5012 Managing Editor-Writer, Library Services

POSITION IDENTIFICATION

TITLE Managing Editor-Writer, Library Services

CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5012

GRADE 42

CLASSIFICATION Exempt

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Dean of Library Services

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Managing Editor-Writer, Library Services uses invention, imagination, originality, and talent to develop, write, and edit materials for print and electronic publications for MSU Libraries and Ozarks Studies Institute, which may include, but are not limited to books, including both monographs and compilations; bi-annual publication of OzarksWatch magazine; bi-annual publication of the E-Journal of Public Affairs; short pieces for LibNotes, the weekly e-newsletter of the MSU Libraries; and other types of written pieces for various purposes of the MSU Libraries, such as the Libraries’ annual report. The Managing Editor-Writer works closely with other employees of the MSU Libraries concerning content, publishing platforms and processes (both print and electronic), and other matters related to producing and publishing these types of content. The Managing Editor-Writer, Library Services also cultivates and sustains relationships with authors, content creators, graphic designers, and others in the general field of publishing. The Manager Editor-Writer, Library Services contributes to other programs and initiatives of the MSU Libraries.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A bachelor’s degree is required. A degree in English, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations or a related area is preferred.

Experience: Either one year work experience in a professional position as a managing editor preparing materials for publication or a minimum of three semesters experience in a part-time position in a similar professional setting is required.

Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required, especially an ability to write for external publications. Strong general editing skills, including working with a diverse group of creative people is required. Organizational and planning skills are required. Knowledge of digital writing and publishing is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.

Other: A significant scope of the publishing efforts of the MSU Libraries is related to the Ozarks history, so a solid understanding of the Ozarks multi-state region is required. Due to the nature of the position, some evenings, weekends, and travel are required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Helps to promote the University to alumni, donor, and internal audiences by contributing a unique or fresh interpretation of the publications of the Missouri State University Libraries.

2. Assures the production of material consistent with established guidelines by organizing materials and completing publishing and writing assignments in accordance to set standards regarding order, conciseness, style, and terminology.

3. Works with a wide variety of authors of fiction and non-fiction, as well as other types of content creators, to assist them in developing their potential as authors and content creators.

4. Contributes to the development of various publications by reviewing published materials and recommending revisions or changes in scope, format, and content or determining the need for development of new material, new publications, or new types of publications.

5. Assures consistency with standards by editing, standardizing, or making changes to material prepared by other writers or other personnel.

6. Develops subject matter for publication by conferring with various individuals and groups. Many of the current publications of the MSU Libraries deal with the Ozarks Region in some way.

7. Supports the MSU Libraries, particularly the Ozarks Studies Institute, by maintaining a project log of documents and other records and files, working with other staff members as part of a team to facilitate the reuse and storage of electronic document files, and assisting in the supervision of an office staff of editorial graduate assistants and student employees.

8. Manages author agreements and rights management activities and documentation related to the publishing of the MSU Libraries, including the Ozarks Studies Institute.

9. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.

10. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the Dean of Library Services.

11. Contributes to the overall success of the Missouri State University Libraries by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

SUPERVISION

The Managing Editor-Writer, Library Services is supervised by the Dean of Library Services and assists in in the supervision of others as assigned.

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

October 2021

JOB FAMILY 4

Factor 1: Professional Knowledge, Skill, and Technical Mastery

Level 2.0 - 900 Points: Entry-level professional knowledge of the principles, concepts, practices, and methods of non-technical administrative and managerial functions. Knowledge permits the employee to carry out basic recurring tasks and routine portions of assignments or to carry out less demanding professional elements of assignments in areas including communications, social sciences, art and design, education, and related functions while gaining in familiarity with the University's policies and goals, business practices and/or accounting systems. This level of knowledge permits the employee to schedule and carry out the steps of a limited operation or project to complete stages of a multi-phase project. Knowledge at this level is typically acquired through a combination of formal education and/or training and experience that includes a requirement for a college degree in an unspecified field or a specific background in a non-technical area. Knowledge requirements may also include a limited amount of related work experience.

Factor 2: Supervisory Responsibility

Level 1.0 - 50 Points: Typically, little, if any, supervision of others is required. The job may require irregular but occasional responsibility to direct the work of student workers and/or temporary or part-time workers. The nature of supervision is largely confined to assigning tasks to others and does not include a full range of supervisory responsibilities. The amount of time spent on directing the work of others is normally a small portion of total work time.

Factor 3: Interactions with Others

Level 4.0 - 500 Points: Interactions with others are somewhat unstructured. The purpose may be to influence or motivate others, to obtain information, or to control situations and resolve problems. Interactions may be with individuals or groups of co-workers, students, or the general public, may be moderately unstructured, and may involve persons who hold differing goals and objectives. Individuals at this level often act as a liaison between groups with a focus on solving particular unstructured problems. Interactions at this level require considerable interpersonal skill and the ability to resolve conflict.

Factor 4: Job Controls and Guidelines

Level 3.0 - 500 Points: The employee operates under general supervision expressed in terms of program goals and objectives, priorities, and deadlines. Administrative supervision is given through statements of overall program or project objectives and available resources. Administrative guidelines are relatively comprehensive and the employee need only to fill in gaps in interpretation and adapt established methods to perform recurring activities. In unforeseen situations, the employee must interpret inadequate or incomplete guidelines, develop plans, and initiate new methods to complete assignments based on those interpretations. Assignments are normally related in function, but the work requires many different processes and methods applied to an established administrative or professional field. Problems are typically the result of unusual circumstances, variations in approach, or incomplete or conflicting data. The employee must interpret and refine methods to complete assignments. Characteristic jobs at this level may involve directing single-purpose programs or performing complex, but precedented, technical or professional work.

Factor 5: Managerial Responsibility

Level 3.0 - 850 Points: Work involves providing significant support services to others both within and outside of the department that substantially influences decision-making processes. Work activities are complex and others rely on the accuracy and reliability of the information, analysis, or advice to make decisions. Work activities have a direct, but shared, impact on further processes or services, affect the overall efficiency and image of the department, and may have material impact on costs or service quality within the cost center. Incumbents may be responsible for identifying areas of need and for developing proposals that request funding to fulfill those needs.