Assistant Editor

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Tuition assistance

Retirement plans

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University Press Acquisitions Department is seeking an Assistant Editor to provide administrative and editorial support to designated senior editors. You will help prepare manuscripts, develop metadata for backlist titles, and solicit forewords for new editions, while collaborating with the Editorial Director on initiatives.

With three or more years of related experience and strong writing/computer skills, you will contribute to successful book development.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of related experience.
• Must have demonstrated excellent writing and computer skills.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office suite and basic editorial workflows.

Responsibilities

• Assists acquisitions editors with manuscript preparation packets.
• Helps prepare for Editorial and Syndics/Lookahead meetings and triannual Marketing Launch Meetings.
• Assists editors through the peer review process and with fact sheets, design briefs, and author questionnaires.
• May supervise backlist republication projects and solicit forewords for new editions.
• Coordinates deadlines and communicates progress with editors, authors, translators, and designers.

Skills

Editing

Writing

Communication

Organization

MS Office

Education

College degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Planner

Adobe

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 Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

Reporting to the Editorial Director and the Director of Special Initiatives within the Harvard University Press Acquisitions Department, the Assistant Editor provides administrative and editorial support to designated senior editors while contributing to the successful development and publication of scholarly books. The role collaborates with the Editorial Director on select backlist republication projects, rewrites copy, develops metadata for selected backlist titles, and solicits forewords for new editions of classic works. Following a period of training, the Assistant Editor also assists the Editorial Director with special initiatives.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Assists acquisitions editors with preparation of manuscript considerations packets for the Acquisitions Planner workflow.
• Assists acquisitions editors and Editorial Director to prepare for the monthly Syndics Meeting, Editorial Meeting, and Lookahead Meeting, and the triannual Marketing Launch Meetings.
• Assists editors with entire peer review process.
• Assists editors with preparation of fact sheets, design briefs, and solicit author questionnaires.
• May solicit advance endorsements for books. Coordinates with editors and Editorial Director to finalize back ads order and other metadata, as needed.
• May proofread front matter, descriptive copy, and jacket mechanicals.
• Coordinates and monitors deadlines, collaborates with authors, translators, mapmakers, and illustrators to ensure that final manuscripts and artwork meet HUP’s requirements; provides Editorial Director, editors, and other relevant colleagues in the Press with updates on project progress, expected dates, and manuscript elements.
• Tracks design elements and technical problems in manuscripts; works with authors, editors, and relevant Press staff to eliminate problems to keep books on schedule.
• In collaboration with editors, prepares manuscript for timely and complete transmittal to the copyeditorial department (using HUP’s “turnover” memo) in accordance with internal guidelines.
• Drafts correspondence as needed.
• Maintains book files; scans and saves material to servers; uses Biblio Publishing Management System and Digital Asset Management system to track seasonal lists.
• May prepare Contract Request Forms.
• May assist with travel arrangements and process travel expenses.
• May travel to scholarly conferences.
• Performs clerical duties, including processing departmental forms, mailing, photocopying, faxing, paying bills, as needed.
• Assists members of the Acquisitions Department as needed in support of the department goals as determined by manager.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications are the minimum requirements a candidate must meet to be considered for this role.

• Three or more years of related experience. Education beyond high school may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

College degree strongly preferred. Must have demonstrated excellent writing and computer skills. Must be organized, accurate, detail-oriented, diplomatic, and familiar with the Microsoft suite of products. Related acquisitions editorial experience, some knowledge of the book publishing industry, or related media, familiarity with academic journals, relevant language expertise, and proven academic research skills a plus.

Competencies: Written and verbal communication skills; proficiency with common business software (Word, Excel, Planner, PowerPoint, Adobe, etc.), ability to set priorities, multitask, and work independently.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings:Identity
• Other Information:
  • This position will have a 3-month orientation and review period.

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 054. 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.