Lead Publisher – African Languages at Maskew Miller Learning

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead and mentor the African Languages team of Publishers and Managing Editors, ensuring alignment with business objectives and strategy.
• Support team development through upskilling and reskilling to meet evolving industry demands and future role requirements.
• Collaborate with leadership to optimise team capacity and resource allocation to align with market and organisational trends.

Product Strategy & Development

• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) for African Languages, staying informed about new developments in Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education (MTbBE) and curriculum innovations.
• Research and understand market needs, integrating insights from the latest education trends, such as competency-based curricula and inclusive learning frameworks.
• Build and maintain relationships with curriculum officials and external stakeholders to align products with evolving educational policies.
• Oversee the creation of African language products and services for Grades R–12, ensuring they incorporate 21st-century skills, blended learning models, and digital readiness.
• Analyse curricula, competitor products, and submission/tender requirements to develop innovative, future-focused product concepts.

Financial Oversight

• Prepare and manage product budgets, ensuring cost efficiency while leveraging resources for product innovation.
• Adapt budgets to reflect shifts in market demands or strategic priorities.

Content Development

• Develop detailed product/service plans, design specifications, and author briefs tailored to modern pedagogical practices.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top-tier authors and SMEs with expertise in African languages and digital content creation.
• Manage the development of content for both print and digital products, ensuring alignment with pedagogy and inclusivity.
• Collaborate with authors and freelancers to create content that integrates relevant trends, such as gamification, adaptive learning, and culturally responsive teaching.
• Ensure content quality and conformity through iterative feedback and reviews.

Testing, Research & Maintenance

• Develop and validate prototypes or full products for testing, incorporating modern assessment strategies such as competency-based evaluations and digital diagnostics.
• Use research feedback to continuously improve product offerings, focusing on user-centered design and accessibility.
• Maintain and update backlist materials to ensure ongoing relevance and responsiveness to customer needs.

Digital Development

• Oversee the creation of digital content that reflects African language learning design principles and leverages trends like microlearning, mobile-first design, and gamified experiences.
• Collaborate with design and digital teams to ensure best practices in instructional and user experience design are applied effectively.

Industry Trends & Professional Development

• Stay abreast of educational trends, including EdTech innovations, inclusive education practices, and competency-based learning.
• Represent the organisation at workshops, conferences, and industry events to position it as a thought leader in African language education.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, African Languages, Linguistics, or a related field (a postgraduate qualification will be advantageous).

Experience Requirements

• Extensive experience in publishing, education, or content development, with a strong focus on African Languages.
• Proven track record in managing complex projects, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality outputs.
• Deep understanding of African Languages, their cultural contexts, and educational applications.
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage and mentor teams, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.