Editorial Associate II

Department

Press Books Acquisitions: Sub E

About the Department

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.

Job Summary

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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

Work Experience:

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

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.  
• Graduate work and familiarity with scholarly books.  

Experience:

• At least two years experience in publishing, preferably in books.
• Experience working with illustrations and permissions.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Excellent computer skills in PC environment and knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Adobe Photoshop skills.

Preferred Competencies

• 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.

Working Conditions

• Ability to concentrate and use computers intensively within a standard work station environment.
• Requires some domestic travel.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$20.49 - $26.51

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

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.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

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