retention of market-leading content developers and subject matter experts (SMEs).
Work closely with authors/freelancers to create products or services based on the relevant pedagogy.
Commission content/service according to detailed product plan.
Manage the development of print and digital content.
Provide continuous support during the writing/content development process.
Contribute to development of content for marketing material, including creating the product value proposition.
Review quality and conformity and provide feedback until content is approved.
Project Management
Create project schedule (forecast time).
Responsible for the overall deadline of projects. This means ensuring that projects are completed by the agreed due date.
Remain up to date with all admin duties and foster best practice.
As required, to perform the role of the project lead.
Production Support
Ensure that the vision for the product or service is carried through the entire production process.
Support the Managing Editor/s during production phase by:
addressing content/author queries
approving final artwork and photo selection
reviewing first draft and artwork pages
Signing off and approving master set files
Testing/trialing/research
Develop prototype/sections/full product for testing/trialing/research purposes.
Validate prototypes/sections/full products.
Analyse and apply research feedback to improve products and services.
Monitoring and Reviewing
Backlist maintenance - reprint corrections, respond to customer queries.
Constant review of current products for improvement and market relevance.
Relationship with External stakeholders
Develop relationships with relevant Ministry and DBE officials and external stakeholders.
Brief external SMEs, consultants, freelancers as needed.
Develop good practice
Develop pool of excellent content developers/SMEs capable of responding to the needs as they arise.
Develop skills of content developers/SMEs through training.
Collaboration
Collaborate closely with colleagues during all stages of the project within the matrix.
Contribute to development of content for marketing material.
Follow new trends and developments
Stay abreast with new trends and developments in products/services, pedagogy, and market needs.
Attend relevant workshops, conferences and other industry events to stay up to date.
Digital
Manage the development of digital content for Foundation Phase.
Concrete understanding of Grade RR, R, 1, 2 and 3 Learning Design best practice and principles for digital learning.
Good understanding of instructional design and user-experience design best practice and principles - when & how to employ specialists.
Collaborate with the Design and Digital Development team to develop digital content / products.
Educational Requirements
Relevant Degree in the subject matter.
Experience Requirements
Minimum three to five years working knowledge within the Content creation or Foundation Phase publishing and or teaching educational environment.
Skills and Competencies
Sound business and technical acumen, with the ability to navigate a complex and highly matrixed organisation effectively, establishing effective communication lines to multiple stakeholders.
Ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines, remaining pragmatic and results focused.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.
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