Publisher – Foundation Phase at Maskew Miller Learning

Main Purpose

• The Publisher for Foundation Phase portfolio leads and manages the content creation for Foundation Phase related to STEM, Humanities and Languages (numeracy & literacy) products or services for Grade RR, R, 1, 2 and 3.  This full-time position will operate as part of a project team and will report to the Lead Publisher for the Humanities & Commerce portfolio.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Contribution to Product strategy

• Schools Foundation Phase expert.
• Research and understand market needs in collaboration with the research team.
• Maintain relationships with Curriculum officials and external stakeholders.
• Generate Foundation Phase product and service pedagogy framework based on policy documents for all the subjects Relevant to Grade RR, R, 1, 2 and 3.
• Research and analyse curricula, policy documents/gap analysis and evaluation criteria relating to submission and tender requirements.
• Review and analyse competitor and alternative products/services.
• Generate product or service concept/vision for all components.

Financial Management

• Prepare product budgets for sign-off (forecast costs).
• Manage product costs within approved budgets.
• Respond to budget queries and changes.
• Sign off and approvals of work as per schedule of authority.

Content Development

• Develop detailed specific product/service plan.
• Develop design spec and cover briefs.
• Develop detailed instructional design/digital brief. 
• Develop detailed author/Subject Matter Expert (SME) commissioning brief.
• Recruit appropriate authors/SMEs. This includes the development and retention of market-leading content developers and subject matter experts (SMEs).
• Work closely with authors/freelancers to create products or services based on the relevant pedagogy.
• Commission content/service according to detailed product plan.
• Manage the development of print and digital content.
• Provide continuous support during the writing/content development process. 
• Contribute to development of content for marketing material, including creating the product value proposition.
• Review quality and conformity and provide feedback until content is approved.

Project Management

• Create project schedule (forecast time).
• Responsible for the overall deadline of projects. This means ensuring that projects are completed by the agreed due date.
• Remain up to date with all admin duties and foster best practice.
• As required, to perform the role of the project lead.

Production Support

• Ensure that the vision for the product or service is carried through the entire production process.
• Support the Managing Editor/s during production phase by: 
• addressing content/author queries
• approving final artwork and photo selection
• reviewing first draft and artwork pages
• Signing off and approving master set files

Testing/trialing/research

• Develop prototype/sections/full product for testing/trialing/research purposes.
• Validate prototypes/sections/full products.
• Analyse and apply research feedback to improve products and services.

Monitoring and Reviewing

• Backlist maintenance - reprint corrections, respond to customer queries.
• Constant review of current products for improvement and market relevance.

Relationship with External stakeholders

• Develop relationships with relevant Ministry and DBE officials and external stakeholders. 
• Brief external SMEs, consultants, freelancers as needed.

Develop good practice

• Develop pool of excellent content developers/SMEs capable of responding to the needs as they arise.
• Develop skills of content developers/SMEs through training.

Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with colleagues during all stages of the project within the matrix.  
• Contribute to development of content for marketing material.

Follow new trends and developments

• Stay abreast with new trends and developments in products/services, pedagogy, and market needs.
• Attend relevant workshops, conferences and other industry events to stay up to date.

Digital

• Manage the development of digital content for Foundation Phase.
• Concrete understanding of Grade RR, R, 1, 2 and 3 Learning Design best practice and principles for digital learning.
• Good understanding of instructional design and user-experience design best practice and principles – when & how to employ specialists.
• Collaborate with the Design and Digital Development team to develop digital content / products.

Educational Requirements

• Relevant Degree in the subject matter. 

Experience Requirements

• Minimum three to five years working knowledge within the Content creation or Foundation Phase publishing and or teaching educational environment.

Skills and Competencies

• Sound business and technical acumen, with the ability to navigate a complex and highly matrixed organisation effectively, establishing effective communication lines to multiple stakeholders.  
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines, remaining pragmatic and results focused.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.