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Main Purpose
- The Publisher for Foundation Phase portfolio leads and manages the content creation for Foundation Phase related to STEM, Humanities and Languages (numeracy & literacy) products or services for Grade RR, R, 1, 2 and 3. This full-time position will operate as part of a project team and will report to the Lead Publisher for the Humanities & Commerce portfolio.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Contribution to Product strategy
- Schools Foundation Phase expert.
- Research and understand market needs in collaboration with the research team.
- Maintain relationships with Curriculum officials and external stakeholders.
- Generate Foundation Phase product and service pedagogy framework based on policy documents for all the subjects Relevant to Grade RR, R, 1, 2 and 3.
- 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.
- As required, to perform the role of the project lead.
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
- Signing 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.
Monitoring and Reviewing
- 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.
Digital
- Manage the development of digital content for Foundation Phase.
- Concrete understanding of Grade RR, R, 1, 2 and 3 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.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum three to five years working knowledge within the Content creation or Foundation Phase publishing and or 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.
