Journal Programs Manager | American Society of Plant Biologists
Rockville, Maryland, Mission
The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, professional society devoted to the advancement of the plant sciences. The Society was founded in 1924 to promote the growth and development of plant biology; to encourage and publish research and education in plant biology; and to promote the interests, growth, and education of plant scientists in general. Over the decades the Society has evolved and expanded to provide a forum for the entire plant science discipline, as well as to serve the basic interests of plant science. It publishes the highly cited and respected journals Plant Physiology , The Plant Cell , and Plant Direct , and it convenes annual and specialty conferences in person and online . Membership spans six continents, and ASPB’s members work in diverse settings including academia, government laboratories, and industrial and commercial environments. ASPB has a large student membership; and the Society plays a key role in uniting the international plant science disciplines. ASPB is committed to supporting and cultivating an inclusive scientific enterprise – including among its employees – that leverages the full spectrum of human experiences, insights, and identities.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Journal Programs Manager coordinates mentoring and editorial development programs and delivers projects that support the growth of ASPB’s journals and early career researchers (ECRs). The position manages the Assistant Features Editor (AFE) programs for Plant Physiology and The Plant Cell , working with existing AFE Mentors to provide a well-organized, supportive learning experience for ECRs.
This position organizes recruitment, onboarding, assignments, mentoring activities, and program evaluation; supports mentors and participants; and keeps editorial work moving. A strong foundation in plant science enables this person to consult on scientific content, provide targeted editorial guidance, and recognize questions requiring specialist input.
Beyond the AFE programs, this position works with Editors-in-Chief, editorial boards, ASPB staff, and the publisher to coordinate Focus Collections, author engagement, and other journal development initiatives. These activities are intended to attract high-quality submissions, build lasting relationships with researchers, and contribute to sustainable publishing revenue. The role combines hands-on coordination, mentoring support, scientific judgment, and project delivery.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
AFE Program Management and Mentoring Coordination
Manage the AFE program calendar and day-to-day operations, including recruitment, application intake, anonymized evaluation, selection meetings, reference checks, cohort placement, onboarding, and completion activities.
Work with volunteer AFE Mentors and journal leadership to clarify responsibilities, expected availability, feedback timelines, and learning goals. Coordinate mentor assignments or rotations according to expertise, participant needs, and capacity.
Equip mentors and AFEs with orientation materials, editorial guidance, shared feedback criteria, and practical resources. Arrange training with mentors, editors, and other specialists.
Maintain regular contact with mentors and AFEs, monitor progress toward agreed goals.
Provide supportive coaching on planning, professional participation, and using editorial feedback. Facilitate peer learning, cohort meetings, and activities at ASPB meetings.
Collect mentor and participant feedback, assess learning and program delivery, recognize volunteer contributions, and recommend improvements. Maintain appropriate confidentiality in participant records.
Editorial Workflow and Scientific Guidance
Coordinate AFE manuscript selection, assignments, deadlines, and review cycles for News and Views and In Briefs, maintaining accurate records in Editorial Manager and shared tracking tools.
Balance assignments across AFEs, mentors, and participating editors; follow up on overdue work and coordinate publication timing with the underlying research article.
Consult with AFEs and mentors on research context, scientific interpretation, and clear presentation. Review selected drafts and offer constructive feedback when additional guidance is needed.
Route specialist scientific questions, potential ethical concerns, and unresolved interpretations to the appropriate editor. Coordinate revisions, permissions questions, and final handoffs under journal procedures.
Journal Development and Project Management
Work with the VP of Content and Communications, Editors-in-Chief, and publisher to translate journal priorities into annual projects with defined scope, deliverables, timelines, resource needs, and measures of success.
Participate in planning journal Focus Collections, using research trends, journal data, and editor input to identify promising collection topics, prospective contributors, and communities that could be better served by ASPB journals. Prepare recommendations for editorial consideration.
Competencies and Core QUALIFICATIONS
PhD in Plant Biology, Plant Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Crop Science, Ecology, or a related field.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex scientific concepts across multiple sub-disciplines within the plant sciences and to diverse audiences.
Experience as a reviewer or editor for a scientific journal.
Demonstrated experience coordinating programs or projects involving researchers, volunteers, students, or professional communities, including schedules, deliverables, and follow-through across multiple stakeholders.
Experience supporting mentoring, training, teaching, or professional development, with the ability to help others set goals, use feedback, and resolve challenges constructively.
Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, navigate competing priorities, and proactively engage stakeholders and senior leaders to maintain alignment, support timely decisions, and ensure follow-through.
Ability to provide constructive editorial feedback that supports professional growth and skill development.
Experience facilitating workshops, webinars, training programs, or educational initiatives.
Ability to build productive working relationships with editors, authors, reviewers, volunteers, staff, and Society leadership, including the confidence and judgment to proactively advise senior leaders, clarify expectations, address competing priorities, and drive decisions and accountability.
Demonstrated commitment to fostering a welcoming and equitable environment, with the ability to build productive working relationships and communicate effectively and respectfully with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives.
How to Apply
Please submit the following materials as a single PDF file:
Cover letter (one page maximum)
Resume or CV
Work samples demonstrating relevant experience if applicable
Important: Depending on where we post our positions, the applicant tracking system might require you to combine your files into one document. You can submit various files if the applicant track system allows it; otherwise, please combine your documents into one file.
Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered .
Your cover letter should concisely address how your professional experience, leadership capabilities, and background align with the requirements of this position. Benefits
Healthcare – 90% employer paid healthcare plan
Dental and Vision – 100% employer paid dental and vision plan
Retirement – 8% employer paid 403(b) retirement plan, plus an additional 2% matching
Annual Leave – Two weeks paid vacation in your first year
Sick Leave – 10 days paid sick leave
Holidays – 11 paid holidays
Flexible Spending Accounts for childcare and health care
Flexible work schedule
Family leave
Life insurance
Long and short-term disability and wellness
Remote Work
All of our employees will continue to work remotely until further notice.
