Senior Acquisitions Editor

Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MIT Press in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Senior Acquisitions Editor to strategically acquire and develop trade, professional, and scholarly books in education, technology, computer science and social sciences.

You will manage a project pipeline, work with authors and peer reviewers, oversee a backlist, and build relationships with MIT faculty and external advisors to grow the MITP portfolio. Hybrid work option available.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of book acquisitions experience in education, technology, or related fields.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of publishing contracts and terms.

Responsibilities

• Strategically acquire and develop trade, AcTrade, professional, and scholarly books.
• Manage a pipeline of projects and collaborate with authors and peer reviewers.
• Oversee backlist projects and maintain primary contact with authors.
• Build robust relationships with MIT faculty and external advisors and authors.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Discretion and judgment

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Advanced degree (preferred)

Job description

Posting Description

SENIOR ACQUISITIONS EDITOR, MIT Press, will strategically acquire and develop Trade, AcTrade, professional, and scholarly books on significant topics in education, technology, computer science and social sciences, as determined by signing goals. They will manage a pipeline of projects and work with authors and peer reviewers to develop the highest quality manuscripts for general readership, professionals, and academics. They will actively oversee a backlist of projects and serve as the primary point of contact with authors. With a focus on high-impact trade titles as well as professional and scholarly works, the Senior Acquisitions Editor will establish robust relationships with MIT faculty members and wider networks of advisors and prospective authors. They will exercise good judgment to promote the growth and continued success of this dynamic MITP portfolio.

Job Requirements

• REQUIRED : Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent
• a minimum of five years of book acquisitions experience, preferably in a related field
• strong track record of book acquisitions, including trade books
• excellent written and verbal communication skills
• strong negotiation skills
• knowledge of publishing contracts and terms
• knowledge of the higher education community
• ability to work with academic authors
• deals with confidential information and/or issues using discretion and judgment and Campus and conference travel
• PREFERRED : Advanced degree

The MIT Press is based in Cambridge, MA. MIT Press offers a hybrid work environment. This position can be fully remote, partially remote, or fully onsite.

10/8/2026