Department:
Wits University Press (WUP) Research & Innovation Division University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

The main purpose of this position/job is:
Wits University Press (WUP) is a leading scholarly publisher committed to advancing academic knowledge through high-quality publications that contribute to intellectual debate and research excellence. We are seeking an experienced, innovative and strategic leader to fill the position of Publishing Director. The successful candidate will provide strategic direction and overall management of WUP, ensuring its continued financial sustainability, publishing excellence and international reputation.

Key responsibilities and activities include the following:
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
• Leading the strategic development and growth of Wits University Press.
• Driving business sustainability and financial performance.
• Managing and expanding the scholarly publishing programme.
• Building and maintaining relationships with authors, publishers, distributors, academic institutions and industry stakeholders.
• Overseeing publishing operations, including editorial, production, marketing and digital publishing activities.
• Managing and developing staff while fostering a high-performance culture.
• Representing WUP and the University at local and international conferences, book fairs and industry forums.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant university policies, legal requirements and publishing standards.

Required Academic Qualification/s, competences, and experience.
• Master’s Degree (NQF Level 9).
• At least 7 years’ relevant work experience.
• Extensive experience in scholarly or academic publishing.
• Strong business, financial and leadership experience.
• Excellent writing, editorial and communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical capabilities.
• Proven interpersonal, networking and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable requirements:
• PhD (NQF Level 10).
• Publishing degree or diploma.
• Diploma or equivalent training in financial management.
• At least 10 years’ relevant experience in publishing and leadership roles.
• Knowledge of emerging publishing technologies and trends in academia.

Key Competencies
• Strategic leadership
• Scholarly publishing expertise
• Financial and business acumen
• Editorial judgement and critical thinking
• Relationship management and networking
• Staff leadership and development
• Presentation and reporting skills
• Negotiation and contract management

Job title: Technical Publisher – TVET

Location: Midrand, Johannesburg (Cape Town location will be considered under certain circumstances)

Department: TVET Publishing

Reporting to: TVET Publishing Manager

Reference number: TPTVET/022026

Closing date: 01 September 2026

Macmillan Education is looking for an energetic and innovative Technical Publisher to join our TVET Publishing team. This is a Permanent or Fixed Term Contract position based in Johannesburg.

The successful candidate will be responsible for conceptualising and managing the development of high-quality TVET content for engineering and occupational subjects, ensuring that materials meet regulatory, curriculum, learning and teaching requirements within the TVET sector.

Key Responsibilities
• Conceptualise and manage the development of high-quality TVET content for engineering and occupational subjects.
• Ensure that educational materials reflect and meet the regulatory, curriculum, learning and teaching requirements of the TVET sector.
• Manage and track a list of publishing projects according to schedule.
• Research, plan and present proposals for new and revised educational materials.
• Manage all administration relating to budgets, records and contracts meticulously.
• Develop realistic project budgets and ensure that projects are published within budget.
• Identify, brief and manage authors, reviewers and subject matter experts.
• Negotiate contracts and fees.
• Build strong working relationships with authors and other stakeholders in the sector.
• Craft marketing materials for sales and promotional activities.
• Maintain a deep understanding of customers through visits to colleges and other institutions.

Requirements
Experience:
• 3–5 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Experience in educational materials development, especially technical and/or occupational content.

Education:
• BSc degree or similar.
• A teaching qualification will be an advantage.
Software Skills:
• MS Office and PowerPoint.
• MathType will be an advantage.

Competencies
• Ability to engage competently and critically with technical content.
• Self-motivated, proactive and well organised.
• Ability to prioritise, meet deadlines and work well under pressure.
• Good command of English (written and verbal).
• Experience in developing, presenting and managing budgets for books and projects.
• Ability to work independently as well as operate as a team player.
• Ability to manage people and complex projects.
• Ability to articulate clear briefs and instructions.
• Demonstrates creativity and flexibility in a changing educational and technological environment.
• Familiarity with digital media will be an advantage.

Pan Macmillan South Africa seeks a creative, organised, and self-motivated Publicist to join its dynamic Communications department. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years’ experience leading publicity campaigns within book publishing, a strong media network, and a passion for books and the local literary landscape. In this role, you will plan and execute high-impact publicity campaigns across local and international titles, driving media coverage, author awareness, and reader engagement.

Key Responsibilities
1. Campaign Development & Media Relations
● Develop and execute creative, title-specific publicity campaigns for local and international titles within set budgets.
● Proactively pitch and secure earned media coverage (including reviews, features, and author interviews) across print, broadcast, digital, and podcast platforms.
● Build and maintain strong working relationships with authors, journalists, key media contacts, and event organisers.
● Draft compelling press releases, media notes, briefing documents, and campaign copy.

2. Events & Digital Collaboration
● Plan and manage author events, book launches, and festival appearances, representing Pan Macmillan on-site.
● Collaborate with the digital team on promotional alignment and track campaign coverage and results.

Requirements for Applicants
● Must be based in Johannesburg.
● Degree or diploma in Communications, Marketing, Publishing, or a related field.
● A minimum of 2 years’ experience in the book industry, preferably within a publicity or marketing role.
● Proven track record of pitching, securing media coverage, and maintaining strong media contacts.
● Experience working with authors.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with strong copywriting and messaging abilities.
● Proactive, self-directed and self-motivated team player with strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
● Passion for books and the local literary and cultural scene.
● Willingness to attend after-hours launches, events, and festivals, with occasional local travel.
● Valid driver’s licence.