📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Content Project Manager
🔹 Company: Simon & Schuster
🔹 Location: Concord, MA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Publishing & Editing
🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing freelance teams to produce high-quality educational content
- Overseeing project timelines, resources, and priorities
- Ensuring effective communication across departments
- Maintaining oversight of content quality and localization efforts
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of editorial oversight and project management skills, with a focus on delivering high-quality content and managing teams to meet project deadlines.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage teams of freelance writers and editors to deliver high-quality, engaging, and educational content that aligns with the Pimsleur Methodology.
✅ Manage timelines, resources, and priorities for content and product feature development initiatives.
✅ Oversee pre-release content testing and ongoing content bug tracking, aligning with L1 support to ensure timely customer feedback.
✅ Oversee localization and translation efforts for global markets.
✅ Serve as point of contact for product launch scheduling, app integration, ECOM product setup, and cross-company communication.
✅ Oversee Title Management integration with internal S&S systems, including assigning and populating metadata for ISBNs, tracking studio asset deliveries, and deliverables from 3rd parties.
✅ Collaborate with product manager and dev team to ensure seamless integration of content and app functionality.
✅ Oversee metadata creation and ingestion into cloud storage and delivery systems.
✅ Document workflows and establish operational best practices.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of creative and operational tasks, requiring strong project management and communication skills to ensure successful content delivery.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., English, Journalism, Communications) or equivalent experience.
Experience: 5+ years of experience in editorial management, product operations, or similar function, preferably in ed-tech, language learning, or similar fields.
Required Skills:
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Strong project management skills, especially with experience in mobile content development
- Familiarity with Airtable and Atlassian platforms (a plus)
- Familiarity with languages, localization, and multi-market product development (a plus)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with the Pimsleur Methodology
- Familiarity with cloud storage and delivery systems
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in editorial management or product operations, with a focus on mobile content development and project management skills.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 per year (based on industry standards for editorial management roles in publishing)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee discounts on Simon & Schuster books
Working Hours: Full-time, hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for editorial management roles in publishing, with benefits packages typical for companies of this size.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Simon & Schuster is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, providing consumers worldwide with a diverse range of quality books across a wide variety of genres and printed and digital formats.
Company Size: Simon & Schuster has 1,001-5,000 employees, offering a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Simon & Schuster was founded in 1924 and has since grown into a prominent publishing house with a rich history and extensive backlist.
Company Description:
- Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, providing a wide range of quality books across various genres and formats.
- The company is home to numerous prestigious imprints and bestselling authors, with a strong commitment to literary excellence and diversity.
- Simon & Schuster offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
Company Specialties:
- Trade paperback, hardcover, and mass market paperback books
- Audiobooks and ebooks
- Novelty formats and other specialized publishing initiatives
Company Website: http://www.simonandschuster.com
ASSUMPTION: Simon & Schuster's extensive publishing portfolio and global reach offer candidates a unique opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and collaborate with renowned authors.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for mid-career professionals with 5-10 years of experience in editorial management or product operations.
Reporting Structure: The Content Project Manager will report to the Director of Content & Product Development for Pimsleur.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring employees to work on-site 2-3 days per week, with the remaining days worked remotely.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on additional responsibilities and advance within the content & product development group
- Opportunities to collaborate with other departments and learn about different aspects of the publishing process
- Chance to work on high-profile projects and gain experience in global markets
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the content & product development group and the broader publishing industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Simon & Schuster's Concord, MA office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate teamwork and creativity.
Office Location(s): 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 (headquarters); 575 Main Street, Concord, MA 01742 (Pimsleur office)
Geographic Context:
- Concord, MA is a historic town located approximately 20 miles northwest of Boston, offering a mix of urban and suburban living.
- The area is known for its rich cultural heritage, with numerous museums, historical sites, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Concord is easily accessible by car, public transportation, and is close to several major highways.
Work Schedule: Full-time, hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site per week) with standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
ASSUMPTION: The Concord, MA office offers a modern, collaborative work environment with easy access to nearby amenities and attractions.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the Director of Content & Product Development for Pimsleur
- Background check and reference check (if applicable)
Key Assessment Areas:
- Editorial skills and knowledge of the Pimsleur Methodology
- Project management skills and experience with mobile content development
- Communication skills and ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Problem-solving skills and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your editorial management and project management skills, as well as your familiarity with the publishing industry and mobile content development.
- Provide specific examples of your experience managing teams, meeting deadlines, and ensuring high-quality content delivery.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Pimsleur Methodology and its application in content development.
ATS Keywords: Editorial management, project management, content development, mobile content, Pimsleur Methodology, localization, translation, quality assurance, team management, workflow documentation, metadata management
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role will focus on assessing candidates' editorial and project management skills, as well as their ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Airtable (project management and content tracking)
- Atlassian platforms (Jira, Confluence) (project management and collaboration)
- Cloud storage and delivery systems (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Airtable and Atlassian platforms is preferred, but not required. Candidates should be comfortable learning new tools and technologies as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Creativity and innovation
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Integrity and professionalism
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Customer focus
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Cross-functional teamwork and collaboration
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Focus on high-quality content and exceptional customer experience
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and are you comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines?
- Are you an effective communicator, able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders?
- Do you have a strong commitment to quality and attention to detail, with a passion for delivering exceptional content?
ASSUMPTION: Simon & Schuster values candidates who are creative, collaborative, and committed to delivering high-quality content in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Working with freelance teams and ensuring consistent content quality
- Navigating cross-functional teams and stakeholders with varying priorities and expectations
- Adapting to changes in project scope or priorities
- Balancing editorial oversight and project management responsibilities
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong project management skills, adaptability, and effective communication to ensure successful content delivery.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Content Project Manager (Simon & Schuster) vs. Content Manager (Other Publishing Companies): This role places a stronger emphasis on editorial oversight and project management, with a focus on mobile content development and global markets.
- Content Project Manager (Simon & Schuster) vs. Product Manager (Other Industries): While both roles involve project management and cross-functional teamwork, the Content Project Manager role is more focused on content development and editorial oversight.
- Career Path: Content Project Manager → Senior Content Project Manager → Director of Content & Product Development → Vice President of Content & Product Development
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of editorial and project management responsibilities, with opportunities for professional growth and development within the content & product development group and the broader publishing industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing the production of a new language course for the Pimsleur app, including coordinating freelance writers, editors, and other stakeholders to ensure high-quality content delivery on time and within budget.
- Overseeing the localization and translation of existing Pimsleur content for global markets, including managing linguists, cultural consultants, and other team members to ensure accurate and culturally appropriate content.
- Documenting workflows and establishing operational best practices for content and product feature development initiatives, including collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the Content Project Manager, requiring strong project management skills, editorial oversight, and effective communication.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workflow for content and product feature development initiatives, and how this role fits into that process?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments, such as marketing, e-commerce, and operations, to ensure successful content delivery?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the content & product development group and the broader publishing industry?
- How does Simon & Schuster support work-life balance for employees in hybrid roles?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the Pimsleur business, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the day-to-day responsibilities, team dynamics, and growth opportunities for the Content Project Manager role at Simon & Schuster.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your editorial management and project management skills, as well as your familiarity with the publishing industry and mobile content development.
- Prepare for your interview by researching Simon & Schuster, the Pimsleur business, and the publishing industry, and be ready to discuss your relevant experience and qualifications.
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
