Job Opening
 

Responsibilities
• Through proactive strategies, recruit authors who demonstrate the potential to successfully reach our market with excellent writing/communication skills, including initial evaluation of proposals from authors and agents and, when appropriate, sponsoring acceptable proposals through Zonderkidz’s acquisition process
• Participate in acquisitions meetings to provide editorial critique and comments to proposals brought to that meeting by other editors; present product proposals to publisher and Kidz Executive Team for approval.
• Provide timely communication with current and potential authors and their agents regarding the status of their proposals and/or contracted projects.
• Negotiate with authors and/or agents in a manner that is fair and within financial benchmarks as indicated in the signed P/L statements; provide administrative oversight of payments to authors as indicated by contract.
• Oversee the editorial development of proposals that have been approved and contracted.
• Participate as necessary in marketing and sales discussions involving books or Bibles that have been acquired.
• Acquire and develop new products; manage titles effectively according to production schedules.
• Contribute to the overall strategy and portfolio development of the Zonderkidz list.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain control of budgeted expenses within the span of control.
• Supervise Acquisition Editors as directed.
 
Knowledge/Experience
• BA in English or related field plus 5 years experience in children’s publishing and child development preferred
• Understanding of child development and children’s publishing
• Ability to discern quality of a children’s product both visually and editorially
• Understanding and knowledge of the Christian community, consumers and church
• Able to work well collaboratively within a team to lead the development of excellent resources and products
 
Skills
• Proven editorial skills in shaping excellent written text
• Well organized and able to manage multiple tasks/prioritize
• Proven interpersonal skills enabling ability to work with authors and illustrators
• Competent in editing electronically and working with authors via the computer
• Proven skills using Microsoft products, including Word, Outlook, Excel
• Time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
 
Personal Characteristics
• Highly motivated/self starter with initiative
• Team player
• Detail oriented
• Fully supportive of the Zondervan Mission Statement
• Confident, professional attitude
• Values innovation
 

Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, M – F
 

TO APPLY, please complete our online application form.

TO APPLY via mail please send a letter of interest and a personal resume to:
VH-HR
Zondervan
5300 Patterson SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49530