Metadata Associate (67800BR)

Job Summary

All staff positions at Harvard University Press exist to further the mission of the Press: to be a worldwide publisher of works of the highest quality and enduring value, consistent with the standards and values of one of the world’s greatest universities, and to do so in a fiscally responsible manner, while nurturing the growth, development, and job satisfaction of Press staff. Reporting to the Sales Director, the Metadata Associate is responsible for Harvard University Press’s metadata management, including the quality and accuracy of the end-to-end metadata process, special initiatives, and coordinating ONIX feeds.

Position Description

The Metadata Associate is responsible for the accurate and timely flow of title metadata to our distributor systems, Edelweiss, and all retail and wholesale accounts.

Metadata Management (30%)

• Work collaboratively across the press to meet all metadata industry standards and account requirements, including changes to BISAC codes, ensuring the best possible sales outcome.
• Partner with sales, publicity and marketing teams to update metadata in response to media attention, author events, and sales and marketing efforts.
• Initiate process changes that improve title searchability and enhance online presentation.
• Establish a validation process internally and with our distributor to ensure accuracy.
• Launch a process for optimizing backlist metadata, revising outdated descriptive copy and adding reviews, to improve sales results.
• Pursue industry best practices in all areas where continued knowledge and expertise are expected. Suggest and implement improvements in a timely manner.
• Assess new and current vendors for functionality, process improvement, and value.
  
  

Biblio Suite (25%)

• Responsible for title record upkeep, accuracy, updating, and integrity.
• Coordinate new title setup with key stakeholders. Input and update data in select Biblio modules to ensure accuracy.
• Identify errors and glitches and address accordingly.
• Stay abreast of Biblio updates and offerings.
• Occasionally run sales reports out of Biblio as requested.
  
  

Onix and Cover Uploads (25%)

• Finalize titles and execute product data feeds via ONIX.
• Manage cover and interior art uploads with correct formatting and timeliness.
• Perform frequent quality control checks and exception reporting.
  
  

Edelweiss (20%)

• Coordinate seasonal, series, and category Edelweiss catalogs. Populate and update all fields, including cover images, quotes and reviews.
• Upload DRCs and manage bookseller approval process.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

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

• Minimum 2 years of direct metadata experience as an individual contributor.
• Thorough understanding of metadata industry standards, Biblio Suite and ONIX data feeds.
  
  

Additional Qualifications And Skills

• Confident, reliable, and a clear communicator.
• Enjoys working collaboratively to improve and achieve sales goals.
• Ability to work closely with IT, editorial, sales, and operations teams to ensure title data is complete and accurate throughout the publishing process.
• Commercially focused, with relevant experience and solid skills in ONIX and metadata management, ideally in both Academic and Trade Publishing settings.
• Complete understanding of how product data is used throughout the supply chain.
• Strong excel and reporting skills. Analytical approach to problem-solving.
• The aptitude and drive to seek automated solutions and deploy new technology to strengthen process and improve efficiency.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to work with a wide variety of people and projects simultaneously, often under pressure.
• College degree preferred.
  
  

Additional Information

• This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
• Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship.
• The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
  
  

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
  
  

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403134 Coordinator I

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Salary Grade

054

Department

HUP

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

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

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

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.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)