
**Department**Press Books Acquisitions**About the Department**The Books Division of the University of Chicago Press has been publishing books for scholars, students, and general readers since 1892. Its mission is to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard, promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life. The Press’s acquisitions editors acquire and develop books that fulfill this mission, working closely with authors, agents, and institutions.**Job Summary**The University of Chicago Press seeks an Associate Editor to acquire books in the fields of music and media studies. The acquisitions editor will recruit authors, select manuscripts, and manage peer review, contributing to a publishing program known for its high scholarly standards and wide cultural impact. In music, the editor will acquire books that build on the Press’s areas of strength, including classical music, ethnomusicology, and popular music. In media studies, the editor will expand the Press’s offerings in film and screen studies, sound studies, digital media and platform studies, and related areas. Across these fields, the editor will shape a coherent and dynamic program of scholarly, trade, and course books. The editor coordinates with other Press departments to manage projects throughout their lifecycle.**Responsibilities*** Solicits, commissions, and evaluates projects in assigned subject areas, acquiring 15-25 books per year (depending on level of experience) to meet fiscal goals of department. Develops publication proposals including descriptions of books, assessments of review processes, evaluations of market viability, profit and loss analyses, and royalty arrangements. Presents proposals to editorial committee and faculty Board of Publications.* Develops network of authors and advisers within the relevant professional and academic fields. Analyzes and interprets advice from qualified academic referees and arranges formal reviews.* Uses in-depth knowledge of publication business to propose contract terms to management and negotiates contracts with authors, agents, and co-publishers for books acquired.* Collaborates with other Press departments to ensure that accepted books are given the appropriate level of editing, design, production, and marketing. Acts as a representative for the Press at scholarly and publishing meetings globally.* Supervises and mentors an editorial associate jointly with another editor.* Participates in the acquisition of new publications by acting as a liaison among acquisitions editors, authors and reviewers as well as other press departments with direction from others. Collects confidential materials and maintains the database of proposals and manuscripts under review.* Has a moderate/high level of authority to plan book estimates, budgets, contracts and proposals.* Performs other related work as needed.**Minimum Qualifications****Education:**Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.**Work Experience:**Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.**Certifications:****---****Preferred Qualifications****Education:*** Bachelor's degree.* Advance degree.**Experience:*** Three years full-time experience in a book acquisitions program, including experience independently sponsoring individual book projects.* Proven knowledge of book publishing and a record engaging and cultivating the ideas of scholar-authors.**Technical Knowledge or Skills:*** Excellent computer skills in PC environment and knowledge of Microsoft Word.* Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and database skills.**Preferred Competencies*** Familiarity with themes and trends current in the humanities.* Understanding of broad trends in scholarly and trade publishing.* Intellectual and entrepreneurial skills to develop book projects that contribute to the Press’s editorial profile and financial health.* Excellent verbal, analytical, critical-thinking, and negotiation skills.* Strong time-management skills, including ability to meet deadlines, set priorities among projects, and manage correspondence efficiently and decisively.* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build close working relationships with colleagues and larger academic and publishing communities.* Understanding of industry standards for book acquisitions, including familiarity with peer review, rights, and digital publishing environment.* Proficiency with computers, including ability to adapt quickly to new electronic systems and tools.**Working Conditions*** Domestic and occasionally international travel.**Application Documents*** Resume (required)* Cover Letter (required)When applying, the document(s) **MUST** be uploaded via the **My Experience** page, in the section titled **Application Documents** of the application.**Job Family**Communications**Role Impact**Individual Contributor**Scheduled** **Weekly Hours**37.5**Drug Test Required**No**Health Screen Required**No**Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required**No**Pay Rate Type**Salary
**FLSA Status**Exempt
**Pay Range**$51,850.00 - $67,100.00The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.**Benefits Eligible**YesThe University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the**Posting Statement**The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.
A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.
Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world.We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government.To learn more about the university click here #J-18808-Ljbffr
**FLSA Status**Exempt
**Pay Range**$51,850.00 - $67,100.00The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.**Benefits Eligible**YesThe University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the**Posting Statement**The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.
A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.
Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world.We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government.To learn more about the university click here #J-18808-Ljbffr