What are the responsibilities and job description for the Church Resources Acquisitions Editor (PPC) position at Presbyterian Church USA?
Purpose of Position
Presbyterian Publishing Corporation publishes resources for the academy, church professionals, congregations, and the general Christian audience. It is the denominational publisher for the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.). The Acquisitions Editor will be responsible for acquiring and editing books and resources that advance faith and study, foster vision and imagination, and inspire action and justice to help the current and future church proclaim the gospel as the body of Christ that is reformed and always reforming.
Job Summary
Presbyterian Publishing is seeking a full-time church resource acquisitions editor to join our dynamic team. The editor will closely follow denominational conversations and changing needs of local churches and leaders. They will develop, acquire, and edit needed resources and will work with other editors and product development colleagues to design and produce materials, including books and curricula, for pastors, worship leaders, and church members of all ages. Additionally, the editor will direct grant projects, including a $1.25 million grant recently awarded by Lilly Endowment to create resources that nurture children through intergenerational worship and prayer. The editor will work with colleagues across the company to best publish and market resources intended for church audiences.
A successful candidate will have a strong background in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and good knowledge of the various affinity groups and networks, with some experience in writing and editing. Excellent communication skills, ability to network with a variety of people, flexibility, and strong commitment to anti-racism and diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential skills.
Job Responsibilities
- Assess and develop needed and desired resources for teaching and ruling elders, church educators, congregations, and members
- Serve as director of various related grants, particularly for a $1.25 million grant recently awarded by Lilly Endowment to create resources that nurture children through intergenerational worship and prayer.
- Identify authors and support them in developing proposals and manuscripts for church leaders with an aim to publish up to five books a year
- Manage assigned book backlist areas and recommend publication of new editions of successful titles
- Participate in regular editorial meetings and present proposals for book projects
- Support and work with authors throughout the publishing process
- Work with colleagues in production and marketing to ensure the timeliness and quality of finished books, and provide marketing ideas
- Present forthcoming books at semi-annual staff marketing meetings
- Participate in creating titles, descriptive copy, and covers for books in assigned area
- Develop, acquire authors, and edit ongoing and future English language curriculum products
- Occasional travel as required, 10 to 15% of the year, especially at beginning of the job
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in religion or related field required; Master of Divinity degree strongly preferred
- Ordained as Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA), strongly preferred
- Strong knowledge of the PC(USA) national agencies and various groups in the denomination
- Demonstrated experience in DEI, cultural competencies, and anti-racism practices
- Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
- Proven networking skills
- Experience in local church education programs with developmental understanding of multiple age groups
- Comfortable with using various social media platforms
- Curious, visionary thinker
- Ability to organize and prioritize
- Resourceful and proactive
- Creative problem solver
- Diplomatic and collaborative
- Able to work and respond to evolving industry and environment
- Ability to thrive in and contribute to a diverse, multicultural, progressive team environment
- Ability to be flexible and juggle multiple assignments at any given time
Benefits
- Medical coverage, funded 95% by employer
- Optional dental and vision coverage
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan, funded 100% by employer
- Optional employee funded 403(b)
- Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
- Remote work possible
PPC offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits in a positive and supportive environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. PPC believes that diversity, inclusion, and a commitment to anti-racism among our teammates is critical to our success. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. We celebrate diversity in our authors and the resources we publish, and are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist workplace for all employees.
To apply, please email a cover letter and a resume or curriculum vita to Rev. Dr. Bridgett Green at bgreen@wjkbooks.com. Application deadline is March 1, 2025.