Role overview

Penn State University Press seeks a Production Manager to play a central role in the production of scholarly books and digital publications. Penn State University Press is renowned for publishing groundbreaking scholarship in the arts and humanities, as well as regional trade titles. This position oversees the production workflow for books across all imprints, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to established quality standards. This position manages production planning, cost estimating, scheduling, and print vendor coordination. The Production Manager works closely with vendors and internal staff across departments to ensure projects meet the Press’s standards for quality, schedule, and budget.

Responsibilities

Print Estimating, Specifications & Bidding: Prepare print estimates and detailed manufacturing specifications for offset and short-run digital printing, in consultation with the Art Director. Solicit, collect, and evaluate printer and vendor quotes. Process vendor invoices and maintain expense data in FileMaker.
Print Management & Manufacturing Oversight: Serve as the primary contact for printers for offset and short-run digital printing projects. Manage routing, correction, and approval of printer proofs. Identify opportunities for cost savings; seek out new vendors, evaluate print samples, and check references. Track print and delivery progress and resolve production and shipping issues to avoid schedule delays. Advise on reprint decisions for backlist titles based on design, production, and manufacturing specifications.
Composition & Prepress Oversight: Coordinate composition and prepress with external vendors, preparing and transmitting materials and specifications. Route proofs, samples, and correction sets between compositors, the Art Director, and the Production Coordinator. Request and post final packaged InDesign files and printer PDFs.
Scheduling & Workflow Management: Create, monitor, and revise production schedules for all book projects in production. Lead regular scheduling meetings and communicate updates to key stakeholders.
Design & File Support: Support the Art Director in maintaining overall design and production standards for all books and press-related visual materials. Make minor text and layout corrections during production. Prepare and manage cover materials and production folders for designers.
Additional Responsibilities: Maintain production records, schedules, and print specifications in FileMaker and shared systems. Respond to internal and external inquiries related to production status. Review project files prepared for archiving by the Production Assistant and provide final approval.

Qualifications

Experience either in scholarly publishing or with book production workflows
Experience with print production, including print estimating, vendor management, and manufacturing oversight
Working proficiency in Adobe InDesign, including the ability to make minor text and layout corrections
Experience working with external vendors, negotiating, and managing production budgets
Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
Effective written and verbal communication skills

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as University Press Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications: None

If filled as University Press Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires:

Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications: None

Application Information

Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.

Additional Information

The Production Manager will work on-site at Penn State’s University Park campus and join the Penn State University Press team, a division of The Pennsylvania State University Libraries and Scholarly Communications. The Pennsylvania State University Libraries is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Join the Penn State University Press in the vigorous pursuit of excellence in publishing! Penn State University Press also publishes books in two imprints: Eisenbrauns (specialist publications in biblical studies, ancient Near Eastern studies, archaeology, ancient languages, and Islamic studies) and Graphic Mundi (trade graphic novels for general readers on important topics). In addition, The Press is home to a robust journals publishing program comprised of more than 80 titles and more than 175 issues annually.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $86,400.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

Production Manager, Penn State University Press

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