Manufacturing Assistant Coordinator

Job Summary

Responsible for the manufacturing of all backlist reprints and frontlist paperback conversions, plus maintenance of archive. Specific title by title manufacturing encompasses the releasing of print-ready PDF files, diagnosing the art program, establishing complete manufacturing and component printing specifications; maintaining and updating all pertinent files and databases. Works with the Associate Director of Production on other projects.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Under supervision of the Associate Director of Production, directs the manufacturing of approximately 25 new paperback editions annually, from PDF to bulk delivery to our warehouse, and the complete manufacturing of approximately 200 reprints annually, from the receipt of reprint request (and print-ready PDF files if corrections have been made) through the bulk delivery of cartoned books to our warehouse.
• Establishes project specifications. Analyzes each paperback conversion for paper and manufacturing requirements. Analyzes art programs and selects the appropriate paper and printing methods to ensure optimum reproduction quality; monitors paper inventories and purchases stock as needed.
• Makes vendor selections from established list of vendors. Assesses the project’s needs and determines optimal vendor partnerships for successful outcomes. Continually evaluates vendors for quality of work against established project specifications, adherence to schedules, and cost containment. Recommends changes, both to end relationships with ineffective vendors and to introduce new vendors.
• Evaluates manufacturing costs and analyzes pricing needs for these new titles and uses this information to accurately estimate and create budgets (pricing). Prepares final estimates and budgets and delivers books within those budgets. Identifies and negotiates economies wherever feasible and appropriate.
• Monitors quality control throughout the manufacturing process, investigating and solving problems as needed.
• Writes and issues purchase orders and processes invoices, ensuring adherence to specifications and budgets, as appropriate.
• Exercises discretion in a manner that quickly and effectively resolves disputes between vendors and the Press. Keeps manager apprised and consults with manager to bring about resolutions, as needed.
• Develops and tracks schedules through all stages of proofs.
• Coordinates the interaction and shared communication of production editors, designers, and vendors for each book.
• Works with Reprint Corrections Editor to determine which files need corrections, follows the files through the corrections process, and makes sure the bindery and archive receive the most up to date versions.

ARCHIVE (45%)

• Triages and vets print-ready files arriving from external vendors.
• Uploads print-ready assets into the DAM, including both new assets and those that have been updated or corrected and need to replace what’s currently in the archive.
• Maintains in-house file serve on the R-drive.

• Creates low-resolution, watermarked files as needed.

OTHER DUTIES (5%)

• Works with Associate Director of Production on special projects as requested.

Basic Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:

Post-high school education or equivalent related work experience plus a minimum of one year of experience in book production including working knowledge of desktop typesetting applications, conventional and electronic prepress, book and component printing, book papers, all bookbinding methods, and publishing procedures. An equivalent combination of college education and work experience acceptable.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Demonstrated computer skills in Adobe Creative Suite, word processing, spreadsheets, and relational databases. Strong organizational skills required. Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multifaceted projects that involve multiple people, sometimes competing priorities, budget, and time constraints. Proven ability to negotiate and bring conflicts and contractual discussions to a successful resolution. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential to this position.

Additional Information

PLEASE NOTE: During the current period of Covid-19 related restrictions, this position may start as a remote position, with the transition to onsite in Cambridge when the office reopens.

We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 and the lifting of restrictions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. We will be conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates until further notice.

Job Function

Communications

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

402042 Publications Coordinator

Sub-Unit

-

Department

Design and Production - Harvard University Press

Time Status

Full-time

Salary Grade

055

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Appointment End Date

28-Feb-2023

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.