Job Description

Senior Editor – Hardie Grant Publishing

Identified Position – Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Applicants

Hardie Grant is a leading, Australian-owned and independent publisher specialising in illustrated non-fiction, fiction, kids, travel and lifestyle complemented by a dynamic portfolio of overseas publishers. We are seeking an experienced and passionate part-time Senior Editor to join our Hardie Grant Publishing team to be a part of the Hardie Grant First Nations Editorial Program.

About the role:

This is an identified position and is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. Hardie Grant recognises the importance of increasing First Nations representation in publishing and is committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices within our organisation.

This role is a part of the First Nations Editorial Program, delivered in partnership with Writing Australia and is a 3-day per week, permanent (ongoing) role. While we ideally envisage this role being based in one of our Hardie Grant offices (Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane), we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates across Australia and are happy to discuss flexible arrangements with the right candidate.

The Senior Editor will work closely with publishing teams across Hardie Grant Publishing Adult and Children’s divisions, including Hardie Grant Books, Hardie Grant Explore, Ultimo Press and Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing. You will edit and project manage a variety of titles across all lists, overseeing projects from manuscript stage through to press, including scheduling, structural editing, copyediting and proofreading.

This role is responsible for managing and overseeing the First Nations Publishing Prize from judging through to editorial support of authors to elevate their manuscripts to publishable quality. The role has one direct report, the Editorial Trainee, as a part of the First Nations Editorial Program.

This role is ideal for someone who has exceptional editorial expertise, a passion for storytelling, is highly organised and detail-focused, and is committed to author care.

Key responsibilities:

Project management

• Project manage assigned titles from developed manuscript to files at press
• Manage production and design processes to ensure timely delivery of material as defined by critical path
• Use Firebrand and other relevant content management systems to maintain and oversee metadata processes and implementation
• Ensure our books are commercially viable, ensuring title costings adhere to their origination costings and margins

Editorial management & author care

• Establish and caretake the vision and creative positioning of our books in collaboration with the publisher
• Develop illustration and design briefs in consultation with the design team and publisher
• Work closely with authors and illustrators to finesse and perfect their work, bearing in mind their strengths and weaknesses

First Nations Publishing Prize

• Oversee the creation and running of the prize
• Work closely with the Editorial Trainee to provide editorial support, including developmental and structural editing, to two prize winners

This is an exciting opportunity to join our energetic and innovative team in a permanent, part-time position. Salary will be as per the Book Industry Award, in the range of $80,000–$85,000 + super pro rata (3 days), commensurate with experience.

Employment perks and benefits:

Hardie Grant offers flexible work hours, bonus leave, and opportunities to keep learning and growing. Our benefits and policies reflect our commitment and passion to diversity, inclusion and giving back to our people and the community, including things like:

• Bonus leave days
• Additional menstrual and menopausal leave
• A Reconciliation Australia endorsed RAP
• A paid volunteer day each year to give back
• Paid blood donation leave
• Extensive L&D programs
• Free counselling, for professional or personal matters
• 3 months parental leave at full-pay on top of statutory parental leave
• Fertility treatment and gender transition leave if required.

At Hardie Grant we live our values: Do the Right Thing, Work Together, Best in Class, Nothing is Fixed, and Make an Impact. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

Candidates will be progressed as applications are received, rather than after the advertisement closure date. If you wish to be considered, please submit your application (current CV + accompanying cover letter) as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hardie Grant Pty Ltd is assisted by the Australian Government through Writing Australia, its principal arts funding and advisory body.