Senior Acquiring Editor for Political and Social Sciences - Full-time / Part-time

How to Apply A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position, include your salary requirements, and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary Founded in 1930, the University of Michigan Press is a nonprofit scholarly publisher that publishes around 100 new books annually, mostly academic monographs. With around 2,500 titles in print, the University of Michigan Press is best known for its publications in classical studies, political science, the performing arts, and the natural history and culture of the Upper Midwest. It also has distinguished publication lists in Asian studies, German studies, African studies, and Disability studies. The Digital Culture Books imprint is a leader in innovative digital scholarship. English Language Teaching (ELT) is a separate division of the Press, respected globally for its language teaching materials and study guides. The Press is an integral part of Michigan Publishing , the publishing division of the University of Michigan Library .

The University of Michigan Library in Ann Arbor is one of the largest university library systems in the United States, holding more than 8.5 million volumes. Each year, the University Library, with locations across the Ann Arbor campus, adds the equivalent of 2.5 miles of new material to one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of any academic library in the world.

As a key member of the acquiring team, the Senior Editor will be responsible for the ongoing growth and development of the University of Michigan Press' book lists in political science, governance, and law, in addition to seeking opportunities to expand into other social science disciplines. The Senior Editor will commission, select, and evaluate manuscripts to cultivate an intellectually robust and sustainable program of projects for scholars, students, and professionals in these fields. The editor will be expected to sign 20 to 25 new books annually, in keeping with signing goals set each year. The editor will work closely with other departments to manage projects from acquisition to publication, including Michigan Publishing Services and Deep Blue .

The University of Michigan Library and Michigan Publishing is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the library's mission.

Responsibilities* Sign 20-25 new book contracts per year, in line with a coherent, intellectually robust, growth-oriented plan for political and social science book lists.

Coordinate the schedules of book titles under contract to ensure that authors meet agreed-upon deadlines to facilitate timely publication.

Work closely with series editors to ensure that they continue to foster work that is innovative and respected in the field.

Develop productive and collegial working relationships with key faculty both locally and at other campuses.

Remain current with publishing trends and developments within the social sciences in order to incubate new publishing ideas and contribute to the development of long-term Press strategy.

Manage all necessary editorial aspects of the publishing process while working closely, collaboratively and collegially with colleagues in the editorial department as well as the sales and marketing, production, technology, and finance departments.

Oversee the work of the Editorial Associate assigned to help manage the book lists.

Required Qualifications* Bachelor's degree; social sciences preferred; and five years of experience in a publishing field or equivalent combination of experience and education.

Track record of success as an acquisitions editor; scholarly publishing experience preferred.

Ability to work collaboratively with leadership and staff in all departments of a publishing operation, including editorial, sales and marketing, production, technology, and finance.

Excellent communication skills both written and oral.

Solid grasp of publishing finances and of the scholarly book market.

Ability and willingness to travel to professional conferences and to other campuses. Travel is anticipated to be about 20%.

Understands and values diversity and the importance of inclusion as demonstrated through a commitment to apply and incorporate the differences, complexities, and opportunities that diversity brings to an organization.

Desired Qualifications* Advanced degree in the humanities or social sciences preferred.

Interest in expanding Michigan's book list into related social science disciplines as resources permit.

Interest in new forms of digital scholarship and alternative (e.g., open access) business models.

Additional Information The University of Michigan offers excellent benefits and wellness opportunities .This position receives 24 days of vacation a year, and 15 days of sick leave a year with provisions for extended benefits, as well as opportunities for professional development and travel. TIAA-CREF and Fidelity Investments retirement options available.

The person in this position occasionally moves through the building to attend meetings/events and access files or information and occasionally ascend/descends short flights of stairs to different floors of the building.

Application Deadline Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

U-M EEO/AA Statement The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.