Media24, one of South Africa’s most well-known media and publishing conglomerates, is offering a remarkable career opportunity for an individual passionate about the literary world. With its dedication to local storytelling and education, Media24 has opened a permanent position for a Publishing Assistant / Frontline Receptionist at NB Publishers, a division that focuses on producing a wide range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature, and educational material.
About NB Publishers: A Leading Name in South African Publishing
NB Publishers is a renowned local publishing house that has played a significant role in shaping the South African literary landscape. The company is committed to creating books that inspire, educate, entertain, and contribute to the development of South African culture and literature. Through its diverse portfolio, which spans across various genres, NB Publishers serves as a vital player in both the educational and entertainment sectors.
The Role: Publishing Assistant / Frontline Receptionist
The position offers a unique combination of duties. As a hybrid role, it blends essential administrative functions with dynamic editorial and publishing support. The position reports directly to the Office Manager and is based in Cape Town.
Key Responsibilities
- Editorial Project Management: One of the main duties of the Publishing Assistant will be assisting publishers with the management of various publishing projects. This includes liaising with authors, freelancers, and coordinating editorial activities. The role requires strong organizational skills to ensure that the publishing process runs smoothly.
- Support for Ad-Hoc Tasks: The Publishing Assistant will also be responsible for supporting the editorial team in various tasks such as proofreading, preparing presentations, compiling catalogues, and working with the publicity team to gather information and materials.
- Submission Review: The position also involves reviewing new submissions to assess their potential for publication, ensuring that the best work is selected for NB Publishers’ diverse range of products.
- Secretarial Support: The assistant will provide secretarial support to the general manager, helping with scheduling and other administrative tasks as required.
- Reception and Administrative Duties: As a frontline receptionist, the candidate will be the first point of contact for visitors and callers. This involves answering and directing phone calls efficiently, greeting visitors, managing meeting room bookings, and receiving goods. The role requires a friendly and professional demeanor, as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
What You Need to Apply
NB Publishers is looking for a candidate with a strong academic background, ideally holding a tertiary qualification in Journalism, Languages (English or any of South Africa’s indigenous languages), Publishing, or a related field. The candidate should also have proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Furthermore, the ideal candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, as well as a basic proficiency in Afrikaans. Familiarity with artificial intelligence tools will also be beneficial. The role requires a proactive attitude, an ability to manage time and tasks effectively, and the capability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment.
Application Process
The application process requires candidates to submit their CV along with a separate covering letter explaining why they are the ideal fit for the role. Additionally, applicants should provide details of three referees who can speak to their qualifications and work ethic.
This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about South African literature and the publishing industry. It offers a unique chance to gain valuable experience in both administrative and editorial functions, all while working for a leading South African publishing house.
Candidates who meet the qualifications and possess a proactive attitude should consider applying for this exciting role before the application deadline.
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