Career Center

Editorial Director, Three Hills Imprint / Senior Editor, Cornell University Press

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Cornell University Press, a distinguished publisher of academic and trade books since 1869, seeks a creative, self-motivated publishing professional to serve as Editorial Director of its Three Hills regional trade, acquiring 15+ high-impact books per year about the history and culture of New York City and State and the broader Northeast for a general readership. In addition, the Editorial Director will also acquire 5-6 scholarly monographs per year about New York State and the Northeast to complement the trade list, and they will also oversee the publication of the semiannual journal, New York History, and explore opportunities to acquire or develop other regionally focused journals. The Three Hills Editorial Director will develop and maintain relationships with local, state, and regional cultural institutions (museums, historical societies, etc.) with the aim of fostering book ideas and public programming to support the Three Hills and Cornell University Press's lists. They will also preside over the 13-person Three Hills advisory board, meeting with them (in person or virtually) at least twice a year and sharing with them the status of projects in development.

The ideal candidate should, in addition to 5-7 years of publishing experience, have extensive connections to or familiarity with New York State and/or Northeast regional cultural or historical associations or institutions. The Three Hills Editorial Director is also expected to be a leader within Cornell University Press, mentoring less-experienced staff, as well as student workers, interns, and fellows. This position will be helped by an acquisitions assistant who will also be helping one other acquisitions editor.

This is a full-time position with comprehensive benefits. The position is envisioned as a hybrid position, with the employee expected to work in person at our offices in Ithaca, NY. part of the time and work remotely (within the Continental U.S., Alaska or Hawaii) the rest of the time.

To be considered for this position you must submit both a cover letter and resume with your online application. The cover letter must include at least one paragraph describing past, present, and/or future aspirations for promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity in your career to convey how you see these commitments continuing at Cornell. Cornell University Press is committed to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and we welcome applicants who share this commitment.

Responsibilities include:

• Acquire and develop for publication 15-18 trade books about New York State and the Northeast U.S. per year.
• Acquire and develop for publication 5-6 academic monographs about New York State and the Northeast U.S. per year.
• Evaluate the quality and sales potential of prospective manuscripts and proposals; obtain outside critical appraisals from qualified advisors; and present superior projects for approval to the Three Hills advisory board (for trade books) or the CUP Faculty Editorial Board (for monographs).
• Negotiate contracts with authors, agents, and foreign publishers.
• Work closely with authors to develop and revise their manuscripts.
• Apply for title subventions and publication grants as needed.
• Guide the publication of the semiannual journal New York History.
• Explore the possibilities of acquiring or developing other regionally focused journals.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, state, and regional cultural institutions (museums, historical societies, etc.) with the aim of fostering book ideas and creating public programming to support the Three Hills and Cornell University Press's lists.
• The editor in this position will be expected to consistently meet acquisition targets set by the Editor in Chief, in consultation with the Press Director.

The editor in this position will be expected to consistently meet acquisition targets set by the Editor in Chief, in consultation with the Press Director.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum 5-7 years of publishing experience in trade or university press publishing
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies
• Demonstrated leadership experience
• Demonstrated attention to issues of diversity and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Connections to or knowledge of New York State and/or Northeast U.S. regional cultural institutions

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Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

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Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.