Associate Editor

Overview

Department: Press Books Acquisitions

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: The University of Chicago Press seeks an Associate Editor to acquire books in the fields of music and media studies. The acquisitions editor will recruit authors, select manuscripts, and manage peer review, contributing to a publishing program known for its high scholarly standards and wide cultural impact. In music, the editor will acquire books that build on the Press’s areas of strength, including classical music, ethnomusicology, and popular music.

In media studies, the editor will expand the Press’s offerings in film and screen studies, sound studies, digital media and platform studies, and related areas. Across these fields, the editor will shape a coherent and dynamic program of scholarly, trade, and course books. The editor coordinates with other Press departments to manage projects throughout their lifecycle.

• Solicits, commissions, and evaluates projects in assigned subject areas, acquiring 15-25 books per year (depending on level of experience) to meet fiscal goals of department. Develops publication proposals including descriptions of books, assessments of review processes, evaluations of market viability, profit and loss analyses, and royalty arrangements. Presents proposals to editorial committee and faculty Board of Publications.
• Develops network of authors and advisers within the relevant professional and academic fields. Analyzes and interprets advice from qualified academic referees and arranges formal reviews.
• Uses in-depth knowledge of publication business to propose contract terms to management and negotiates contracts with authors, agents, and co-publishers for books acquired.
• Collaborates with other Press departments to ensure that accepted books are given the appropriate level of editing, design, production, and marketing. Acts as a representative for the Press at scholarly and publishing meetings globally.
• Supervises and mentors an editorial associate jointly with another editor.
• 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.
• Has a moderate/high level of authority to plan book estimates, budgets, contracts and proposals.
• Performs other related work as needed.

• Minimum Qualifications:
  
  A college or university degree in related field.
• Work Experience:
  
  Knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications:
  
  Preferred Qualifications –
  
  Education:
  
  Bachelor's degree;
  Advanced degree.
• Experience:
  
  Three years full-time experience in a book acquisitions program, including experience independently sponsoring individual book projects;
  Proven knowledge of book publishing and a track record engaging and cultivating the ideas of scholar-authors.
• Technical Knowledge or
  
  Skills:
  
  Excellent computer skills in PC environment and knowledge of Microsoft Word; knowledge of Microsoft Excel and database skills.

• Familiarity with themes and trends current in the humanities.
• Understanding of broad trends in scholarly and trade publishing.
• Intellectual and entrepreneurial skills to develop book projects that contribute to the Press’s editorial profile and financial health.
• Excellent verbal, analytical, critical-thinking, and negotiation skills.
• Strong time-management skills, including ability to meet deadlines, set priorities among projects, and manage correspondence efficiently and decisively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build close working relationships…