Job Desciption

Publisher - African Languages

About Maskew Miller Learning

Maskew Miller Learning lends its name from the most trusted and recognizable publisher in South African history - Maskew Miller. At Maskew Miller Learning, we believe that learning allows people to move forward in life, enabling them to have brighter futures. We are a B-BBEE - Level 1 contributor, providing education solutions ranging from early childhood learning to professional certification, curriculum-based print materials, e-learning content and tools, as well as teacher training. We publish in all 11 official languages and have the widest range of CAPS-approved content trusted by teachers. Our quality educational resources and materials are used in schools, TVET colleges, higher education institutions, and home and professional environments.

Main purpose

The Publisher for the African Languages portfolio leads and manages the content creation for products or services in African Languages, with specific reference to Sesotho languages. Maskew Miller Learning publish and manage a large portfolio of textbooks across the CAPS curriculum. The majority of our textbooks are published in 11 official languages of South Africa with the exception of Braille. The African languages Publisher will be responsible for creating, updating and managing of the Sesotho languages portfolio of Maskew Miller school textbooks. This full-time position will operate as part of a project team and will report to the Lead Publisher for the Languages portfolio.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Contribution to Product strategy

• African Language subject matter expert, with specific reference to Sesotho languages.
• Research and understand market needs in collaboration with the research team.
• Maintain relationships with Curriculum officials and external stakeholders.
• Generate Sesotho languages product and service pedagogy framework based on policy documents for all the subjects relevant to Grade R - 12.
• Research and analyse curricula, policy documents/gap analysis and evaluation criteria relating to submission and tender requirements.
• Review and analyse competitor and alternative products/services.
• Generate product or service concept/vision for all components.

Financial Management

• Prepare product budgets for sign-off (forecast costs).
• Manage product costs within approved budgets.
• Respond to budget queries and changes.
• Sign off and approvals of work as per schedule of authority.

Content Development

• Develop detailed specific product/service plan.
• Develop design spec and cover briefs.
• Develop detailed instructional design/digital brief.
• Develop detailed author/Subject Matter Expert (SME) commissioning brief.
• Recruit appropriate authors/SMEs. This includes the development and retention of market-leading content developers and subject matter experts (SMEs).
• Work closely with authors/freelancers to create products or services based on the relevant pedagogy.
• Commission content/service according to detailed product plan.
• Manage the development of print and digital content.
• Provide continuous support during the writing/content development process.
• Contribute to development of content for marketing material, including creating the product value proposition.
• Review quality and conformity and provide feedback until content is approved.

Project Management

• Create project schedule (forecast time).
• Responsible for the overall deadline of projects. This means ensuring that projects are completed by the agreed due date.
• Remain up to date with all admin duties and foster best practice.

Production Support

• Ensure that the vision for the product or service is carried through the entire production process.
• Support the Managing Editor/s during production phase by:
  • addressing content/author queries
  • approving final artwork and photo selection
  • reviewing first draft and artwork pages
• Sign off and approving master set files.

Testing/trialing/research

• Develop prototype/sections/full product for testing/trialing/research purposes.
• Validate prototypes/sections/full products.
  • Analyse and apply research feedback to improve products and services.

Maintenance- Business as Usual

• Backlist maintenance - reprint corrections, respond to customer queries.
• Constant review of current products for improvement and market relevance.

Relationship with External stakeholders

• Develop relationships with relevant Ministry and DBE officials and external stakeholders.
• Brief external SMEs, consultants, freelancers as needed.

Develop good practice

• Develop pool of excellent content developers/SMEs capable of responding to the needs as they arise.
• Develop skills of content developers/SMEs through training.

Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with colleagues during all stages of the project within the matrix.
• Contribute to development of content for marketing material.

Follow new trends and developments

• Stay abreast with new trends and developments in products/services, pedagogy, and market needs.
• Attend relevant workshops, conferences and other industry events to stay up to date.

Project Lead responsibilities

• As required, to perform the role of the project lead.

Digital

• Manage the development of digital content.
• Concrete understanding of the African language Learning Design best practice and principles for digital learning.
• Good understanding of instructional design and user-experience design best practice and principles - when & how to employ specialists.
• Collaborate with the Design and Digital Development team to develop digital content / products.

Educational Requirements

• Relevant Degree in the subject matter of African Languages with specific reference to Sesotho.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum three to five years working knowledge within the Content creation of Sesotho school text book publishing and or extensive Sesotho Languages teaching educational environment.

Skills and Competencies

• Sound business and technical acumen, with the ability to navigate a complex and highly matrixed organisation effectively, establishing effective communication lines to multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines, remaining pragmatic and results focused.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.