The Production Manager coordinates the scheduling, workflow, and logistics for the production of program, campaign, and fundraising materials across print and digital channels.
This role ensures publication projects move efficiently from approved drafts through copyediting, design, translation, and final preparation for dissemination.
Manages production timelines, routes materials through required review stages, coordinates internal staff and external vendors, and tracks deliverables to ensure projects are completed on time and align with UCS editorial, branding, accessibility, and process standards.
Supports a collaborative editorial production workflow that includes editorial, copyediting, design, translation, and production functions.
Serves as the primary point of contact for program, Communications, and Development staff regarding publication of project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
Advises project teams on publication formats and appropriate dissemination channels based on project goals, timelines, and production considerations.
Develops and maintains publication production schedules in coordination with project leads and the Editorial Director; tracks progress and adjusts timelines as needed.
Coordinates and assigns writing, copyediting, translation, design, and layout tasks to staff or freelancers, and ensures required materials are delivered on schedule.
Finalizes projects for dissemination by confirming all required steps have been completed prior to release.

Requirements

At least five years of relevant experience in publications management, production coordination, or related roles.
Superior project management and collaboration skills, demonstrated experience coordinating complex projects with multiple stakeholders, including subject matter experts and vendors, and a proven ability to collaborate across functions.
Excellent organizational, scheduling, and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Must have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and the interpersonal skills to solve problems in a collegial manner.
Strong communication skills. Position requires knowledge of grammar and usage, editing and proofreading standards, and attention to detail. Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style is recommended.
Familiarity with publication production processes, accessibility standards, editorial workflows, or experience with scientific or technical materials.
Position requires fluency in English; fluency in Spanish is a plus.
Bachelor’s degree preferred. At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.
Good meeting facilitation skills with the ability to present training materials and orient authors to publication processes.
Experience with Microsoft Word, SharePoint, Office 365, and project management tools (e.g., Monday.com); familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud (Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) and content management systems (e.g., Drupal, Mediagraph) is recommended.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
Continuously operate a computer and must have the ability to control a mouse and keyboard.
Communicate in verbal and written formats with internal staff and external constituents.

Benefits

UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

publications managementproduction coordinationproject managementeditingproofreadingpublication production processesaccessibility standardseditorial workflowsChicago Manual of Stylefluency in Spanish

Soft Skills

collaborationorganizational skillsschedulingproblem-solvinginterpersonal skillscommunication skillsmeeting facilitationability to manage multiple projectsability to work independentlyattention to detail