Editorial Assistant

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, School of Information Sciences, Center for Children’s Books, is hiring a 100% full-time Editorial Assistant to join The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. You will manage editorial tasks including tracking books and manuscripts, fact-checking, proofreading, indexing, and providing digital support while coordinating with publishers and the Editor.

The ideal candidate has strong organizational and communication skills, knowledge of children’s

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent
• 1 year total editorial or proofreading experience or coursework
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or related field preferred
• Strong organizational and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Copy editing: fact-check and proofread all submitted book reviews
• Format and maintain consistent style across content; index all content
• Maintain editorial calendar, deadlines, and correspondence
• Update website and social media; manage digital content and files
• Collaborate with editors, reviewers, publishers, and staff; assist with book sales and other tasks

Skills

Editorial & proofreading

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Excellent communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English/Journalism/Communications

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

FileMaker Pro

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Drive

Box

Job description

Editorial Assistant

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

School of Information Sciences

The Center for Children’s Books

Editorial Assistant

The School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois invites applications from qualified individuals for a 100% full-time Editorial Assistant in the Center for Children’s Books.

The iSchool at Illinois makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals through teaching, research, and public engagement. Our mission is to lead the way in understanding the use of information in science, culture, society, commerce, and the diverse activities of our daily lives. We engage in inclusive community partnerships, working beyond geographic boundaries to benefit the social good. We believe in the power of information to change the world. For more information about iSchool, visit https://ischool.illinois.edu/ .

Job Summary

The School of Information Sciences is hiring a full-time Civil Service staff to join the Center for Children’s Books as the Editorial Assistant to The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. The Editorial Assistant is a member of the Center staff and will work closely with the Editor of The Bulletin, managing editorial activities including tracking books and manuscripts, fact-checking, proofreading, and indexing; offering digital support; and communicating with publishers. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to work independently, and knowledge of children’s and young adult literature.

Specific Duties And Responsibilities

COPY EDITING (50%)

• Fact-check and proofread all submitted book reviews.
• Format and maintain consistent style across all print and digital content for the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
• Index all print and digital content for the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

WEB CONTENT (20%)

• Maintain editorial calendar, track deadlines, schedule meetings, and handle correspondence.
• Maintain and update website and social media.

COLLABORATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE WORK (25%)

• Manage files and digital content in multiple software programs.
• Communicate with editor, reviewers, and publishers to ensure workflow, consistency, and deadlines.
• Collaborate with staff of the Center for Children’s Books and campus libraries.
• Plan and execute Center for Children’s Book book sales, in collaboration with editor and other staff.

OTHER (5%)

• Duties to support the Bulletin and Center for Children’s Books, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Per SUCSS qualifications:

• High school graduation or equivalent
• Any one or any combination of the following, totaling one (1) year (12 months), from the categories below:
• experience in editorial and proofreading work
• college course work, preferably in journalism, and/or communications, English, public relations or a closely related field
• 30 semester hours equals six (6) months
• 60 semester hours or an Associate's degree equals one (1) year (12 months)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or related field
• Two years of professional copy editing or proofreading experience

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of Library of Congress subject headings and genre/form terms
• Familiarity with the publishing industry
• Familiarity with children’s and young literature
• Command of grammar and style guides (e.g., AP, Chicago)
• Knowledge and familiarity within digital file management systems (e.g., FileMaker Pro and Microsoft Access)
• Knowledge and familiarity in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, Box and other relevant software
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Editorial Assistant position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search close date. This is a bargained position and as such, the salary is driven by the collective bargaining agreement. The budgeted salary range for the position is $48,000 to $55,419. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Hybrid work options may be available for this position after an initial training period, but with the requirement that onsite availability may be needed at any time with short notice.

Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver’s License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing [e-mail].