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Managing Editor, Studies in the Novel

University of North Texas - Denton, Houston, TX, United States


Title:

Managing Editor, Studies in the Novel

Employee Classification:

Managing Editor

Campus:

University of North Texas

Division:

UNT-Provost

SubDivision-Department:

UNT-College of Lib Arts & Soc Sci

Department:

UNT-English-121600

Job Location:

Denton

Salary:

$56,640

FTE:

1.000000

Retirement Eligibility:

TRS Eligible

Department Summary The study of English language and literature provides students with an intellectual foundation that will permanently enrich their lives and prepare them for a wide variety of professional paths. Our department features courses in British, American, and anglophone literature; in the art of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction; and in rhetoric and composition. All of these classes foster intellectual independence and help students develop the skills of thinking critically, reading deeply, and writing clearly.

Position Overview This position performs specialized professional duties required to manage and coordinate all operations related to the timely publication of Studies in the Novel, an internationally recognized, peer‑reviewed quarterly journal housed in the Department of English. Responsibilities include overseeing editorial workflows, coordinating journal staff and stakeholders, managing production schedules, administering budget and financial processes, and supporting the journal's digital and print presence. The position serves as the primary liaison among editors, authors, reviewers, publishers, and university personnel worldwide; monitors manuscript submission, peer review, revision, and book review processes; performs copyediting and proofreading; processes financial transactions including deposits and payments; and ensures the successful production and dissemination of each issue.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of professional related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of professional editorial standards, scholarly publishing practices, manuscript preparation requirements, and peer‑review workflows.

Advanced knowledge of English grammar, composition, copyediting, proofreading, and documentation styles, including MLA and related academic citation standards.

Ability to review manuscripts and editorial materials for completeness, formatting, style compliance, consistency, and production readiness.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to correspond professionally with authors, reviewers, editors, publishers, and university stakeholders.

Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, production cycles, and competing priorities with a high degree of accuracy.

Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy when working with internal and external constituents.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a collaborative, deadline‑driven environment.

Knowledge of budgetary, financial, and administrative processes such as payments, deposits, and record‑keeping.

Proficiency with office productivity software, database systems, web content platforms, and manuscript management systems.

Ability to work independently, solve problems proactively, and adapt to changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications Master's degree or PhD in English or a related field.

Previous experience managing a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal or working within academic publishing.

Proficiency with MLA style and a high level of attention to detail in copyediting and proofreading.

Job Duties

Oversee the complete production cycle for four issues annually; copyedit 4‑5 scholarly articles and 8‑10 book reviews per issue according to MLA and house style, submit final files to Johns Hopkins University Press (JHUP), and conduct final proofreads of all page proofs.

Serve as the primary point of contact for all stakeholders, including submitting authors, peer reviewers, contributors, UNT faculty, and JHUP staff, by composing and answering journal emails and diplomatically directing the workflow of the editorial board and guest editors to ensure deadlines are met.

Manage the ScholarOne/Manuscript Central submission portal: process new and revised submissions, invite peer reviewers, and monitor the review process to maintain a timely review pipeline.

Collaborate with the Editor‑in‑Chief to contribute to the long‑term vision, brand identity, and mission of the journal; coordinate the annual special issue, creating timelines and liaising with guest editors from inception to publication.

Manage the journal budget in consultation with the Editor‑in‑Chief; process requisitions, handle periodic check deposits, and coordinate with JHUP to ensure long‑term financial stability and cost‑effectiveness.

Maintain the journal's website and digital archives; incorporate multimedia content such as podcasts; manage the journal's social media presence (Facebook, BlueSky) and post calls for papers or special issue proposals.

Maintain, update, and utilize the journal's digital presence in harmony with its print identity.

Support the Book Review Editor(s) by managing book review offers and coordinating the review pipeline; maintain records of article acceptances and manage publishing agreements between authors and the press.

Physical Requirements Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule M-F 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (flexible).

Driving University Vehicle No.

Security Sensitive This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of the application, along with a cover letter and a resume detailing experience with scholarly publishing, editorial workflows, and project management.

Benefits Information regarding benefits is available upon request.

EEO Statement The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit — and takes actions to prevent — discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.

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