Job Description:

• Supports the executive editorâ™s acquisition of 15-25 books in art and ancient studies, including maintaining database, arranging peer review, preparing materials for editorial committee and Board, and transmitting materials to editing, design and production.
• Evaluates author illustration and permission programs and directs authors on the modification and completion of these programs. 
• Compiles permission summaries and illustration logs.
• Conducts picture research and negotiates permission fees as needed.
• Independently acquires 3-5 books in art and ancient studies under the executive editorâ™s supervision.
• Studies literature in the assigned fields to learn of new work and to understand trends in the disciplines.
• Leverages and extends the executive editorâ™s network of advisors.
• Invites and evaluates appropriate proposals for review, pursues peer review with executive editorâ™s guidance.
• Presents projects at biweekly editorsâ™ meeting and seeks approval from the Press faculty board at monthly Board meetings.
• Prepares book budgets and sales projections, and proposes contract terms to Press management.
• Negotiates contracts with authors and agents for books acquired.
• Works with other Press departments to ensure that accepted books are given appropriate level of editing, design, production, and marketing.
• Presents projects at transmittal meetings, marketing/production meetings, and biannual sales meetings.
• 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.
• Analyzes author illustration and permission programs and directs authors on the modification needed. Conducts picture research and discusses contract terms and permission fees as needed. Proofreads materials circulated as part of the prepublication materials for books.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelorâ™s degree.
• Graduate degree in relevant field.

Experience:  

• Two or more years of work in book publishing.
• Background in scholarly book acquisitions and continuing education in publishing.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:  

• Proficiency in word-processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Familiarity with Office 365 applications and Adobe Photoshop.

Preferred Competencies

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills. 
• Comprehend and summarize advanced humanistic scholarship.
• Help authors organize and develop manuscripts and prepare work to Press specifications. 
• Set goals, prioritize responsibilities, work independently, and anticipate needs of supervising editor.
• Possess a collaborative spirit, diplomatic skill, independent motivation, and quickly sort and respond to a high volume of email and other communication. 

Working Conditions

• Work on-site when pandemicâ™s remote-work arrangements end.
• Some travel.
• Keyboarding.
• Filing.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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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