The SOC is seeking a Co-ordinating Editor for our quarterly publication, Scottish Birds (SB). This is a voluntary position, with an annual honorarium provided in recognition of the time and expertise contributed. The role is central to producing a high-quality journal that serves our members with peer-reviewed research, field observations, Club news and notices, and features on contemporary Scottish ornithology.
Expected time commitment:
Approximately 25 hours per publication cycle (100 hours per year).
Key responsibilities:
- Plan and maintain the annual production calendar, ensuring all key dates are
disseminated annually and these are adhered to - Monitor the publication schedule and actively follow up with the three section
editors to meet deadlines - Coordinate meetings with the three section editors to manage content for each
issue and populate a timeline for the publication of approved submissions - Oversee contributions from all sections, including:
o Peer-reviewed papers and notes
o Club articles, news, views & Young Voices
o Birding articles and field observations - Act as the main and final editor, liaising with section editors and proof-readers
when reviewing all content and ensuring SB house styling has been correctly
applied, before passing to designer - Liaise with authors, section editors and SOC staff to ensure that all main
contributors (authors and photographers) are in receipt of a complimentary hard
copy of the journal - Actively assist the section editors with sourcing relevant content for the journal
and approach individuals for contributions, as and when necessary - Liaise with the designer and typesetter to ensure production schedules are
adhered to
Relevant skills & experience:
- Online file management and storage using Dropbox, or similar
- MS Excel – maintain ‘Proposed Content’ spreadsheet
- Familiar with editing within MS Word
- PDF editing with Adobe Acrobat or similar
- Strong editorial experience, preferably with scientific journals or similar
publications - Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple contributors
and deadlines, even when under time pressure - Attention to detail and a high standard for editorial quality
- Effective communication skills for liaising with section editor’s, designer, and
production team - Interest and some knowledge in ornithology or experience with wildlife
publications is desirable, as is an understanding of the nature and purposes of
the SOC
Additional information:
For notes of interest or any enquiries about the role, please contact Katie Berry, by email mail@the-soc.org.uk or phone 01875 87133
