Job Description

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $49,000-$67,000, with an expected starting salary between $49,000-$56,000, based on experience and qualifications.

Human Kinetics is headquartered in Champaign, IL. This position is eligible for on-site, hybrid, or remote work, depending on the applicant's location.

Remote workers may not reside in the following locations: CA, CO, Washington, D.C., HI, MA, Montgomery County, MD, MN, NM, NY, RI, & WA.

A pplicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Applicants are not obligated to disclose expunged juvenile records of adjudication, arrest, or conviction as part of the application process.

*Learn more about our perks and benefits here: (

Human Kinetics is committed to building a more diverse workforce. We welcome BIPOC candidates and others who identify with underrepresented groups to apply.

Human Kinetics is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Human Kinetics will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact HR at 217-403-7540

Human Kinetics Compensation & Benefits Information

Our compensation philosophy is to value the contributions of all HK employees and to reward exceptional performance exceptionally. To do that, we provide a standard increase to all HK staff, and we award merit increases and bonuses to people who make extraordinary contributions to the work we do.

Job Summary

As a member of either the Academic Editorial Department, the Developmental Editor I (DE I) is the Product Development expert responsible for reviewing and developing text manuscripts and supporting graphic elements (design features, illustrations, photographs) to meet the needs of the reader according to the quality, budget, and schedule expectations established by the Acquisitions Editor. The DE I functions at the Proficient level in all aspects of the position.

Essential Functions

1. Evaluates manuscripts or manuscript batches to assess adherence to acquisition vision and identifies changes that need to be made. Evaluates manuscript organization, content, tone, style, and completeness.
2. Writes manuscript reviews that accurately and professionally identify weaknesses and problem areas and offer specific and efficient solutions and examples that help the author write subsequent chapters or implement the revisions. Helps create templates for authors to write to when necessary.
3. As appropriate, provides guidance to freelancers or authors about strategies for ensuring HK content reflects diversity and inclusiveness, and is free of bias. Considers evolving accessibility guidelines for print and digital content and works with HK teammates to apply them as appropriate for the needs of the project.
4. Develops art and photo manuscripts and video shoot lists according to quantity and cost guidelines. Assists with photo/video shoots as needed. Makes good decisions regarding the use of art and photos to illustrate and reinforce content.
5. Ensures design transmittal materials effectively represent book content and that the graphic design plan is appropriate for the intended audience and for the design level of the project.
6. Identifies all items that need permission, obtains source information from the author, and transmits materials to the Permissions Manager. Works with authors to rework items that need permission when possible, in an effort to avoid costly permission fees.
7. Typemarks manuscripts and ensures callouts for non-text elements are complete and placed appropriately, or provides guidance to Production Editors in the completion of this task.
8. Ensures accurate art, photo, and permissions data and costs are recorded according to established procedures so that reports are complete, providing guidance to Production Editors in the completion of this task as appropriate. Keeps the publication schedule updated with accurate schedule and project data.
9. Completes castoffs accurately. Resolves page count issues before Managing Editor (ME) assignment or sending project to outsourcing partner.
10. Ensures projects are properly revised, accurate, and complete before starting manuscript prep or transitioning project for full-service outsourcing. Prepares complete project materials for internal colleagues, authors, or outsourcing partners at various stages according to established procedures as needed. Provides all necessary project pieces and details to allow ME or outsourcing partner to successfully and independently manage the suite following project handoff.
11. Contributes to HK's profitability by working productively and ensuring project budgets and schedules are met. Suggests improvements to editorial processes or systems to increase efficiency and promote innovation. During periods of lighter workload, assists colleagues with tasks as needed.

Job Qualifications

Education: 

High school diploma required, Bachelor's or advanced degree in a language-related field, instructional design, or one of the sport sciences preferred.

Knows the rules of U.S. English grammar and style and can recognize errors.

Has knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style.

Understands the systems and procedures for developing manuscripts, including accompanying graphic elements.

Can recognize poorly constructed sentences and paragraphs. Can identify ineffective organizational structure in long-form written content. Has well-honed reading comprehension and can understand content about topics that are unfamiliar.

Demonstrated proficiency on HK's diagnostic developmental editor test.

Can perform basic math and is familiar with the functions of spreadsheets

Experience:

At least 5 years of print or online publishing experience required

Proficiency with the complete Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook), including accuracy in data entry

Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat DC

Proficiency with publishing technology and productivity, collaboration, and communication software tools

Required Competencies: 

HK Values:

• Integrity
• Resourcefulness
• Effort
• Respect
• Teamwork
• Stewardship

Plus ProdDev Competencies:

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Attention to detail
• Computer literacy
• Decision making
• Financial awareness
• Functional expertise and usage
• Planning and organizing
• Quality orientation
• Results orientation
• Stress tolerance

Plus, for Developmental Editor I role:

• Conceptual thinking
• Initiative
• Interpersonal understanding
• Negotiating
• Oral communication
• Organizational awareness
• Persuasiveness
• Self-confidence
• Written communication

Job Demands

Office Equipment: 

Frequent Windows computer use
Occasional phone/Teams calls 
Rare use of a Mac computer, copier, printer, or scanner

Mental Demands: 

Frequent problem-solving, decision making, organization, time-management
Occasional supervision and interpretation of data

Physical Demands: 

Frequent sitting, typing, and seeing. 
Occasional standing, walking, hearing, and talking. 
Rare lifting, carrying, driving, and airline travel. 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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