Summary/Objective

The Editorial Coordinator is responsible for processing manuscript submissions and supporting peer-review processes and production of IFT Scientific Journals. This role requires close attention to detail, including screening and checking in new and revised manuscript submissions; supporting authors, reviewers, and editors; and supporting the journals’ continuous publication process. The Editorial Coordinator is a communications professional with an understanding of the scholarly publishing ecosystem and can keep tasks on schedule to meet deadlines. Through a commitment to excellence, the Editorial Coordinator will build brand loyalty by providing excellent customer service, satisfaction, and high responsiveness to both anticipated and known author, editor, and reviewer needs through all stages of the peer-review process.

Essential Responsibilities

Serves as the primary administrator of online submission and peer-review systems for both IFT journals
Screens and checks in submissions, triages manuscripts for desk rejection, escalation to Manager, or moving forward in the review process
Assesses plagiarism detection reports and other research integrity screening tools
Supports authors, editors, and reviewers with deadline extensions, submissions, status inquiries, and technical support
Answers general queries sent to the editorial office inbox, builds brand loyalty through high responsiveness
Performs routine maintenance on user database (merges duplicate accounts, updates contact information, etc.)
Regularly reviews and updates SOPs and e-mail templates to ensure consistent communication and good user experience
Assists with exporting of accepted manuscripts to external production team
Supports with importing of accepted manuscript metadata in SQL internal production tracking database
Aids with final proofing checks and entering final manuscript data at the last stage of production
Invoices non-member author publication fees and follows up on unpaid fees
Contributes to enhancements of systems and workflows, including analysis and testing
Performs clerical tasks supporting the journal editorial office and editorial boards
Supports on projects and acts as backup liaison with Journal editors
Coordinates with external production team, editorial board, and contract support staff
Exhibits a high degree of cultural competency in working with international authors and non-fluent English speakers

Travel Required

Occasional domestic travel is expected including the ability to attend occasional evening, weekend, and overnight meetings

Required Education and Experience

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
2+ years of related education or demonstrated competency in managing the peer-review process
2+ years working with Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, communications, English, science/technical field, or equivalent
2+ years of experience in scholarly publishing or related field
Familiarity with common writing style manuals (Chicago, APA, etc.)
Comprehension in database management (i.e., working in complex systems, running reports, navigating large amounts of data)
Experience in working with academic editors and/or association members
Experience working with ScholarOne or similar online peer-review systems
Comprehension of basic principles of XML and HTML
Familiarity with the academic and scholarly publishing ecosystem

Other Duties

This position, and all others at IFT, may be modified at any time. To ensure operational efficiency and meet the changing needs of our customers and our business, other duties may be assigned as needed.

Physical Requirements

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle, and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, and viewing a computer terminal.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $68,000 to $75,000 Per Year (commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Benefits: IFT offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to reward and energize our employees, so they can live a balanced life and maintain their well-being. We offer medical, dental, and vision plans at affordable rates. Life and Long Term Disability insurance is completely free to all employees. Most benefits begin the first of the month following employee’s start date. To learn more about IFT and our excellent benefits, please visit our careers page here: https://www.ift.org/about-ift/work-at-ift

AI may have been used during the recruiting process.

Please visit https://www.hrsource.org/HRS/About/Recruiting_AI_Use_Notice.aspx to learn how.

Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)

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Editorial Coordinator, Scientific Journals