Job Details

Seeking Your Next Editor Role? Join the Ministry Resources Team at UMPH!

SUMMARY

The Associate Editor - Ministry Resources position combines editing experience with the ability to plan and oversee project development. The incumbent possesses:

1. Solid biblical studies foundation
2. Excellent writing skills
3. Working knowledge of the United Methodist Church or other mainline denominations
4. Familiarity with the needs and interests of leaders and groups within the church
5. Mastery of line and development editing skills
6. Familiarity with and openness to generative AI technology
7. Flexibility in developing both print and video resources
8. Strong organization and leadership skills, and
9. Ability to adhere to a budget and production schedule in order to produce high-quality books and programs that meet sales expectations

In collaboration with the Associate Publisher, Senior Editor, and Publishing team, which includes or collaborates with editing, business operations, marketing, and sales functions, the Associate Editor edits and oversees a range of new titles each year.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT & AREAS OF IMPACT

Reporting Relationship & Peers

Reports to the Senior Editor for Ministry Resources, as do:

• Senior Production Manager
• Editor - General Studies

Reporting Directly to This Job
EXTERNAL

• Contract/freelance editors as necessary (non-UMPH staff)

Areas of Impact (as applicable)
ANNUAL PRODUCT SALES - Ministry Resources

• $5,000,000

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Essential Job Functions

• Provides editorial support for assigned projects, meeting the team's guidelines and sales goals within cost parameters. This includes developmental editing, line editing, fact-checking, communication with authors, coordination of video resources, and creation of leader content.
• Accomplishes general administrative tasks related to projects such as creation of business plans and contract orders, maintaining records in Biblio, coordinating relationships with vendors, and attending to the project management platform.
• Works with the production manager on various production-related tasks such as tagging, reviewing copyedits, integrating manuscript changes, plagiarism review, permissions, scripture citation review, and other research.
• Works directly with the Abingdon Women line of products to acquire, develop, and nurture authors in the creation of robust women's Bible studies and devotional materials.

These essential job functions are not intended to cover all work details or the occasional performance of other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Common or Complex Problem-Solving Challenges

• Adhering to financially viable publishing plans that meet our customer needs and interests while fulfilling specific sales targets
• Editing resources in such a way that they are sound in content, reflect the mission and vision of Abingdon Press, and are marketable through Abingdon Press channels
• Establishing good and productive working relations with authors, publishing colleagues, and with internal production, sales, and marketing colleagues in a remote environment
• Managing time and available resources to complete tasks across multiple projects and with multiple team members
• Keeping aware of and in touch with intended customers in order to meet their needs, exceed their expectations, and build their trust

Authority & Accountability

• Authority to participate in preparing a strategic publishing plan developing specific product proposals for recommendation to the publishing unit and the Publishing Leadership Team
• Authority to participate in editorial and project budget planning and monitoring as required
• Accountability for work-related decisions about publication content; contract/freelance editors and copy editors; illustrations, art, and photographs; permissions; and other pertinent matters pertaining to the development of a book or program
• Accountability for all content that appears in sponsored or assigned publications

Regular Contacts & Stakeholders
INTERNAL

• Members of the Ministry Resources publishing group, the wider Publishing Department, the Abingdon and Cokesbury sales and marketing teams, and business operations

EXTERNAL

• Authors, internal and external reviewers/evaluators, and contract/freelance editors and copy/production editors
• Customers, leaders in the church, and the broader Christian publishing community
• Professional associations, such as writers' conferences and trade associations

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education, Experience, & Certifications
REQUIRED

• A Bachelor's Degree in religious or biblical studies
• At least two (2) years of publishing experience or professional practice in religious education or leadership

PREFERRED

• Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Theological Studies (MTS), or other equivalent graduate degree in religious or biblical studies

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and relational skills
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Commitment to congeniality and the values of The United Methodist Publishing House
• Understanding of the American religious and church landscape
• Training in theology or biblical studies (original language not required)
• Familiarity with women's Bible study market and content
• Clear sense of the market that buys, reads, studies, and leads Bible and faith studies and other ministry-related programming
• Excellent editorial skills including content organization and use of AI technology
• Intermediate proficiency with word processing, layout, and spreadsheet software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe InDesign preferred)
• Working knowledge of The United Methodist Church
• Ability to use and continue to learn digital processes for production of content
• Familiarity with study-related video and its role in small group study, worship, and promotion within the church market
• Limited travel required

AI-Enabled Workplace

The United Methodist Publishing House is committed to maximizing the impact of artificial intelligence by adopting and integrating AI tools across our work. These technologies are vital to enhancing productivity, fostering creativity, and strengthening decision-making. All staff members are expected to engage thoughtfully and responsibly with AI as part of their professional responsibilities. Core expectations include:

• Responsible AI Integration - Leverage AI tools strategically to streamline workflows, generate actionable insights, and deliver exceptional outcomes that advance our mission.
• Critical Evaluation & Oversight - Apply professional judgment and critical thinking when reviewing, refining, and validating all AI-generated content and recommendations to ensure accuracy and alignment with our standards.
• Continuous Learning & Innovation - Maintain curiosity and adaptability toward emerging AI technologies, actively contributing to innovative practices within your area of expertise while supporting organizational growth.
• Ethical & Secure Practice - Uphold UMPH's commitment to ethical, transparent, and secure AI usage, ensuring all applications align with our mission, values, and community standards.

Equal Employment Opportunity

UMPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.