Editorial Assistant, Penn State University Press

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Join the Penn State University Press as an Editorial Assistant, supporting the acquisition and development of scholarly and trade books through peer review coordination, manuscript preparation, and contract administration.

The Editorial Assistant will have the opportunity to work on book projects in a range of subject areas from highly specialized to general interest as they support two editors acquiring up to 50 new titles per year.

They will learn about all aspects of book acquisitions while gaining insight into the workings of other Press departments, including Sales and Marketing, and Editorial, Design, and Production.

This is a demanding but exciting job at a reputable university press, and excellent training for any career path in publishing.

• Manage the full peer review process for proposals and manuscripts, including recruiting reviewers, coordinating materials and deadlines, maintaining confidentiality, tracking reviews, summarizing recommendations, and initiating reviewer payments.

• Route and track new book contracts through electronic signature systems and monitor fulfillment of contractual obligations such as payments and gratis copies.

• Prepare manuscripts for production by creating castoffs, production estimates, front matter, and Profit and Loss statements; evaluating manuscript and illustration files for quality and style compliance; and organizing third-party permissions.

• Support acquisitions editors with contractual and approval workflows by preparing materials for interdepartmental and faculty board meetings, drafting cover sheets, tracking required components, and documenting meeting outcomes.

• Collaborate with editorial assistants on the hiring, training, and oversight of a departmental intern.

• Maintain accurate project records across shared drives and title management systems for all projects under consideration.

• Serve as a point of contact for authors, responding to inquiries from manuscript submission through transmittal to production.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others

• Demonstrated willingness to engage with subject matter across varied academic disciplines and fields

• Detail-oriented, efficient, organized, and able to prioritize a large volume of work effectively

• Ability to work independently with initiative in a fastpaced, deadlinedriven environment

• Capacity to collaborate effectively and contribute positively to team goals

• Ability to lead, mentor, or influence others through collaboration and example

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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