Acquisitions Editor

Harvard University FAS Human Resources; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan contributions

Wellbeing resources

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Commuter benefits and campus perks

Job summary

Harvard Education Press (HEP), affiliated with the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, seeks an Acquisitions Editor to acquire 15–20 titles annually across education research, policy, and practice.

The role partners with an editorial team to shape our program, develops proposals through peer review, and guides authors from contract to publication while managing interns and freelance support as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of related professional experience in publishing and/or education.
• Cover letter must be supplied in addition to resume.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Academic/professional publishing background strongly preferred, with a track record of acquisitions.
• Knowledge of the education sector (K-12 and higher education) is strongly preferred.
• Remote applicants are considered, but Cambridge presence 3 days/week is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Acquire 15-20 academic/professional and/or trade titles per year in education research, policy, and practice.
• Solicit, develop, and evaluate proposals with editorial colleagues; manage peer review.
• Present proposals to the Editorial Advisory Board and build publishing lists.
• Develop manuscripts with authors and collaborate with production for workflow.
• Coordinate with marketing and sales to reach target readerships and manage interns.

Skills

Editorial judgment

Communication skills

Networking abilities

Initiative

Self-motivated

Interpersonal skills

Collaborative / team oriented

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Education?

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Harvard Education Press (HEP) is a mission-driven, independent, university press affiliated with the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Founded in 2002, the Press is overseen by an editorial advisory board drawn from the HGSE faculty and affiliated practitioners, and peer review is at the heart of our publishing process. The HEP offices are adjacent to campus in the heart of Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.

Our mission is to provide practitioners and policymakers with the knowledge, tools, and information they need to understand and address the educational issues facing our society today and tomorrow. As a forum for the variety of thought in the field, we drive the conversation about education.
HEP is seeking an Acquisitions Editor to acquire books on critical issues in education, books which translate educational research into practice, and books on education for a general audience. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the discipline of education, experience in academic and/or trade publishing, editorial expertise, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to advancing the mission of Harvard Education Press.

... The Acquisitions Editor will be responsible for acquiring 15-20 titles per year and will work closely with the editorial team and Executive Editor to help shape our evolving program. Part of what makes HEP unique is the close, collaborative editorial relationship authors can expect in working with us—the Acquisitions Editor is therefore responsible for developing the titles they sign, from contract to publication. The Acquisitions Editor will also help manage a talented team of interns and freelance support as needed.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Acquisitions Editor is expected to acquire 15-20 academic/professional and/or trade books per year in the fields of education research, policy, and practice. HEP receives many unsolicited proposals. Half of the acquisitions editor’s signings each year must be commissioned by the editor.

The Acquisitions Editor will contribute to the HEP editorial program by maintaining and expanding current publishing lists and identifying new areas of interest. The current publishing program strengths include such areas as educational leadership, instructional improvement, race and equity in education, and education policy.

The Acquisitions Editor solicits, develops, and evaluates proposals in consultation with editorial colleagues; identifies appropriate reviewers and manages the peer review process; and presents proposals to the HEP Editorial Advisory Board.

The Acquisitions Editor works with authors to develop and revise both proposals and manuscripts to ensure they incorporate feedback from peer reviewers and meet Press standards.

The Acquisitions Editor works closely with colleagues in production to ensure a smooth workflow and consults regularly with colleagues in marketing and sales to ensure books reach their target readerships.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of related professional experience in publishing and/or education.
• Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume showing that they meet the required basic qualifications.
• Occasional travel required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Academic/professional publishing background strongly preferred, with a track record of outstanding acquisitions. Knowledge of the education sector, including current research and issues in K-12 and higher education strongly preferred. Proven editorial judgment; excellent communication and networking abilities; proven initiative; self-motivated with ability to work independently; strong interpersonal skills; collaborative and team oriented. HEP will consider remote applicants, however, the ability to come into the Cambridge offices 3 days per week is strongly preferred.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $80,000 - $87,000commensurate with experience
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Harvard is an equal opportunity employer. Equal employment opportunity is a big challenge for us.