Assistant Acquisitions Editor (Ethnomusicology, Sociology, Reference)

Department
 

Press Books Acquisitions: Sub E

About the Department
 

Since its origins in 1890 as one of the three main divisions of the University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Press has embraced as its mission the obligation to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard and to publish serious works that promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life. Through our books and journals, we seek not only to advance scholarly conversation within and across traditional disciplines but, in keeping with the University of Chicago's experimental tradition, to help define new areas of knowledge and intellectual endeavor.

Job Summary
 

Acquires new publications for the Chicago Studies in Ethnomusicology series. Supports the work of two executive editors and independently acquires a limited number of book manuscripts under those editors’ supervision. Assists the executive editors in acquisitions work including peer review, drafting statements for editorial committee, and preparing confidential materials for Board of Publications. Travels to scholarly meetings to meet with authors. Hires, trains, and supervises student assistants.

Responsibilities

• The assistant editor independently acquires 5-10 books in relevant disciplines. Studies literature in the assigned fields to learn of new work and to understand trends in the disciplines. Establishes a network of advisors to help identify potential authors. Guides authors in shaping proposals and book manuscripts. Evaluates submitted works for cogency, writing quality, and commercial viability, selecting best projects for peer review. Decides what kind of scholarly advice these projects need and recruits suitable peer reviewers accordingly.
• For books thus independently acquired, the assistant editor evaluates peer reviewers’ reports and develops recommendations for Editorial Committee. Guides authors in applying peer reviewers’ suggestions. Argues case for publication before Editorial Committee and Press faculty Board. Creates publication plan for acquired books, proposing appropriate print run, level of marketing investment, and author compensation (royalties and advance). Negotiates book contracts with author or agent. Assesses final manuscript, assuring that promised revisions have been made and that the text complies with submission guidelines. Advises author on final selection of illustrations and assures that illustrations meet the Press’s standards.
• In addition to the independent acquisition work outlined above, the assistant editor supports the executive editor’s acquisition of new books with tasks such as recruiting peer reviewers on behalf of the executive editor, writing Editorial Committee memos, managing author expectations through regular updates, and fielding author queries at academic conferences. The assistant editor articulates authors’ design preferences to the book’s designer and presents cover design proposals to author.
• The assistant editor has moderate/high level of authority to plan book estimates, budgets, and contracts. Discusses contract terms and permission fees with authors and grantors. Analyzes author illustration and permission programs and directs authors on modification of these as needed. Transmits materials to editing, design and production. Proofreads materials circulated as part of the prepublication materials for books. Liaises with other Press departments throughout publication process. Maintains the database of proposals and manuscripts under review. Supervises a student assistant in preparing book plans, budgets, and illustration and permission logs.
• Has a moderate/high level of authority to plan book estimates, budgets, contracts and proposals.
• Participates in the acquisition of new publications by acting as a liaison among acquisitions editors, authors and reviewers as well as other press departments with direction from others. Collects confidential materials and maintains the database of proposals and manuscripts under review.
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  Performs other related work as needed.
  

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Graduate degree.

Experience:

• Two or more years of work in book publishing.
• Experience in scholarly book acquisitions and continuing education in publishing.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency in word-processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Familiarity with Office 365 applications and Adobe Photoshop.
• Keyboarding.
• Filing.

Preferred Competencies

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills. 
• Comprehend and summarize advanced humanistic scholarship.
• Help authors organize and develop manuscripts and prepare work to Press specifications. 
• Ability to set goals, prioritize responsibilities, work independently, and anticipate needs of supervising editor.
• Requires collaborative spirit, diplomatic skill, independent motivation, and ability to quickly sort and respond to a high volume of email and other communication. 

Working Conditions

• The Assistant Editor must be able to work on-site when pandemic’s remote-work arrangements end.
• Some travel required.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Communications

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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