University of South Carolina is hiring: Acquisitions Editor in Columbia

Acquisitions Editor
Department: PROV University Press

Part/Full Time: Full Time

About UofSC
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Advertised Job Summary
The University of South Carolina Press, located in Columbia at the state's flagship university, seeks an entrepreneurial full-time Acquisitions Editor to acquire 20-25 scholarly and general interest books annually, primarily in the fields of Southern history, African American studies, and civil rights studies. We welcome applications from experienced acquisitions editors as well as individuals beginning their acquisitions journey. This is an in-person role enriched by opportunities to build professional relationships on campus, in Columbia, and throughout the state.

The University of South Carolina Press, established in 1944, is one of the oldest, most distinguished publishing houses in the American South. Our editorial profile features critically acclaimed peer-reviewed books in South Carolina and Southern history and culture, African American studies, civil rights, Southern Jewish studies, literary studies, and rhetoric and communication. We are committed to sharing select projects with the world via our open access platform, Open Carolina. We publish regional trade titles in the categories above as well as cooking, nature, and music. By publishing works that educate readers, expand scholarship, and provoke community conversations, we further the mission of the University of South Carolina.

We encourage applicants to read our vision, mission, and values statements here.

Primary responsibilities of the Acquisitions Editor

Acquisitions: Contract publishing projects in assigned fields that contribute to the Press mission of publishing premier scholarship and authentic stories. Actively solicit submissions and work closely with series editors to facilitate a steady flow of projects; evaluate solicited and unsolicited projects; manage peer review; estimate costs and revenues; identify sources of outside funding and secure grants to offset publishing expenses; present projects to internal Acquisitions Committee and faculty Press Committee.

Transmittals: Transmit manuscripts to Editorial, Design, and Production department. Ensure authors adhere to Press policies and procedures and meet deadlines; submit final manuscripts and illustrative materials to EDP for review and approval and manage authors' preparation of final files.

Positioning: Contribute to positioning of projects through seasonal presentations and copywriting, collaborating with the Marketing department.

Community engagement: Represent the Press during university, community, and professional activities, including scholarly meetings and campus visits. Events and activities may occur outside of standard work hours.

Mentorship: Supervise and mentor student interns.

Required qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a job-related field.

Two or more years of job-related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job-related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Preferred qualifications

Master's degree and two years or bachelor's degree and four years of professional work experience in book publishing and acquisitions.

Demonstrated track record of publishing acquisitions productivity and success.

Demonstrated expertise and/or interest in one or more of the primary acquisitions areas.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Application requirements
A background check is required after a conditional job offer is made.

Salary
The salary range for this position is $53,576 – $65,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

For information on benefits for University of South Carolina employees, see here.

University benefits include

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: The university offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance benefits.

Retirement: The university offers generous retirement plans, including the South Carolina State Optional Retirement Program and a Supplemental Retirement Benefits Plan (with many providers).

Paid Leave: New full-time employees accrue 15 days of annual leave per year which increases after 10 years of service. Additionally, full-time employees accrue 15 days of sick leave and receive 13 paid holidays per year.

Tuition and Professional Development: The university offers excellent tuition benefits and professional development opportunities; over the years many Press employees have taken courses and several have earned master's degrees, with the Press offering flexibility to accommodate learning schedules.

Wellness and Work-Life Resources: The university is committed to supporting faculty and staff as they balance competing demands of work and personal life. Wellness opportunities include workshops, lectures, and in-person and online programs.

About Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is a vibrant, affordable, and growing city that is home to the University of South Carolina, Fort Jackson, and the South Carolina State House. Columbia has mild winters, stunning flora, and an array of cultural amenities. The university's main quad, known as the Horseshoe, is among the most beautiful in the country. The downtown music, theatre, and arts scenes are flourishing. Excellent restaurants and shops line the city's Main Street, Vista, Five Points, and Devine Street districts, while walking and biking trails track the city's three scenic rivers. The city is also ideally located for weekend trips—90 minutes from Charlotte, 2 hours from Charleston and several of the Atlantic Ocean's most beautiful beaches, 2.5 hours from Asheville, and less than 30 minutes from Lake Murray.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree and 2 years or Bachelor's degree and 4 years professional work experience in book publishing and acquisitions.

Demonstrated track record of publishing acquisitions productivity and success.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Job Close Date
11/01/2026

Benefits Summary

Health and Life Insurance

Retirement Programs

Paid Tuition

Dependent Scholarships

Annual Leave

Sick Leave

13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)

Paid Parental Leave

Professional Development Opportunities

EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

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