Director of Publications

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) is the only nationally recognized interdisciplinary professional membership organization that represents the interests of the entire medical genetics team including clinical geneticists, clinical laboratory geneticists, and genetic counselors.  Together, the ACMG and its members engage in coordinated efforts to improve patient care, ensure optimal reimbursement for genetic service providers, establish standards of care and laboratory policy, and educate members about advances important to their practices.

The Director of Publications works closely with the Editors-in-Chief, editorial boards, college members and publisher.  This role oversees freelancers and editorial staff to manage the daily operations of the journals.  The primary role is to publish a monthly print journal, and an open access journal that publishes in an ongoing manner, ensuring consistent high quality and adherence to good publishing standards and guidelines. Additionally, the Director of Publications is tasked with staying abreast of new technologies, developments and issues in scientific publishing and ensuring that the journal and stakeholders are kept up-to-date in such matters.

55% Monthly Tasks

• Produce a journal every month; ensure articles are published in the open access journal
• Set deadlines and ensure all tasks are completed on time
• Manage the manuscript flow
• Assist editors with assigning reviewers
• Track and follow-up all submission deadlines (editor, reviewer and author reminder e-mails)
• Send out revision and rejection e-mails to authors and reviewers
• Check first, second and final proofs of all articles
• Select monthly cover art; liaise with artists and help digitize images; Proof covers
• Send freelancers the monthly articles for their features and ensure the deadlines are set and met
• Edit and proof the news and highlights page and the podcast text and audio. 
• Send the ACMG details of the monthly podcast to include in the ezine; work with freelancer to provide title and social media pieces on each podcast.
• oversee social media editors and coordinator; monitor social media feeds and react to comments as needed
• Ensure production deadlines are met by working with the publisher.
• Monthly calls with the publisher to discuss journal targets, marketing and development.

20% Annual/Semi-Annual Tasks

• Compile journal reports/statistics semi-annually and as required to determine the performance of the editors, staff and the journal.
• Provide the EICs with bi-annual written reports to present to the ACMG board
• Provide EICs with slides presentation for the annual ACMG Business Meeting
• Organize the annual editorial board meetings and provide a slide presentation for the EICs.
• Update journal policies/forms such as conflict of interest; reviewer guidelines; instructions for authors; article types as needed. Review these semi-annually.
• Identify articles that improve the impact factor of the journals; conduct analyses of both accepted and rejected articles every 3 years to ensure the journal is fulfilling its mission
• Identify manuscripts for the journal trainee awards; confirm with authors; notify editors annually of the eligible articles; work with ACMG to notify winner
• Prepare agenda for an annual journal development day to be held with the EIC, EA and publisher

20% Ongoing

• Handle all author appeals by working with the editor(s) to determine if the appeal is successful. Then work with manuscript through the re-review process as necessary.
• Work with authors/editors to apply corrections to the published literature.
• Handle all ethical issues that arise on manuscripts submitted including plagiarism detection, image manipulation, author-instigated queries on authorship etc.
• Co-ordinate special issues with guest editors.
• Invite reviews and follow up with authors.
• Work with a consultant to ensure the journal is with the best publisher as contracts needs renewed.
• Work with the publisher to implement any new guidelines e.g. reporting guidelines checklist was instigated in 2015.
• Work with publisher to reduce errors to published literature.
• Ensure the journal follows all published guidelines and follows any industry standard codes of conduct (i.e. COPE, ICMJE, CSE).
• Keep abreast of the latest news and innovations in the field of scientific publishing and work with the vendors to implement these changes/additions (e.g. ORCIDs, social media, altmetrics); Attend industry conferences e.g. SSP, CSE, ISMTE.
• Adapt system to changing needs of the editorial office including; editing system letters, changing workflow, implementation of new industry standards (e.g. adding ORCIDs, checking variant nomenclature, GDPR implementation), streamlining workflows to handle increasing submissions.
• Identify groups of articles that go together in themes and/or Special Issues.
• Liaise with authors/reviewers/editors and answer queries about journal.
• Train new editors on journal workflow and provide ongoing training throughout the year.
• Work with the freelancers to improve the products.
• Prepare budgets for ongoing journal development.
• Work with the publisher, the social media manager, the editors and the ACMG to ensure a seamless approach to marketing of the journal and its published articles.
• Work with the publisher to ensure GIM’s reach both nationally and internationally.
• Ensure the journal’s acceptance rate for articles is appropriate and advise the editorial board on whether acceptance rates should be higher or lower.
• Work with the ACMG to ensure the journals provide educational opportunities to the membership e.g. MOC and CME.
• Work with the publisher and ACMG to ensure the journals are represented in readership surveys.

5% ACMG Documents

• Work with the ACMG to constantly improve the workflow and processes in publishing ACMG documents.
• Ensure the ACMG obtain proofs; proof all ACMG documents

Work with the ACMG to ensure media coverage of published guidelines

• Excellent oral & written communication skills (including proofreading abilities)
• Accuracy and organization
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to be diplomatic with written and oral correspondence
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to multi-task and handle multiple deadlines
• Understanding of journal workflow, peer review and professional standards of scientific publishing
• Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook; Experience in online submissions systems, Adobe Professional and graphics software a plus.
• Ability to work in both a team environment and function independently
• Supervise editorial office staff  

Pay Range:

$130,000  -$140,000 

The ACMG pay range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary.

ADA SPECIFICATIONS

This is a largely sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 20 lbs.  Ability to travel domestically occasionally, up to 10%. 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The American College of Medical Genetics & Genomics is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.