We are recruiting

Assistant Editor.

Job Description:

Company: The Modernist Society CIC.

Location: Our office in central Manchester (not remote working).

Position Type: Part-time 17.5 hours per week.

Salary: £25,000 p/a pro rata (actual £11,666).

Closing date: 23rd August 2024.

About Us: The Modernist Society 

The Modernist Society, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, was established in 2009 as a creative community. Its mission is to celebrate and engage people with twentieth-century architecture and design. Through publishing, events, exhibitions, and collaborations, the society fosters a deeper appreciation for the built environment.

Our publications arm ‘The Modernist’ is a small publisher based in Manchester, responsible for the modernist magazine alongside associated books, zines, photo books and guides related to the architecture and design of the 20th and 21st centuries. the modernist has become a staple within a niche market of architectural publishing. The magazine has recently celebrated its 13th anniversary and 50th issue. Although the primary focus is on editing the magazine, you will also play a role in co-ordinating the production of our other books, guides and zines. 

As we are an extremely small team, the Assistant Editor plays a crucial role in maintaining the editorial direction and overall standard of the organisation's publications. This position requires a unique combination of attention to detail, communication, and organisational skills.

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Assistant Editor to join our team. You will be responsible for co-ordinating the entire editorial process, ensuring that content produced meets high standards of quality and is delivered on time. You will work closely with writers, editors, designers and printers to assist us in the creation of high quality, engaging and informative content across various publications. The ideal candidate will have a strong editorial background, excellent organisational skills, and a passion for improving and maintaining the integrity of our publications and a demonstrable knowledge of architecture and design.

Responsible to: The Creative Directors/Lead Editors

Responsibilities:

Content Coordination:

• Co-ordinate the entire editorial process, from idea generation to final publication.
• Assist senior editors in calling for and managing submissions, reviewing manuscripts, and selecting content for publication.
• Sharing call outs for contributions through appropriate channels.
• Collaborate with writers, photographers, and designers to ensure high-quality material.
• Research, source and collate images, illustrations and photography
• Select final images in collaboration with the senior editors

Editing and Proofreading:

• Edit articles, essays, and features for clarity, style, and consistency and adherence to style guidelines and other editorial guidelines
• Conduct thorough research and fact-checking to ensure the accuracy and credibility of all content.
• Liaise with assistant/volunteer proof readers
• Final proofread of copy and edits of draft layouts for sign off, before publication.

Administrative Support:

• Respond to solicited and unsolicited publication proposals.
• Maintain editorial calendars and track deadlines.
• Handle correspondence, contracts, and permissions.
• Handle any complaints or issues related to content, taking appropriate action to address and resolve them.
• Liaise with and manage volunteers (such as our proof readers), and collate and prepare pre-design amends.
• Update any reference documents on a regular basis.

Research and Fact-Checking:

• Conduct research for background information and accuracy.
• Verify facts, citations, and references.

Production Assistance:

• Coordinate with design and production teams during layout and printing.
• Assist in securing high-quality visuals (photographs, illustrations) for articles.
• Enforce deadlines and chase outstanding material and design work.

Event Coordination:

• Assist in organising launch events, readings, publications fairs and other publications based events.

Benefits:

• Salary 25k pro rata
• Workplace pension contributions
• 25 days annual leave
• Staff discount in our bookshop
• Creative and collaborative and flexible work environment

Essential Criteria:

• Experience in editing and copy editing of print publications.
• Attention to Detail: Our Assistant Editor must meticulously review content, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to style guidelines.
• Strong Communication Skills: Effective written and verbal communication is crucial for collaborating with authors, editors, designers and other team members.
• Ability to sensitively deal with difficult communications, such as rejecting author submissions or suggesting amendments to copy.
• Familiarity with Publishing Process: Experience or knowledge of the publishing industry, including manuscript submission, editing, and production.
• Experience of liaising with designers and printers is beneficial.
• Organisational Abilities: Assistant Editors handle administrative tasks, such as scheduling, issuing contracts, and managing collaborators. 
• Adaptability: The ability to handle multiple tasks, work under deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities is important.
• Self-Motivation: Assistant Editors often work independently, so self-motivation and initiative are key.
• Editing Skills: Familiarity with proofreading, copyediting, and manuscript evaluation.
• Some knowledge of relevant copyright regulations.
• An interest in and knowledge of modernist architecture and design.

If you’re passionate about modernist architecture, design and publishing, we’d love to hear from you!

How to Apply: Please email the below documents to info@modernist-society.org by the closing date of 23rd of August 2024, stating the job title in the subject heading.

• Application Form
• Cover Letter / Email highlighting why you feel you are the right person for the role. This should be no more than two-pages. (Please try to address each of the items listed in the essential criteria.)
• Full CV
• Equal Opportunities monitoring form

Download the Job Description here

Download the Application Form here

Download the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form here

Equal Opportunities

The Modernist Society is committed to promoting equality and diversity and promoting a culture that actively values difference and recognises that people from different backgrounds and experiences can bring valuable insights to the workplace and enhance the way we work. The Modernist Society aims to be an inclusive organisation, where diversity is valued, respected and built upon, with ability to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves.