Academic Program Specialist

The Choice is seeking an immediate, contract Publications Program Specialist for our client, a major scientific professional association. We are specifically seeking candidates with prior experience supporting scholarly or academic journal publishing operations, including familiarity with peer review and manuscript submission workflows. Timeline: ASAP, approximately 6 months. This role is to provide coverage during a temporary staffing shift in the department. If there is opportunity for extension, candidates will be notified later in the position as staffing needs are further determined. Compensation: $29 an hour Location: We are seeking candidates who reside in the DMV area. The work will be performed from home. Schedule: Standard business hours required. 40 hours a week. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 1-3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous experience supporting scholarly, academic, scientific, or other journal publishing operations. Experience with peer review and manuscript submission processes, including working with authors, editors, and reviewers. Experience using a journal or manuscript management platform such as ScholarOne, Editorial Manager, eJournalPress, GEMS, or a comparable system is strongly preferred. Strong attention to detail and ability to review submissions against established requirements, policies, and formatting standards. Ability to independently manage a consistent, deadline-driven workflow. Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills. Familiarity with scientific terminology is a plus. Position Summary: This role supports the day-to-day peer review and publication process for scientific journals. The Program Specialist serves as a key point of contact between authors, editors, and reviewers and is responsible for ensuring manuscript submissions meet established requirements before moving through the peer review process. The ideal candidate will bring previous familiarity with journal publishing operations and be comfortable managing detailed, process-driven work independently. Responsibilities: Manage manuscript submissions in GEMS, ensuring compliance with journal requirements, timelines, ethical standards, and quality expectations while maintaining positive relationships with editors, authors, and reviewers. Review manuscript submissions against detailed publication requirements and identify issues that need to be resolved before moving forward in the peer review process. Monitor peer review workflows, identify operational issues, and troubleshoot or escalate concerns as needed. Support editors, authors, and reviewers by providing GEMS assistance, procedural guidance, policy interpretation, troubleshooting, and coordination of editorial board meetings. Communicate professionally with authors, reviewers, Editors-in-Chief, and editorial boards throughout the submission and peer review process. Provide coverage for additional journals during peak volume periods and on an as-needed basis. Administer special collections, enhanced article content, corrections, fee waivers, cover and carousel images, and social media activities. Partner with management to support journal health and strategic goals through reporting, analytics, and operational recommendations. Demonstrate ownership of journal operations by meeting deadlines, maintaining high standards for accuracy and professionalism, and delivering excellent stakeholder service. Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned. The Choice