ABOUT LIGHTEN
LightEn is an expanding global educational foundation, dedicated to the evolution of
individual and collective consciousness. LightEn supports many forms of spiritual
education. It is non-denominational and serves to help humanity embody its highest
potential. LightEn's intention is that, through gifting various forms of spiritual education around the world, we begin to usher in new paradigms. LightEn currently does this through three core pathways:
(1) Content: curating and creating spiritual educational content, freely available to all;
(2) Grantmaking: supporting individuals and organisations whose work and wisdom aligns with LightEn's vision; and
(3) Centres: offering experiential programmes for spiritual and personal growth, fostering soul-infused action.
ROLE OVERVIEW
As we continue to grow, LightEn is seeking a Project Manager, Publishing, to lead and coordinate the delivery of our publishing projects from concept to completion. In this role, you will manage book projects end to end - working closely with authors to understand and support their creative vision, guiding manuscripts through the writing and editorial process, and shepherding each title through production and release.
You will act as a central point of coordination across authors, editors, designers, production partners, and internal teams, ensuring timelines, quality, and shared intent are upheld across multiple formats and derivatives, including print, eBook, audiobook, and translations. You will also provide regular progress updates to the Editorial Director and key stakeholders, helping to maintain clarity, momentum, and alignment throughout the publishing lifecycle.
This is an opportunity to be part of a truly mission-driven team, where everyone knows they can show up as their whole, authentic self, and where Service underpins every effort, idea, and interaction.
The successful candidate will combine strong project management expertise with outstanding interpersonal skills and a deep appreciation for the publishing process. Building trusted, respectful relationships with authors will be at the heart of the role; they will be adaptable, encouraging, and supportive—able to guide projects forward without being pushy, and to create an environment in which authors feel understood, motivated, and confident. They will be passionate about delivering high-quality books that serve LightEn's mission and excited to play a hands-on role in bringing meaningful ideas to life for readers around the world.
Job responsibilities include:
Meet directly with authors to understand their creative vision, support their ideas, and help bring their books to life from concept through publication.
Act as a supportive, trusted point of contact for authors, offering encouragement, guidance, and problem-solving throughout the writing, editorial, and production process.
Manage publishing projects end to end, tracking manuscripts, key milestones, schedules, and deliverables to ensure books progress smoothly and on time.
Coordinate and liaise with editors, designers, production partners, translators, narrators, and internal teams to ensure alignment across all stages of the publishing lifecycle.
Oversee the delivery of multiple formats and derivatives, including print, eBook, audiobook, and translated editions, ensuring quality and consistency across each.
Collaborate closely with other project managers to share knowledge, tools, and best practices, supporting a consistent and effective approach to project delivery across the organisation.
Provide regular progress updates to the Editorial Director and share insights, risks, and opportunities with relevant stakeholders.
Identify opportunities to improve publishing workflows, processes, and tools to enhance efficiency, clarity, and the author experience.
Provide support on additional projects as needed and handle ad hoc administrative or coordination tasks as they arise.
Skills & Qualities
Authentic resonance with LightEn's mission and vision.
At least 3 years of relevant experience in book publishing.
Strong ability to build and sustain trusted relationships, particularly with authors, navigating creative and practical dynamics with empathy, encouragement, and care.
Genuine interest in supporting authors and helping their books reach their full potential.
Strong project management expertise, with the ability to manage multiple book projects, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
Solid understanding of the publishing lifecycle, including manuscript development, editorial, production, and release.
Experience managing or coordinating multiple formats and derivatives, such as print, eBook, audiobook, and/or translations, is desirable.
Highly collaborative approach to work, sharing knowledge, tools, and best practices effectively across teams.
Experience using Microsoft Office and project management tools (e.g. Microsoft Planner, Miro, AirTable) or equivalent systems.
Experience using Salesforce or other information management systems is a plus.
Creative, open-minded, and solution-oriented, with a calm and adaptable approach to change.
Reliable, proactive, and comfortable working independently while staying closely connected to the wider team.
Ability to thrive in a fluid, growing, start-up-style environment.
BENEFITS OF THE ROLE
A competitive salary (commensurate with skills and experience)
Generous company pension (10% non-contributory)
Hybrid working
Medical insurance, life insurance, 25 days holiday
Cycle to work, season ticket loan and eyecare schemes
LOCATION
LightEn is currently hybrid, with onsite working as required. Currently this is likely to be around 2 days per week (where the specific days are not set and will change/may increase according to LightEn's needs).
HOW TO APPLY
At LightEn, how we do our work is as important as what we do. In addition to submitting your resume, and in lieu of a cover letter, please share your responses to the following questions:
Why us?
In your own words, what about our mission resonates most with you, and how would you contribute to it in this role?
(Guide: words)
Book Publishing Experience
Please summarise your experience in book publishing including:
Years of experience
Types of publishing (e.g. trade, academic, indie, digital etc.)
Example titles or portfolios you've worked on
(Guide: words)
Project Management Experience
Describe your project management experience in publishing or related fields. Please highlight:
What kind of projects you managed (e.g. book lists, digital platforms, workflows, product launches etc.)
Your responsibilities (planning, timelines, stakeholder management, reporting etc.)
Tools and Platforms
Please indicate your proficiency level (Basic / Intermediate / Advanced) with any of the following tools that you've used:
☐ Salesforce
☐ Airtable
☐
☐ Microsoft Planner
☐ Smartsheet
☐ Excel / Google Sheets
☐ Other project management or publishing tools (please list)
About you
If you're comfortable sharing, we'd love to know a surprising or fun fact about you.