University of Utah

Acquisitions Editor

Salt Lake City, UT, US

$62k
about 1 month ago
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Summary

Job Summary

The University of Utah Press is seeking candidates interested in a career in scholarly publishing, who understand the intricacies of manuscript acquisitions, have exceptional language and communication skills, and would enjoy a collegial work environment at the University of Utah Press. The Press is located in the Marriott Library, at the heart of the U of U campus, and publishes up to thirty new titles annually in such varied disciplines as archaeology and anthropology, American Indian studies, Mormon studies, religious studies, folklore, western and Utah history, environmental studies and sustainability, natural history, nature writing, linguistics, creative nonfiction, and poetry. The work is intellectually stimulating and challenging, requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, demands the ability to assess manuscripts across a variety of academic disciplines, and is rewarding for those who are devoted to the world of print and electronic publishing. This position is currently designed as a hybrid of on-campus and remote work and will be expected to work regularly in the Press's office. Specific telecommuting arrangements will be based on the needs of the position and authorized at the discretion of the supervisor, but this position is expected on work on campus three days per week.

We seek qualified applicants who bring perspectives and experiences that will enrich and strengthen our organization and enhance our commitment to access and belonging. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those who may not have followed a traditional educational or professional path.

The University will not sponsor a work visa for this position.

Responsibilities

This is a highly responsible and significant Press position that requires knowledge, tact, and the ability to work autonomously in order to solicit, assess, and develop manuscript submissions for eventual publication. The successful candidate will attend academic meetings and conferences to seek manuscripts and meet with potential authors; review current literature in appropriate academic fields in order to remain current with those fields and with an eye toward potential projects; cultivate a community of knowledgeable contacts in selected disciplines for purposes of submissions, peer reviews, and networking; work directly with potential authors; and work with the Press director, senior editor, and other staff in structuring the Press's publishing program. This position requires familiarity with assigned disciplines, the ability to match market needs and assess potential sales; and the ability to develop and deliver an annual minimum of ten to fifteen completed manuscripts within budget and on schedule.

The Successful Candidate Will

  • work closely with the Press's senior editor to create two seasonal catalogs by assigned disciplines.
  • review manuscript submissions for quality of content and style of work and writing, assess appropriateness for the Press publication program, select appropriate peer reviewers, follow-up with authors to develop revision plans and assess revisions, and track schedules.
  • present peer-reviewed manuscripts for faculty advisory committee (FAC) approval.
  • prepare budget documents and obtain subvention or grant monies as necessary.
  • work with outside series editors to acquire manuscripts for two Press series: the University of Utah Anthropological Papers (UUAP) and Inclusive Anthropologies.
  • oversee the Press's Open Access program, including but not limited to choosing and submitting projects to JSTOR's Path to Open program on a twice-yearly basis.

The successful candidate must be able to work collegially in an academic environment and possess exceptional communications skills and tact.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in history, humanities, social sciences, archaeology or anthropology, or interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary fields related to the Press's publication disciplines, plus three years related publishing experience or equivalency required. Demonstrated ability to work independently required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communications skills are requisite.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Master's degree in history, humanities, social sciences, archaeology or anthropology, or interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary fields related to the Press's publication disciplines, plus five years related publishing experience or equivalency. Demonstrated ability to work independently required. Exceptional human relations and communications skills are requisite.

The duties, qualifications, and preferences listed in this posting are intended to give applicants an understanding of the role we are seeking to fill and the types of skills, experience, and education that may have prepared someone to be effective in this role. We do not expect any candidate to be a perfect match for this list or to perform all of the duties with equal proficiency on day one. In your resume and cover letter, please highlight the most relevant qualifications you would bring to this position based on the posting, and tell us how your background, perspective, and experience will help us fulfill our mission and meet our goals.

Special Instructions

All applications received by April 7, 2025 will receive full consideration.

Out-of-area candidates may need to be available to travel to Salt Lake City within 5-7 days of notice for final in-person interviews if selected. Out-of-state candidates will be expected to relocate to Utah if selected to fill the position. Temporary remote work outside the State of Utah pending a relocation may be approved for up to 60 days.

When prompted to do so, please upload three (3) professional references.

Requisition Number: PRN41466B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary: Monday through Friday standard work hours, plus conference travel and attendance as needed.

Department: 00338 - University Press

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: $55,000 - $62,000

Close Date: 5/2/2025

Open Until Filled

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/180186

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