Job Description

Job Desciption

The Commissioning Editor: African Languages is responsible for sourcing, briefing, and managing the development of high-quality, curriculum-aligned educational content for the South African market. This role is central to translating our publishing strategy into executable content development plans and ensures that all commissioned materials meet the standards and priorities set by the Publishing Lead and Publisher. As a core member of the publishing team, the Commissioning Editor ensures that authors, reviewers, and content creators are aligned to curriculum needs, delivery schedules, and pedagogical expectations. The role also ensures that materials are inclusive, relevant, and tailored for South African learners and teachers.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

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Editorial Project Management

Responsible for the overall deadline of African Languages projects, ensuring completion and delivery by the agreed due date. Create project schedules with clear time forecasts and deliverables. Maintain up-to-date admin duties and apply best-practice project workflows. Ensure the publishing vision is maintained throughout the entire content development and production process. Support the Publisher and Publishing Lead during the pre-production and production phases by: + Sourcing and onboarding authors and reviewers for new submissions. + Addressing content-related queries from authors and resolving them efficiently.
+ Reviewing manuscripts to ensure content accuracy, curriculum alignment, and subject appropriateness.
+ Sourcing illustrators, proofreaders, editors, and typesetters; maintaining working relationships with them.
+ Collaborating closely across functions within the matrix team to oversee all stages of production.
+ Overseeing the commissioning of artwork and photography relevant to African Languages.
+ Approving final artwork and photographic selections.
+ Reviewing first page proofs and artwork layouts.
+ Performing final checks and proofreading before delivery to print or digital production.
+ Signing off and approving final master set files.

Financial Management

Work with the Publisher to prepare product development budgets and submit for sign-off. Manage product development within approved budgets. Address queries and updates related to budget adjustments. Approve work and services in accordance with the organisation's schedule of authority.

Content Development

Work with the Publisher to develop detailed product plans for African Languages offerings. Create design specifications, cover briefs, and instructional design briefs. Draft comprehensive author/Subject Matter Expert (SME) commissioning briefs. Recruit and retain experienced authors and SMEs in African Languages. Work with authors and freelancers to deliver curriculum-aligned learner and teacher materials. Work with the Publisher to commission content in line with product specifications and curriculum needs. Manage the development of both print and digital content. Support the Publisher to provide ongoing support to authors during the writing process. Contribute to marketing material development, including product value proposition. Review content quality and alignment to pedagogy; provide constructive feedback until content is approved.

General Contribution to Product Strategy

Collaborate with research teams to understand market and classroom needs. Support the Publisher to analyse policy documents, CAPS curriculum, and submission requirements to ensure product alignment. Monitor competitor products and perform content gap analysis. Support the Publisher to develop the vision and framework for African Languages learning materials. Stay up to date with education and technology trends to inform future product design. Contribute to the development of marketing content and messaging.

Digital

Manage the development of digital components and blended learning elements. Have a sound understanding of digital learning principles, including African Languages -specific pedagogy. Understand instructional and user experience design principles and know when to engage specialists. Collaborate with the Digital Development teams to deliver engaging and interactive digital content.

Business as Usual

Manage backlist maintenance: respond to customer queries, update reprints, and apply corrections as needed.

Work with the Publisher to continuously review current products for relevance, improvement, and compliance with curriculum updates.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree in education, African Languages, Linguistics, or a related field (a postgraduate qualification will be advantageous).

Experience Requirements

Extensive experience in publishing, education, or content development, with a strong focus on African Languages. Proven track record in managing complex projects, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality outputs. Deep understanding of African Languages, their cultural contexts, and educational applications.

Skills and Competencies

Excellent project management skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Familiarity with educational technologies and a willingness to work with digital and AI-powered platforms. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with internal teams and external contributors. Comfortable navigating a matrixed organisation with cross-functional collaboration. * High attention to detail with strong organisational and problem-solving capabilities.