Description
The Marine Technology Society (MTS) believes that advancements in the development and use of marine technologies are essential to support responsible and sustainable use of the ocean. Founded in 1963, we are an international professional society that provides members of academia, government, and industry a common forum for the exchange of information and ideas. Our members are engineers, scientists, technologists, policy makers, and educators who work within the full spectrum of ocean and subsea technologies, ranging from offshore energy to dynamic positioning, ocean robotics to buoys, and many more. MTS supports innovation and workforce development within the global blue economy, and our programmatic portfolio now includes the MATE Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Competition, the Ocean Enterprise Initiative, and Ocean Exchange.
The Marine Technology Society Journal is the flagship publication of MTS, having been published under its current title since 1969. It publishes high caliber, peer-reviewed papers on subjects of interest to the MTS community, including: marine technology, ocean science, offshore energy, marine policy, and education.
The Role
MTS seeks a part-time Managing Editor to join our headquarters team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Engagement & Member Relations, this role is responsible for full-cycle management and on-time delivery of the MTS Journal. The Managing Editor ensures the sustained quality, intellectual value, and impact of the publication, and oversees the peer-review and production processes to ensure they are thorough, fair, and organized. The contract will include four standard editions per year, published quarterly.
In collaboration with the MTS Vice President of Communications (a position on the MTS Board of Directors), the Managing Editor recruits editorial board members, reviewers, and any other editorial positions needed in developing content for the Journal. The Managing Editor also partners closely with MTS staff to ensure the look, feel, and position of the Journal align with the Society’s broader communications strategy. The Managing Editor is responsible for upholding the aim and scope of the Journal and for selecting papers that provide new, original, and important contributions to knowledge.
This is a highly autonomous role with significant ownership; the Managing Editor serves as the primary driver of editorial workflow, quality control, and timely issue release. The successful candidate will confidently manage the full editorial and production lifecycle, proactively engage contributors, and ensure each issue is delivered on schedule and to a high standard.
This includes the following essential functions, and others as assigned:
Sustain compelling content – Define, refine, and sustain a clear and compelling aim and scope for the Journal; in consultation with the editorial board, MTS leadership, and joint stakeholders in the publication, recommend adjustments as appropriate. Identify, propose, and deliver opportunities for Journal special issues, including author, reviewer, and guest editor recruitment. Provide leadership in the ongoing strengthening and revitalization of the editorial ecosystem, including clarifying expectations for editorial roles and ensuring contributors understand and meet their responsibilities.
Support timely and fair peer-review – In tandem with editorial board members, recruit reviewers who have relevant knowledge and skills. Assign draft manuscripts to appropriate reviewers, monitor the quality of the reviews prepared, and ensure that authors receive constructive feedback about manuscripts submitted. Because the peer-review process currently operates without a dedicated manuscript management system, the Managing Editor may be asked to help scope or select an appropriate new platform. Until then, the Managing Editor will be expected to confidently manage a high volume of moving parts using interim tools and established organizational methods.
Manage publication process – Serve as the primary copy editor for the Journal, overseeing its complete production from edited manuscript through published pages. Ensure any subcontractor work, including graphic design, illustration, typesetting, and proofreading is timely, accurate, and cost-effective. Ensure that all manuscripts are complete, including illustrations, references, and contact information for the authors. Submit manuscripts for each issue on time according to the agreed-upon publication schedule.
Enhance MTS Journal quality – Develop and deploy strategies to increase the quality of the Journal, as measured by scientometric tools (e.g., h-index, impact factor, CiteScore). Identify and mitigate challenges that could affect quality or timely release of the Journal. Work collaboratively with MTS staff to ensure the Journal’s topical themes, visual presentation, and digital presence complement the Society’s other products, programmatic priorities, and brand standards.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required (preference for English, Communications, marine sciences, or other related disciplines); an advanced degree is preferred.
- At least three years of professional experience in journal management, scholarly publishing, or scientific/technical writing and editing.
- Demonstrated ability to understand, synthesize, and clearly communicate complex or technical concepts for diverse audiences.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a commitment to clarity, accuracy, and editorial rigor.
- Strong project management abilities, including experience managing multiple concurrent deadlines and maintaining highly organized workflows.
- Proven capacity to exercise sound editorial judgment, solve problems with incomplete information, and make data-informed decisions.
- Interest in marine technology; prior experience in this domain is a plus but not required.
- An existing professional network within the marine technology or scientific publishing community is welcome – but not expected – and an eagerness to build strong relationships with contributors, reviewers, and editorial partners.
What we have to offer
- Long-term contract; expected to be $36-40k annually for an average of 20 hours per week.
- MTS staff work flexible hours and are fully remote.
To apply, please email a resume, work sample(s), and cover letter (including requested contract considerations) to claire.idell@mtsociety.org. Application review will begin December 15, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.
