Associate Editor
The University of Chicago

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

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

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Advance 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 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.

Preferred Competencies

• 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 with colleagues and larger academic and publishing communities.
• Understanding of industry standards for book acquisitions, including familiarity with peer review, rights, and digital publishing environment.
• Proficiency with computers, including ability to adapt quickly to new electronic systems and tools.

Working Conditions

• Domestic and occasionally international travel.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

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
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$51,850.00 - $67,100.00
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.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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