Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Publishing & Podcast Project Manager to oversee the end-to-end execution of nonfiction book publishing and podcast production projects. This role is ideal for a highly organized self-starter who can independently manage operational workflows, coordinate multiple stakeholders, and take full ownership of project delivery from onboarding through completion.

The ideal candidate has strong experience managing sequential, waterfall-style production processes across multiple concurrent projects while maintaining exceptional attention to detail, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving. This person will serve as the operational backbone of the business, replacing the owner's direct involvement in day-to-day project management.

Schedule

Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Phoenix, AZ time, with a 30-minute paid break.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee multiple concurrent nonfiction book and podcast production projects across all stages of development, editing, design, publishing, and post-production
• Independently manage the full client lifecycle from onboarding through project completion using Smartsheet and other project management platforms
• Build, maintain, and continuously update detailed project timelines, proactively identifying risks and implementing adjustments to keep deliverables on track
• Serve as the primary point of coordination between authors, podcast guests, editors, designers, contractors, and other stakeholders
• Manage podcast post-production workflows using Descript, including trimming recordings, preparing final files, and coordinating publishing-related communications
• Send tailored email outreach and pitching campaigns on behalf of clients using provided templates, spreadsheets, and AI-assisted tools such as ChatGPT
• Research and pitch speaking engagement opportunities for the business owner
• Maintain organized records, production assets, file structures, and version control systems across Google Drive and related platforms
• Establish and enforce operational standards for workflow organization, documentation, and production readiness
• Monitor project progress, provide regular status updates to leadership, and proactively flag resource needs or bottlenecks
• Identify workflow inefficiencies and implement process improvements to increase operational efficiency and scalability
• Manage multiple sequential-phase projects with overlapping timelines while ensuring quality and deadline compliance

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in project management, content production, publishing operations, or similar operational leadership roles
• At least 2 years of experience in a senior or lead project management capacity
• Proven ability to independently manage complex, multi-stage projects from start to finish with minimal oversight
• Strong proficiency with project management and collaboration tools such as Smartsheet, Slack, Google Drive, and similar platforms
• Experience with Descript or comparable podcast/audio editing software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly for professional outreach and stakeholder coordination
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail across timelines, deliverables, and file management systems
• Ability to follow and improve detailed SOPs while maintaining operational consistency
• Self-directed mindset with strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and process ownership capabilities
• Comfortable managing high volumes of work across multiple active projects simultaneously

Nice to Have

• Direct experience in nonfiction book publishing or author-services publishing
• Familiarity with self-publishing platforms such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark
• Experience managing freelance editorial, design, or production teams
• Background in podcast production, content marketing, or speaking engagement coordination
• Experience leveraging AI tools such as ChatGPT for communication drafting and workflow support

What Success Looks Like

• Book and podcast projects consistently launch on time and meet quality standards with minimal last-minute escalations
• Clients, authors, and collaborators experience a smooth, organized, and clearly communicated process from start to finish
• Operational workflows become increasingly efficient, scalable, and well-documented over time
• Leadership has complete visibility into project status and confidence in the manager’s ability to independently oversee the production pipeline
• Outreach initiatives, speaking engagements, and production communications are executed proactively and professionally

Independent Contractor Perks

• Permanent work-from-home setup
• Immediate hiring opportunity
• Health Insurance Coverage for eligible locations

Note

Please click the "Apply" button to complete your application, including the assessment questions, technical check, and voice recording. Your hourly pay rate will be determined based on your performance throughout the application process. Applications with all requirements completed will receive priority review.