Consulting Associate II
Company:
KGL
Department:
KGL Consulting
Reports To:
Director, KGL Consulting
Date Approved:
09/14/2026
Job Summary:
The Consulting Associate II contributes to KGL Consulting’s advisory services
for scholarly publishing organizations through research, analysis, preparation
of client deliverables, and development of recommendations.
Working with the Director, KGL Consulting, or another designated Project Lead,
the Consulting Associate takes ownership of defined deliverables and workstreams
and may lead straightforward assignments with established objectives and an
agreed approach. The role is expected to manage assigned work independently
while seeking guidance on complex analytical questions, strategic
recommendations, material changes in approach, and sensitive client matters.
The Consulting Associate II participates in client meetings and presentations
and presents assigned findings and analyses. For more complex engagements, the
Project Lead ordinarily guides the overall approach, integrates the
recommendations, and leads substantive strategic discussions. Proposal
responsibilities generally involve contributing information or sections,
adapting existing material, or preparing straightforward proposals with
guidance.
Engagements may include strategic planning; publishing program and product
development; market research; publishing audits; industry and competitor
analyses; publisher and vendor RFPs; publishing agreement and business-term
evaluations; negotiation support; content licensing; pricing studies; and
financial analysis and modeling.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Research, Analysis, and Deliverables
Understand client objectives, the agreed scope, and the Project Lead’s
approach, and translate assigned responsibilities into an effective work
plan.
Conduct primary and secondary research, including desk research, data
gathering, interviews, surveys, environmental scans, competitor assessments,
and benchmarking.
Analyze and synthesize qualitative and quantitative information, identifying
significant findings, inconsistencies, assumptions, and questions requiring
further investigation.
Develop findings and draft recommendations supported by evidence, refining
the analysis and conclusions with the Project Lead as appropriate.
Prepare reports, presentations, spreadsheets, financial analyses, and other
deliverables demonstrating accuracy, sound analysis, clear organization, and
diplomatic language.
Independently manage defined tasks and workstreams. Lead straightforward
assignments when designated, working within an agreed approach and review
process.
Review work carefully, verify sources and calculations, and incorporate
feedback before delivery to the client.
Project Coordination and Client Communication
Manage assigned schedules and priorities, track time against agreed
allocations, and alert the Project Lead to potential delays, overruns, or
out-of-scope requests.
Communicate professionally and responsively with clients about assigned
activities, coordinating substantive recommendations and sensitive
communications with the Project Lead.
Participate in client meetings and presentations, presenting assigned
findings and analyses and supporting the Project Lead in broader discussions.
Recognize when an assignment requires additional expertise or judgment and
seek guidance promptly while recommending possible next steps.
Collaborate with colleagues across KGL Consulting and other KGL functions
relevant to the engagement.
Proposal and Business-Development Support
Contribute research, project information, work-plan elements, and draft
sections to consulting proposals as requested.
Make minor adaptations to existing proposals or prepare straightforward
proposals with guidance. Obtain appropriate review and pricing approval
before external submission.
Identify potential additional client needs encountered through project work
and bring relevant opportunities to the Project Lead or Director.
Support client follow-up, prospective-client research, professional outreach,
and business-development materials as assigned.
Professional Development
Stay current on scholarly publishing trends, technologies, policies, business
models, and market developments.
Build consulting skills through project experience, feedback, collaboration,
and professional development.
Perform other duties as assigned.
LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY
The Consulting Associate II is responsible for the quality, timeliness, and
efficient completion of assigned work.
The position exercises judgment within established objectives and an agreed
approach, with greater direction and review for complex assignments or
recommendations.
The designated Project Lead retains responsibility for the overall engagement
unless the Consulting Associate II is specifically assigned to lead a
straightforward project.
Pricing, contractual commitments, and material changes to scope require
approval through the appropriate KGL process.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and
relevant professional experience.
Five or more years of progressive experience in scholarly publishing or a
closely related field.
Strong research, analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Strong writing skills, including the ability to synthesize detailed
information clearly, accurately, and succinctly.
Professional and diplomatic communication skills, including the ability to
explain findings and contribute effectively to client discussions.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and
deadlines.
Ability to interpret financial, operational, and performance information and
draw supported conclusions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, including use of
Excel for data and financial analysis.
Ability to work independently within an agreed approach, incorporate
feedback, and recognize when guidance or escalation is appropriate.
Ability to work effectively in a remote environment and handle client and
company information with confidentiality and discretion.
Desired Skills and Abilities:
Experience in journal or portfolio management, editorial operations,
publishing partnerships, market research, product development, production,
technology, or commercial analysis.
Experience conducting interviews, surveys, competitive research, market
assessments, or other primary and secondary research.
Experience preparing professional reports, presentations, and recommendations
for internal or external audiences.
Familiarity with scholarly publishing business models and the roles of
publishers, societies, vendors, and technology providers.
Experience analyzing budgets, pricing, financial projections, or other
quantitative information.
Physical Requirements:
Remote office work involving extensive computer use, written communication,
and telephone or video meetings.
Some work outside regular business hours may be needed to accommodate client
and company requirements.
Travel Requirements:
Occasional travel for client, company, and industry meetings.