Editorial Assistant

Laseagrant; Urbana, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Job summary

The University of Illinois invites applications for a full-time Civil Service Editorial Assistant in the Center for Children’s Books. The role manages editorial tasks, from proofreading to indexing, and supports publishers and reviewers to ensure timely publication, with a strong emphasis on organization and communication.

The position offers hybrid work options after training, with a salary range of $48,000 to $55,419, and requires residency considerations for Illinois.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent plus 1 year editorial experience or coursework.
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or related field preferred.
• Experience with editorial and proofreading tasks and knowledge of style guides (AP, Chicago).

Responsibilities

• Copy editing, proofreading, and indexing of Bulletin content.
• Maintain editorial calendar and update website/social media.
• Coordinate with editor, reviewers, and publishers to meet deadlines.
• Plan and execute Center for Children’s Book book sales with staff.
• Support Center for Children’s Books and campus libraries in editorial tasks.

Skills

Editing & proofreading

Editorial workflow

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in English or related field

Two years copy editing experience (preferred)

Tools

FileMaker Pro

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Office

Google Drive

Box

Job description

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

• 1. High school graduation or equivalent
• 2. Any one or any combination of the following, totaling one (1) year (12 months), from the categories below:
• 1. experience in editorial and proofreading work
• 2. 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.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .