Administrative Assistant, Editorial Coordinator

Smith College; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith College in Northampton, MA is seeking an Editorial Office Assistant for Meridians: feminism, race, transnationalism. You will be the first point of contact for authors, reviewers, and the press, and will support publication, communications, and events with professionalism and integrity.

You will coordinate workflow with editors, reviewers, and publishers, oversee publicity materials, and assist with schedules, newsletters, and campus collaborations.

Qualifications

• BA in WGSS, area studies, race & ethnicity, cultural studies, or similar.
• Minimum two years publishing/academic experience.
• Experience with budget management and communications via print, web and social media.
• Experience with undergraduates and faculty to support learning, teaching, and/or research.

Responsibilities

• Editorial operations: coordinate publication workflow and production of the journal.
• Coordinate submissions, peer reviewers, dispositions, and copyright agreements.
• Manage communications for publishers, the editorial board, and contributors.
• Oversee monthly Meridians newsletter, publicity, and social media content.
• Support events, intercampus, and alumnae communications; liaison with campus departments.
• Provide executive assistant support to the Editor as needed.

Skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Communication

Editorial coordination

Education

BA in WGSS/Related field

MA/MFA/PhD in WGSS or related field (preferred)

Tools

ScholarOne CMS

WordPress

Google Suite

Microsoft Suite

Canva

Mailchimp

Zoom/Webinar platforms

Job description

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [e-mail].

Job Summary

Support the work operations of the journal Meridians: feminism, race, transnationalism Editor(s), partnering in the timely and professional production of each issue. As the Editorial Office Assistant for the journal, serve as its first point of contact with authors, reviewers and the press, representing the journal, Smith College, and the college's academic mission with professionalism and integrity.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Editorial Operations (50%)

• Assist the Meridians Editor and the Administrative Manager in the publication of the journal.
• Coordinate workflow and communication between contributors, editor, guest editors, editorial board, and publisher.
• Coordinate all aspects of the submissions and publication process including intake, peer reviewer assignments, dispositions, auditing of Scholar One, issue content development and management, copy-editing, proof-reading, fact-checking, and copyright agreements, to ensure excellence in the quality of the publication and a high degree of professionalism in its operations.
• Respond to inquiries and provide general information for publishers, editorial board, guest editors, reviewers, and contributors.
• Perform related tasks as needed.

Communication (20%)

• Support the Meridians Editor and the Administrative Manager of the Editorial Office in sustaining the flow and quality of double-anonymized peer review, timely dispositions, issue content development, issue marketing and branding, as well as communication and collaboration with the publisher.
• Office-based communications, including dissemination of event notices across multiple platforms; serve as webmaster for the Meridians website, overseeing production of publicity and recruitment materials, including graphic design of event flyers and posters.
• Oversee the production, copyediting, and proofreading of monthly Meridians newsletter and social media content.
• Partner with other campus departments and offices in intercampus and alumnae communications.

Administrative Support (20%)

Support the Meridians Administrative Manager in the day-to-day operations and coordination of workflow of the Meridians Project, including:

• Coordination of space use, including scheduling, general maintenance, catering, set up for events, and external booking requests through 25Live.
• Hiring, training and supervising student workers as needed, including facilitation of weekly student intern meetings, in coordination with the Administrative Manager, ensuring that events are appropriately scheduled in the shared calendar, and taking notes of items presented and decided at each meeting.
• Providing coordination and administrative support for programs, events, and workshops of the Meridians Project.
• Coordination with other departments and programs on campus as appropriate and assist with college-wide events as necessary.
• Provide executive assistant support to the Editor as needed: arrange meetings, coordinate calendars, campus space, take minutes of meetings as needed; support photocopying, printing or other document publication needs for meetings; assist with provision of technical support, including supplies, equipment, and set up for events and online programming.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

• Projects that support the overall direction of the journal and its integration with the college.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

MINIMUM REQUIRED Qualifications:

• BA - Fields: WGSS, Area Studies, Race & Ethnicity, Cultural Studies, or similar
• Minimum of 2 years experience in publishing and/or academia
• Areas: Operational and transactional experience within an academic or intellectual enterprise.
• Experience with budget management and communications via print, web and social media.
• Minimum two years working with undergraduates and faculty to support their learning, teaching, and/or research preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Editorial Content Management Systems, preferably ScholarOne; Google Suite; Microsoft Suite; Wordpress or similar; Canva; Mailchimp; Zoom/webinar platforms; social media platforms

Skills:

• Excellent time management and attention to detail required

Preferred Qualifications:

• MA/MFA/pursuing Ph.D. - Fields: WGSS, Area Studies, Race & Ethnicity, Cultural Studies, or similar

Knowledge of:

• Languages beyond English

Skills:

• Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, ScholarOne CMS or equivalent, Wordpress, Mailchimp, Canva

Compensation

In addition to a competitive benefits package, pay for this role is typically between $22.30 - $27.26 hourly covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications.

Position Type

Regular

Review of applications will begin October 5, 2026.

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [e-mail].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.