Job Description

Job Desciption

About Maskew Miller Learning

Maskew Miller Learning lends its name from the most trusted and recognizable publisher in South African history - Maskew Miller. At Maskew Miller Learning, we believe that learning allows people to move forward in life, enabling them to have brighter futures.

We are a B-BBEE - Level 1 contributor, providing education solutions ranging from early childhood learning to professional certification, curriculum-based print materials, e-learning content and tools, as well as teacher training. We publish in all 11 official languages and have the widest range of CAPS-approved content trusted by teachers. Our quality educational resources and materials are used in schools, TVET colleges, higher education institutions, and home and professional environments.

Main Purpose

The Publisher for the Physical Sciences portfolio leads and manages the content creation for products or services within the STEM portfolio with specific reference to Physical Sciences, Natural Sciences and Technology. Maskew Miller Learning publishes and manages a large portfolio of textbooks across the CAPS curriculum approved catalogue, for the CAPS aligned as well as CAPS supplementary catalogue.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Contribution to Product strategy

Physical Sciences subject matter expert. Research and understand market needs in collaboration with the research team. Maintain relationships with curriculum officials and external stakeholders. Generate Physical Sciences product and service pedagogy framework based on policy documents for all the subjects relevant to Grade 4 - 12. Research and analyze curricula, policy documents/gap analysis and evaluation criteria relating to submission and tender requirements. Review and analyze competitor and alternative products/services. Generate product or service concept/vision for all components.

Financial Management

Prepare product budgets for sign-off (forecast costs). Manage product costs within approved budgets. Respond to budget queries and changes. Sign off and approvals of work as per schedule of authority.

Content Development

Develop detailed specific product/service plan. Develop design specifications and cover briefs. Develop detailed instructional design/digital brief. Develop detailed author/Subject Matter Expert (SME) commissioning brief. Recruit appropriate authors/SMEs. This includes the development and retention of market-leading content developers and subject matter experts (SMEs). Work closely with authors/freelancers to create products or services based on the relevant pedagogy. Commission content/service according to detailed product plan. Manage the development of print and digital content. Provide continuous support during the writing/content development process. Contribute to the development of content for marketing material, including creating the product value proposition. Review quality and conformity and provide feedback until content is approved.

Project Management

Create project schedule (forecast time). Responsible for the overall deadline of projects. This means ensuring that projects are completed by the agreed due date. Remain up to date with all admin duties and foster best practice.

Production Support

Ensure that the vision for the product or service is carried through the entire production process. Support the Managing Editor(s) during production phase by: addressing content/author queries approving final artwork and photo selection reviewing first draft and artwork pages Signing off and approving master set files.

Testing/trialing/research

Develop prototype/sections/full product for testing/trialing/research purposes. Validate prototypes/sections/full products. Analyze and apply research feedback to improve products and services.

Relationship with External stakeholders

Develop relationships with relevant Ministry and DBE officials and external stakeholders. Brief external SMEs, consultants, freelancers as needed.

Develop good practice.

Develop pool of excellent content developers/SMEs capable of responding to the needs as they arise. Develop skills of content developers/SMEs through training.

Collaboration

Collaborate closely with colleagues during all stages of the project within the matrix. Contribute to development of content for marketing material.

Follow new trends and developments.

Stay abreast with new trends and developments in products/services, pedagogy, and market needs. Attending relevant workshops, conferences, and other industry events to stay up to date.

Digital

Manage the development of digital content. Understanding of the Physical Sciences Learning Design best practice and principles for digital learning. Good understanding of instructional design and user-experience design best practice and principles - when & how to employ specialists. Collaborate with the Design and Digital Development team to develop digital content / products.

Project Lead Responsibilities

As required, to perform the role of the project lead.

Educational Requirements

Relevant Degree in the subject matter of Physical Sciences.

Experience Requirements

Minimum three to five years working knowledge within the Content creation of Physical Sciences school textbook publishing and/or extensive Physical Sciences teaching educational environment.

Skills and Competencies

Sound business and technical acumen, with the ability to navigate a complex and highly matrixed organisation effectively, establishing effective communication lines to multiple stakeholders. Ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines, remaining pragmatic and results focused. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.