K-12 Project Lead I

K-12 Project Lead I

The salary range for this position is $49,000-$65,500, with an expected starting salary between $49,000-$58,000, based on experience and qualifications.

Human Kinetics is headquartered in Champaign, IL. This position is eligible for on-site, hybrid, or fully remote work. Remote workers may not reside in the following locations : CA, CO, Washington, D.C., HI, MA, Montgomery County, MD, MN, NM, NY, RI, & WA.

Applicants 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.

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.

Job Summary : The K-12 Project Lead I is responsible for overseeing the editorial, production, and e-learning workflow for assigned print and nonprint projects for the K-12 audience. They are responsible for managing these and other K-12 special projects through multiple processes across departments to ensure that all pieces are in place for the projects to move through efficiently and be released according to the quality, budget, and schedule expectations established by the Division. They develop a high-level understanding of HK systems and processes, as well as specialized knowledge of HK's K-12 print, ebook, and ancillary processes, requirements, and content. The K-12 Project Lead I is responsible for establishing, documenting, and refining procedures related to unique K-12 workflows.

Essential Functions

• Collaborates with the Academic Editorial Director and staff in other departments to plan and track progress on K-12 projects, both assigned projects and projects assigned to others. Prepares meeting agendas and leads meetings with other Product Development staff as needed to track projects in process, monitor progress, and set priorities.
• Regularly communicates project priority and status updates to key stakeholders, and works to prevent bottlenecks in the process so that target release timelines are met consistently. Maintains open lines of communication to anticipate, problem-solve, and resolve any potential issues that may cause delays or extra work. Seeks guidance from the Editorial Director, Division Director, and others as appropriate when problem solving or troubleshooting are needed.
• Routinely completes project management responsibilities for K-12 print and nonprint projects, managing the project through internal stages across departments and acting as point of contact for outsourced projects. Ensures assigned projects meet the quality, budget, and schedule expectations established by the Acquisitions Editor.
• Manages K-12 tasks and projects that have special requirements (e.g., packages, ancillary products, add-on lessons, Spanish language versions, creation of NIMAS files for the National Instructional Materials Access Center, obtaining Lexile text measures, specific school or district requests, accessibility-related requests), including collaborating with colleagues in other departments or with external publishing services companies, as needed, and modifying existing procedures or systems to best meet the needs of the project.
• Acts as the ProdDev point person for assigned K-12 projects, collaborating with internal departments (acquisitions, editorial, production, e-learning, marketing, sales), authors, and external publishing services companies on scheduling, tracking, reviewing, and completing projects according to established procedures and timelines.
• 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.
• Prepares complete project materials for internal colleagues, authors, or outsourcing partners at various project management stages according to established procedures as needed (such as copyediting prep, art transmittal, photo transmittal, permissions, and so on).
• Ensures accurate art, photo, and permissions data are recorded according to established procedures so that reports are complete. Keeps the publication schedule updated with accurate schedule and project data.
• Creates and maintains procedures for unique K-12 processes or workflows, including outsourced K-12 projects. Provides feedback about the quality of the work completed by non-HK freelancers and project managers.

Secondary Functions

As needed, applies knowledge of grammar, usage, and house and CMS style on assigned projects. This could include proofing artwork, covers, and other limited print and non-print project components for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to HK and project quality expectations.

Job Qualifications

Education :

High school diploma, or equivalent required, Bachelor's or advanced degree in language-related field or sport science field preferred.

Knowledge of the rules of U.S. English grammar and style, Chicago Manual of Style or other style guide required. PMP or equivalent certification preferred.

Required Experience :

5+ years' experience managing complex details, projects, or processes in a publishing or other professional environment Proficiency with the complete Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat DC or Adobe Acrobat Standard

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

Preferred Experience :

Work with freelancers or vendors

Experience leading virtual meetings

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 K-12 Project Leader I role :

Conceptual thinking

Continuous learning

Initiative

Interpersonal understanding

Oral communication

Organizational awareness

Self-confidence

Technology expertise and usage

Written communication

Customer focus

Innovation orientation

Strategic thinking

Data gathering and analysis

Leadership

Negotiating

Job Demands :

Office Equipment : Frequent computer use. Occasional use of telephone or copier.

Mental Demands : Frequent problem-solving, organization, time-management, reading, and writing. Occasional decision making.

Working Conditions : Indoor, office environment.

Physical Demands : Frequent sitting, typing, and seeing. Occasional standing, walking, hearing and talking.

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.