Acquisitions Editor Job at University of Utah in Salt Lake City

Open Date 03/21/2025

Requisition Number PRN41466B

Job Title Acquisitions Editor

Working Title Acquisitions Editor

Job Grade E

FLSA Code Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

Monday through Friday standard work hours, plus conference travel and attendance as needed.

VP Area Academic Affairs

Department 00338 - University Press

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range $55,000 - $62,000

Close Date 05/02/2025

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) 04/07/2025

Job Summary

The University of Utah Press is seeking candidates interested in a career in scholarly publishing, who understand the intricacies of manuscript acquisitions, have exceptional language and communication skills, and would enjoy a collegial work environment at the University of Utah Press. The Press is located in the Marriott Library, at the heart of the U of U campus, and publishes up to thirty new titles annually in such varied disciplines as archaeology and anthropology, American Indian studies, Mormon studies, religious studies, folklore, western and Utah history, environmental studies and sustainability, natural history, nature writing, linguistics, creative nonfiction, and poetry. The work is intellectually stimulating and challenging, requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, demands the ability to assess manuscripts across a variety of academic disciplines, and is rewarding for those who are devoted to the world of print and electronic publishing. This position is currently designed as a hybrid of on-campus and remote work and will be expected to work regularly in the Press’s office. Specific telecommuting arrangements will be based on the needs of the position and authorized at the discretion of the supervisor, but this position is expected on work on campus three days per week.

We seek qualified applicants who bring perspectives and experiences that will enrich and strengthen our organization and enhance our commitment to access and belonging. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those who may not have followed a traditional educational or professional path.

Responsibilities

This is a highly responsible and significant Press position that requires knowledge, tact, and the ability to work autonomously in order to solicit, assess, and develop manuscript submissions for eventual publication. The successful candidate will attend academic meetings and conferences to seek manuscripts and meet with potential authors; review current literature in appropriate academic fields in order to remain current with those fields and with an eye toward potential projects; cultivate a community of knowledgeable contacts in selected disciplines for purposes of submissions, peer reviews, and networking; work directly with potential authors; and work with the Press director, senior editor, and other staff in structuring the Press’s publishing program. This position requires familiarity with assigned disciplines, the ability to match market needs and assess potential sales; and the ability to develop and deliver an annual minimum of ten to fifteen completed manuscripts within budget and on schedule.

The successful candidate will:

• work closely with the Press’s senior editor to create two seasonal catalogs by assigned disciplines.
• review manuscript submissions for quality of content and style of work and writing, assess appropriateness for the Press publication program, select appropriate peer reviewers, follow-up with authors to develop revision plans and assess revisions, and track schedules.
• present peer-reviewed manuscripts for faculty advisory committee (FAC) approval.
• prepare budget documents and obtain subvention or grant monies as necessary.
• work with outside series editors to acquire manuscripts for two Press series: the University of Utah Anthropological Papers (UUAP) and Inclusive Anthropologies.
• oversee the Press’s Open Access program, including but not limited to choosing and submitting projects to JSTOR’s Path to Open program on a twice-yearly basis.

The successful candidate must be able to work collegially in an academic environment and possess exceptional communications skills and tact.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in history, humanities, social sciences, archaeology or anthropology, or interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary fields related to the Press’s publication disciplines, plus three years related publishing experience or equivalency required. Demonstrated ability to work independently required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communications skills are requisite.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Master’s degree in history, humanities, social sciences, archaeology or anthropology, or interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary fields related to the Press’s publication disciplines, plus five years related publishing experience or equivalency. Demonstrated ability to work independently required. Exceptional human relations and communications skills are requisite.

Special Instructions Summary

All applications received by April 7, 2025 will receive full consideration.

Out-of-area candidates may need to be available to travel to Salt Lake City within 5-7 days of notice for final in-person interviews if selected. Out-of-state candidates will be expected to relocate to Utah if selected to fill the position. Temporary remote work outside the State of Utah pending a relocation may be approved for up to 60 days.

When prompted to do so, please upload three (3) professional references.

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status.