Publishing Section Head

Job description / Role

Department Sandstorm Comics Section Publishing

Direct Manager Sandstorm Comics Department Director

Direct Reports

• Distribution Specialist
• Senior Graphic Designer
• Digital Content Specialist

Role purpose

Responsible for overseeing the entire production process of comic books and related content. This role ensures the highest standards of artistic and editorial integrity, manages the intellectual property (IP) portfolio, and coordinates creative direction and storytelling across projects. The Art Production Section Head will work closely with writers, editors, artists, and other creative professionals to produce high-quality and timely comic content.

Key responsibilities

Comic book development

• Lead the production process for comic books from concept to completion, ensuring high-quality content and timely delivery.
• Coordinate with writers, editors, artists, colorists, letterers, and translators to bring comic book projects to life.
• Oversee the preparation of the final digital versions of books for both physical printing and digital publishing and distribution.

Intellectual property (IP) portfolio management

• Strategically manage and expand the comic departmentu2019s IP portfolio, maximizing the value and longevity of each property.
• Identify opportunities for licensing and merchandising of comic book characters and storylines.
• Develop transmedia adaptations and partnerships to extend the reach of comic book IP into other entertainment formats, such as film, television, and digital media.

Creative direction and storytelling

• Provide creative direction and oversight for all comic book and board game projects, ensuring alignment with brand identity and audience preferences.
• Develop compelling narratives, character arcs, and world-building elements that resonate with readers and players.
• Collaborate with writers, artists, and game designers to maintain continuity and coherence across multiple projects within the comic departmentu2019s IP universe.

Quality assurance and production support

• Implement quality assurance processes to uphold the highest standards of artistic and editorial integrity in comic book and board game production, ensuring compliance with Abu Dhabi and DCT values and strategic vision.
• Provide production support services, including proofreading, editing, and digital asset management, to streamline workflows and maintain consistency across projects.
• Liaise with external vendors, licensors, and partners to ensure adherence to brand guidelines and contractual obligations in the production of licensed merchandise and promotional materials.
• Participate in suggesting candidates for the quality assurance expert committees, coordinate their activities, and implement their recommendations.

Shared activity

• Manage the effective achievement of assigned objectives through the leadership of the section by setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating staff to maximize performance.
• Act as a role model and drive adherence to organizational values and ethics by employees of the assigned section to foster a value-driven culture within the organization.
• Manage the preparation and recommend the section budget and monitor financial performance versus the budget while ensuring all sectional activities are conducted in line with the approved guidelines.
• Manage and ensure effective implementation of functional policies, procedures, and controls covering all areas of assigned section activity so that all relevant procedural and legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.
• Lead the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes, and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement, and cost reduction.
• Ensure that all section reports are prepared timely and accurately and meet DCT requirements, policies, and quality standards.
• Comply with all relevant EHS guidelines, policies, and procedures, by reporting incidents and hazards in a timely manner, and reduce consumption of natural resources to support protecting the environment and ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

Qualifications & experience

• Bacheloru2019s degree (Masteru2019s degree preferred) in Journalism, Communications, or related field.
• Proven 6-8 years of experience in publishing, with strong background in editorial management and content production.
• At least 4 years of experience in a managerial position.

Skills

• Full professional English proficiency both in speaking and writing.
• Skilled in MS Office (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel).
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff to achieve goals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with keen attention to detail and a strong command of grammar and style.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute publishing strategies in alignment with organizational objectives.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Knowledge of publishing software and technology platforms, with the ability to leverage technology to enhance publishing processes.
• Familiarity with copyright laws, publishing contracts, and industry best practices.