Acquisitions Editor, Penn State University Press

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State University Press seeks an experienced and driven Acquisitions Editor to join a collaborative team of editors acquiring balanced and innovative lists of top-quality scholarly and trade titles.

The Acquisitions Editor will be responsible for acquiring and transmitting into production 20-25 new book titles per year in their assigned list areas in the humanities and social sciences. This includes but is not limited to the fields of rhetoric and Africana studies.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Solicit and evaluate book proposals and manuscripts within assigned list areas, assessing scholarly quality, alignment with the Press's program, and market potential.

• Follow best practices for peer review, secure external readers for projects under consideration and advise authors on any necessary post-review revisions.

• Present new project proposals for committee approval, and draft and negotiate author contracts.

• Prepare final manuscripts for production, vetting final revisions and assuring conformity of manuscript and illustration program to house standards, working with the author to secure any necessary third-party permissions and/or publication subsidies.

• Oversee the work of a part-time editorial assistant.

Position also includes travel to 4-6 academic conferences per year, with some weekend travel expected. Conference work typically involves lifting boxes of books weighing roughly 20 pounds.

Qualifications:

• Experience working in an acquisitions capacity in book publishing

• Outstanding networking abilities with scholars

• An understanding of the mechanics of list-building related both to established lists and to new areas of acquisition

• An awareness of the finances of book publishing, including experience drafting new title Profit and Loss (P&L) statements, as well as a general understanding of the challenges facing academic publishing today

• Excellent communication and critical thinking skills; ability to adapt effectively to challenges and changing priorities

• Inclusive and respectful when working with or interacting with others

Applicants must have basic proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel and Adobe Acrobat and be willing to learn other job-related software, such as other Microsoft applications.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Application Instructions:

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter.

Additional Information:

The University Libraries is supportive of flexible work arrangements, such as remote or hybrid work opportunities, when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work and/or remote arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Remote workers may be required to travel periodically to the University Press offices at Penn State's University Park campus.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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