Department
 

Press Books Acquisitions

About the Department
 

Since its origins in 1890 as one of the three main divisions of the University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Press has embraced as its mission the obligation to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard and to publish serious works that promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life. Through our books and journals, we seek not only to advance scholarly conversation within and across traditional disciplines but, in keeping with the University of Chicago's experimental tradition, to help define new areas of knowledge and intellectual endeavor.

Job Summary
 

The Senior Editorial Associate and Acquisitions Department Coordinator (EA) works with the Editorial Director in administering the acquisitions department of the Press’s Books Division. The EA manages daily operation of the Editorial Director’s office, identifies and resolves administrative problems, monitors and reconciles accounts, coordinates logistics of events, and assists the Editorial Director in developing departmental goals and policies. The EA also participates in the acquisition of books in the humanities, assisting the Editorial Director in project approvals at editorial committee meetings and other stages of review.

Responsibilities

Acts as the Editorial Director’s liaison with other Press departments (design, editing, production, marketing).

Refines best practices for departmental workflow.

Guides department staff in use of systems including the University’s Oracle financial system and the Press Books Division database.

Prepares agendas and minutes, and manages logistics, for biweekly editorial committee and launch meetings.

Manages all book award submissions.

Coordinates production schedule tracking on behalf of department.

Manages departmental calendar, setting dates for key meetings.

Maintains online procedural handbook for department and writes cogent notifications to staff about new procedures.

Manages author portal for book abstracts and keywords.

Reviews University financial reports for correct budgetary allocations.

Coordinates student assistants and multiple internship programs.

Has a moderate/high level of authority to plan book estimates, budgets, contracts and proposals.

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.

Participate in scholarly meetings and assist in presenting information at Press editorial, transmittal, and Board meetings. May solicit formal review of manuscripts.

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

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

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

Two or more years of work in publishing.

 Experience in scholarly book acquisitions and administrative work.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

Proficiency in word-processing and spreadsheet programs. 

Familiarity with Office 365 applications.

Preferred Competencies

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Interpersonal skills.

Attention to detail.

Organizational skills.

Respond quickly and appropriately to emails and queries.

Maintain confidentiality.

Work as part of a team.

Work independently with a high degree of initiative.

Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

Manage stressful situations.

Knowledge of database, word processing, and spreadsheet software.

Ability to represent organizations positively to internal and external clients.

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

FLSA Status
 

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.

 

Staff 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.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

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.

 

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