Job Overview

The Associate, Editorial manages the overall peer review process and workflow of manuscripts from pre-submission to final decision to ensure timely and efficient processing for ASM journals. This position is the first point-of-contact for ASM authors, editors, and reviewers for technical and procedural help with the peer review system. The incumbent trains editors on use of the peer review system and monitors adherence to ASM peer review standards and practices. The incumbent may attend the Editors’ annual meeting and the ASM annual meeting to provide staff support and perform other duties and projects as requested.

Accountabilities (are the critical activities and results the position is held accountable to produce)

1. Peer Review
2. Project Management
3. Volunteer/Member Relationships
4. Industry Participation

Essential Functions (defines the critical end results expected of the jobholder related to the accountabilities above)

1. Manage the peer review manuscript workflow for ASM journal editors from submission to final decision to ensure accurate quality checks and that manuscripts move through the system in a timely manner.
2. Check submitted manuscripts and assign to appropriate editor generally within 1 day of submission to ensure that manuscripts are completed for review and an editor selected based on the topic and the editor's specialty.
3. Provide first-level technical and procedural support to authors, reviewers, and editors for the peer review system and act as a point of contact for authors, editors and reviewers which also includes Editor Training.
4. Send out reminders to ensure all manuscript submissions are moved through the peer review process in a timely manner.
5. Update eJP submission site with new letter templates, changes to editor status, etc.
6. Communicate with other ASM staff via email, phone, or web conference to keep other members of various teams up to date and to find the answers to questions regarding collaborative work items.
7. This position description should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job. Incumbents are required to perform other functions as assigned.

Technical Competencies (are applied or practical knowledge and skills needed for effective technical performance)

1. Editing and proofreading skills
2. Strong grammar and spelling skills
3. Knowledge of the peer review process
4. Knowledge of web-based technologies
5. Time management skills
6. Knowledge of ASM Journals style and production systems
7. Excellent communication skills, both, verbal and written
8. Excellent decision-making and organizational skills
9. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

 Behavioral Competencies (are observable behaviors and skills that matter most for success)

1. Instills Trust (Respect/Honor) – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

1. Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

2. Drives Results – Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
3. Optimizes Work Processes – Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
4. Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
5. Self-Development – Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.
6. Values Differences – Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
7. Decision Quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.

 Physical Demands
This is largely a sedentary role and may sit or use PC for long periods of time. Bending, reaching, or stooping may be necessary for use of filing cabinets or other office cabinets or office machines. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computer, phones, copiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

1. Bachelor’s Degree.
2. Three (3) years of experience with scholarly journals publishing
3. Experience with a professional association or society
4. Experience working with time sensitive tasks