Editorial Associate II

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

2d • $20 - $27

About The Position

The Books Division of the University of Chicago Press has been publishing books for scholars, students, and general readers since 1892. Its mission is to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard, promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life. The Press’s acquisitions editors acquire and develop books that fulfill this mission, working closely with authors, agents, and institutions. This Editorial Associate II (Senior Editorial Associate) supports our Assistant Editorial Director and Executive Editor for Sociology and Education. In this role, the EA collaborates on books in these fields through all stages of the lifecycle of the book. Responsibilities include communicating with authors and peer reviewers, managing the acquisitions pipeline, acting as a liaison with other Press departments, and attending academic conferences. The EA is expected to be organized, detail-oriented, an excellent communicator, and passionate about books.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Organizational skills.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to emails and queries.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work as part of a team.
• Work independently with a high degree of initiative.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Manage stressful situations.
• Knowledge of database, word processing, and spreadsheet software.
• Represent organizations positively to internal and external clients.
• Ability to travel.
• Set up and break down book exhibits at academic conferences.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree.
• Graduate work and familiarity with scholarly books.
• At least two years experience in publishing, preferably in books.
• Experience working with illustrations and permissions.
• Excellent computer skills in PC environment and knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Adobe Photoshop skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee collection of confidential materials in preparation of dossiers for Editorial Committee and Board of Publications meetings.
• Write Editorial Committee memoranda on behalf of acquisitions editors.
• Prepare book estimates, budgets, and contracts.
• Research sales of comparable titles and prepare applications for publication subsidies.
• Maintain database of proposals and manuscripts under review.
• Prepare transmittal materials on new manuscripts for editing, design and production.
• Evaluate and in some circumstances complete illustration and permission programs for books.
• Proofread page proofs, catalog and cover copy, and other materials circulated as part of the pre-publication materials for books.
• Travel to scholarly meetings with editors to participate in author meetings and to staff book exhibits with the marketing department.
• May act as an acquisitions department liaison to other departments on procedural or workflow projects.
• May acquire 1-2 books annually under the direction and on behalf of a supervising acquisitions editor, and present such books for approval to the Editorial Committee and Board of Publications.
• May present supervising acquisitions editor’s projects at Press editorial and launch meetings in that editors’ absence.
• Participate in scholarly meetings and assist in presenting information at Press editorial, transmittal, and Board meetings.
• May solicit formal review of manuscripts.
• 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.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees