Job Description

The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) invites applications for the position of Managing Editor for the Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning (IJTL), a peer-reviewed, open-access academic DHET accredited journal dedicated to advancing scholarship in teaching and learning within higher education.
About the Role
The Managing Editor provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of the journal's publication cycle, ensuring the IJTL maintains its reputation for academic excellence while meeting national accreditation standards. This is a pivotal role requiring editorial judgment, meticulous attention to regulatory compliance, and the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders across the academic publishing ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities:
Editorial Leadership & Peer Review Management

• Select and approve suitable reviewers and coordinate double-blind peer review processes
• Evaluate submissions for alignment with journal scope and make editorial decisions
• Collaborate with the Editor-in-Chief on article selection and review outcomes
• Oversee quality assurance of author revisions in response to reviewer feedback
• Source and evaluate submissions for specialized sections

Journal Administration & Operations

• Monitor and maintain the online submission tracking system
• Oversee all documentation, filing systems, and reference number allocation
• Maintain and update reviewer databases and biographical information
• Prepare and compile individual journal issues in collaboration with the Editor-in-Chief

Digital Platform & Communications Management

• Manage the journal website, including updates to style guides and policies
• Coordinate calls for papers and disseminate through institutional channels
• Oversee online publication releases with technical partners
• Respond to inquiries regarding submission processes, style requirements, and review procedures
• Manage communication with the Editorial Board and notify accepted authors

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to DHET accreditation criteria, including the 75% external author requirement
• Prepare compliance documentation and upload certificates to the website
• Manage all accreditation processes, reports, and reaccreditation arrangements
• Coordinate legal deposit submissions as stipulated by relevant legislation
• Monitor Journal Impact Factor (JIF) and other quality metrics
• Liaise with ASSAF (Academy of Science of South Africa) on accreditation matters

Indexing & Dissemination

• Arrange and maintain indexing with SABINET, EBSCO, Portico, and other relevant databases
• Manage partnerships with aggregators and preservation services

Typesetting & Production

• Oversee the typesetting process, including vendor communication and cost management
• Approve final proofs prior to publication
• Conduct comprehensive proofreading

Governance & Financial Management

• Arrange and chair the Annual General Meeting for the Editorial Team
• Prepare annual budget and manage financial allocations
• Oversee payment processing for the Editor-in-Chief
• Prepare reports for the Research and Postgraduate Studies (RPGS) Committee

Strategic Development

• Ensure Editorial Board composition remains current by sourcing qualified national and international candidates
• Update templates and journal documentation as required
• Contribute to the ongoing development of journal policy and procedures

Essential Requirements:
Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD/Ded) in Education or closely related field
• Substantial academic publication record in peer-reviewed journals

Experience & Expertise

• Demonstrated expertise in educational research and scholarship
• Proven track record in academic publishing and editorial processes
• Understanding of peer review principles and academic integrity standards
• Knowledge of South African higher education regulatory frameworks (DHET, CHE)
• Familiarity with journal accreditation requirements and quality metrics

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational capabilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with editorial management systems and digital publishing platforms
• Financial management and budget preparation experience
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and competing deadlines
• Strategic thinking with commitment to academic excellence

Desirable Attributes

• Previous editorial experience with academic journals
• Knowledge of open-access publishing models
• Understanding of bibliometrics and research impact assessment
• Experience with indexing services and journal aggregators
• Network within South African and international education research communities

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following to by close of business on Friday 30 January 2026:

• A comprehensive curriculum vitae including full publication list
• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria and articulating your vision for the journal
• Contact details for three professional references

The IIE is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from designated groups.

Skills Required