Publications Engagement Manager

American Academy of Periodontology
Chicago, IL

Are you energized by science, communications, and making research shine?

The American Academy of Periodontology is looking for a Publications Engagement Manager to help shape, promote, and elevate our peer-reviewed journals, the Journal of Periodontology (JOP) and Clinical Advances in Periodontics (CAP). In this role, you will collaborate with authors, editors, and internal teams to create engaging content, develop innovative social media campaigns, produce podcasts, and ensure that cutting-edge periodontal research reaches the right audiences. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and love blending science with storytelling, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact on the field of periodontology.

About AAP
The American Academy of Periodontology is a 7,500-member professional organization for Periodontists, a dental specialty for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums, supporting structures of the teeth, and placement of dental implants. Our vision is to be the voice of Periodontists as the collaborative partner to achieve optimal oral health. Our office is located just off the Mag Mile, close to the Water Tower Place. To learn more about our organization, please visit us at www.Perio.org.

In support of our amazing team, AAP offers:
– Employer paid (for employee’s coverage) Medical and Dental Insurance (BCBS)
– Generous Paid Time off (accrual eligibility of 12 days in your 1st full year and 15 days in your 2nd year)
– Paid end-of-year Holiday/Winter break
– Paid Holidays, Sick Time, and Paid Leave
– Hybrid Work Environment with a 35-hour work week
– Professional Development and Training
– Eligibility to participate in 401(k) plan with generous employer match
– FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, AD&D, and EAP
– Free Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
– Salary Range: 65-75k based on experience and skillsets

*Only local candidates will be considered.

Position Overview
The Publications Engagement Manager is a key member of the Scientific and Clinical Affairs team, supporting the editorial, administrative, and promotional work of the Academy’s peer-reviewed journals, JOP and CAP. This role ensures smooth publishing processes, engages authors and collaborators, and develops creative strategies to increase the visibility and impact of published research. Reporting to the Director of Scientific and Clinical Affairs and working closely with the Managing Editor, the Manager helps strengthen the reach, relevance, and reputation of the Academy’s journals and advances their mission in periodontal science and clinical practice.

Essential Functions

  • Identify timely journal content for promotion to clinicians, researchers, and media audiences.
  • Create engaging promotional materials—infographics, author spotlights, video abstracts, social media posts, and emails—in collaboration with Communications and design teams.
  • Monitor and analyze metrics (citations, downloads, altmetrics, social engagement) to guide strategy.
  • Draft content for member communications, including e-newsletters, magazines, and websites.
  • Coordinate promotion of journal-related events, including workshops, webinars, and conference sessions.

Author Engagement (30%)

  • Develop social media strategies to engage authors and highlight published research.
  • Collaborate with Editors to attract high-quality submissions through targeted outreach campaigns.
  • Produce the Probing Perio podcast, managing author outreach, recording, editing, and publishing.
  • Respond to author inquiries and share feedback with Editors and Publisher to enhance the author experience.

Editorial Support (20%)

  • Assist with proofreading articles and issue proofs for JOP and CAP.
  • Compile and edit table of contents summaries for readability and style.
  • Proofread monthly Publisher issue alerts.
  • Coordinate annual journals workshop and editorial board meeting logistics.
  • Participate in regular calls with Editors and Publisher; support special editorial projects.

Advertising Support (5%)

  • Review print and digital advertisements for journals and other member communications.
  • Liaise with the Advertising Advisory Workgroup and advertising representatives as needed.

General Support (15%)

  • Assist with budget development and tracking.
  • Manage committee meetings and conference calls, including agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions.
  • Provide on-site support at the Annual Meeting.
  • Maintain files, order supplies, and coordinate shipping.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, health sciences, liberal arts, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 4+ years of relevant experiences in editorial, communications, administrative, and/or project support roles.
  • At least 2+ years of experience developing and launching social media content.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with authors and contributors and communicate complex information clearly.
  • Strong organizational skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience using web-based platforms, digital file systems, and video and/or audio editing tools (e.g. Zencastr, Canva, Clipchamp, Gather Voices).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with Adobe Acrobat.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience or strong interest in health sciences, scientific research, and/or scholarly publishing.
  • Experience working in a nonprofit, association, or member-driven organization.
  • Demonstrated customer service experience with a member- or client-focused approach.
  • Comfort engaging with scientific or clinical content within the dental field.

Physical Requirements

  • Business travel requires the ability to endure the rigors of air travel and being on one’s feet for long hours.
  • Ability to lift to 20 pounds.

For consideration:
If you are searching for a role that offers creative editorial and communications work in science and you want to make an impact, please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

American Academy of Periodontology is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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