BACKGROUND
Since 1980, Developmental Studies Center (DSC), a non-profit educational organization, has been creating, implementing, evaluating, and disseminating programs and materials to help elementary schools and other youth-serving organizations strengthen children’s development as principled, caring, and competent individuals. DSC translates research knowledge and theory about how children learn and develop—socially, ethically, and intellectually—into powerful and innovative programs for classrooms, schools, and youth-serving organizations. DSC supports an independent sales force to disseminate its programs nationally. Our staff of 50 is friendly, well educated, experienced, and dedicated to making a difference for children.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Media Production Manager is responsible for managing the purchase of print, multi-media, and packaging components for the original books, programs, and marketing materials created by DSC, as well as on-time delivery of new and reprint materials within budget. He/She will prepare specifications and obtain bids from printers and other manufacturers for all DSC program, marketing, and packaging materials; will prepare and maintain schedules for products ordered and arrange for shipments to final warehouse or drop-ship destination. This manager-level position reports to the Director of Editorial and Design.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Manage the first printings and reprints for all DSC projects
• Research, develop, and solidify specifications for flat printed matter and packaging items
• Obtain competitive bids from printers and manufacturers
• Work closely with the designers and production manger as products are conceptualized; make sure file formats under construction are in-sync with printer’s/manufacturer’s book templates and die configurations; provide sizing, stock, presswork, and binding information to pre-press and design staff in order to avert any spec deviation to improve process and move projects through without costly reworking of materials
• Obtain media and packaging information as needed for multi-media items such as DVDs, CDs, VHS Videos, and new forms of media as needs arise; research, develop and solidify specifications by working with various external sources and internal development/IT groups; obtain competitive bids from manufacturers
• Provide dummies and/or prototypes of materials and packages as needed (working with suppliers)
• Prepare cost comparison grids of bids for review by the Operations Committee
• Obtain revised costs and prepare revised costing grids of bids when quantities or content changes occur in projects
• Upon final approval of files, ship PDF on CD or via FTP to printer/manufacturer; provide hard copy printouts as needed
• Create weekly manufacturing schedule (monitor internal dates and dates from outside suppliers on a regular basis)
• Work with operations and marketing group to check and monitor inventory reports and usage of marketing materials reports to help ensure stock levels are protected
• Collect information and errata/alterations needed for DSC’s print and media, and packaging materials; implement changes when affected materials come up for reprint
• Keep up-to-date and/or research/seek out new printing and media technologies and potential suppliers capable of filling DSC’s current and future product needs
• Research and suggest ways for DSC to improve the quality of its manufacturing processes; find ways to lower costs when appropriate while maintaining or improving quality of deliverables
• Be the main contact person for the printing and manufacturing sales, customer service representatives, and appropriate plant technical resources; evaluate the quality of the company’s ability to provide adequate pricing and scheduling updates and to execute the manufacture of goods in accordance with agreed upon specs in a timely fashion and within budget; determine whether the source is adequate for DSC’s needs and if it is suitable for DSC’s work.
• Negotiate favorable payment terms with printers and manufacturers
• Review all manufacturing invoices for accuracy and submit for review/approval
• Arrange for shipping of new and reprint materials from Domestic (U.S.) and Foreign (Asian) manufacturers to DSC’s warehouse; arrange for drop-shipments to DSC’s offices or other destinations on an as-needed basis; track shipments (ex. ABF freight carrier) on a weekly basis; alert operations manager as to status; send quote to accounting and reconcile final freight billing upon final delivery of product
QUALIFICATIONS
• Print production management experience, preferably in the book publishing field
• Ability to plan and oversee project schedules
• Ability to visualize and coordinate complicated multi-component projects and to deliver them to the warehouse on time and within budget (Think creatively; work cooperatively)
• Experience in developing printing bid requests and evaluating the resulting bids
• Overall printing industry knowledge: paper options, sheet-fed and web press configurations, PMS and CMYK print options, finishing/binding options and packaging fabrication processes and options; understanding of coatings and finishing techniques
• Familiarity with various types of media purchasing options (CD, DVD, VHS Video, other) helpful
• Familiarity with pre-press file preparation processes/issues for commonly used DSC Mac-platform programs: InDesign, Quark, Photoshop, Illustrator (In-depth hands-on experience not necessary, just an understanding of the Adobe Creative Suite in theory/general practice)
• Experience working with graphic designers to create products that are functional, attractive and cost-effective
• Ability to explain technical issues that could affect printing, packaging, or manufacturing processes; ability to troubleshoot as necessary
• Ability to review various types of color proofs
• Ability to establish relationships with various types of printers and the ability to locate, evaluate, and establish relationships with new suppliers
• Knowledge of prevailing costs within the printing industry; ability to negotiate advantageous pricing with suppliers for DSC projects
• Excellent English language and math skills; professional phone manner; ability to write letters, create quote requests, develop specifications, and to work with suppliers outside of DSC
• Basic knowledge of shipping, inventory, and warehousing processes
• Must be flexible, have patience, and must have a desire to learn and grow as the DSC product lines grow and develop; sense of humor
SALARY
We offer a competitive salary with a generous benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision, long-term disability and life insurance, generous vacation and holidays, and a tax-sheltered annuity.
START DATE
The position is available immediately.
APPLICATIONS
To apply, please send cover letter, resume, salary history, and a list of references to:
MEDIA PRODUCTION MANAGER
Developmental Studies Center
2000 Embarcadero, Suite 305
Oakland, CA 94606-5300
Fax: 510/464-3670
E-mail: ppm@devstu.org
For more information about Developmental Studies Center, please visit our website: http://www.devstu.org/.
Developmental Studies Center is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
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