Temporary Acquisitions Fellow

Job Description

The UW Press has an outstanding opportunity for an Acquisitions Fellow.

About this opportunity

Reporting to the Editorial Director, the Acquisitions Fellow will work closely with acquisitions editors, authors, and projects in a learning role for the duration of the 12 month fellowship.

Through this temporary, full-time entry-level position, the fellow will be immersed in the acquisitions department of a leading scholarly press, working closely with senior acquisitions editors, authors, and projects through the entire acquisitions process. In this experience, the fellow's main role will be to coordinate and support the work of evaluating, developing, and acquiring book-length manuscripts for publication by UW Press. Through this experience, they will learn how editors identify emerging areas of scholarship, work with authors to develop manuscripts, manage the process of peer review and revision, present projects for approval, and represent them through each stage of publication. The fellow will also work with other press departments including marketing, design, manuscript editorial, and production on behalf of specific book projects, and may take on additional projects to gain a deeper understanding of these other publishing areas.

In addition to excellent organization and communication skills, the fellow is expected to have an understanding of a wide range of scholarly topics in order to appropriately research and recommend peer reviewers for scholarly content. The fellow will learn to read and evaluate manuscript proposals for quality and suitability for the Press's publishing program. Working directly with authors after manuscripts are accepted for publication, the fellow will respond to technical questions regarding copyright issues, copyediting considerations, and image quality. The fellow must use utmost tact and discretion in handling confidential material and sensitive communications.

Key Responsibilities

In a learning role, work closely with acquisitions editors, authors, and projects through the entire acquisitions process.

• Evaluate preparation of final manuscripts including permissions for quotations used in text, copyrighted illustrations, illustration quality, and any reprinted material. Work with authors to resolve permission or illustration issues. (30%)
• Draft advance book information, including descriptive copy. Prepare materials for transmittal of final manuscripts to copyediting. Request contracts, production estimates and draft publication proposals as requested. (30%)
• Assist editorial director and other acquisitions editors with evaluation of book manuscripts. Learn how editors identify emerging areas of scholarship, work with authors to develop manuscripts, and manage the process of peer review and revision. Responsibilities include assisting editors in assessing projects' suitability for publication, assisting with manuscript review procedures and peer review processes, and communicating directly with authors. Research readers as directed. Gather sales data as requested for use in evaluating manuscripts. (15%)
• Learn to read and evaluate manuscript proposals for quality and suitability for the Press’s publishing program. Prepare materials for weekly acquisitions department meetings, biweekly editorial project review meetings and bimonthly Press Committee meetings. Manage database of hundreds of active and thousands of archived manuscript projects, and manage associated texts and illustrations. Arrange other meetings as requested and manage various schedules. (15%)
• Process readers' honoraria and complementary book copies for acquisitions department. Create, update, and organize paper files and electronic records. Log in, copy, and send out manuscripts and other materials. Acknowledge receipt and decline proposals and manuscripts as directed. (10%)
• Use a high degree of tact and discretion in handling confidential material and sensitive communications.
• Assist other press departments including marketing, design, manuscript editorial, and production on behalf of specific book projects. May take on additional projects to gain a deeper understanding of these other publishing areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned by editorial director.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent. This is an entry level position with no prior work experience required.
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Additional Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, plus proven ability to efficiently handle multiple long-term projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office.
• Ability and desire to work both independently and cooperatively in a highly collaborative environment.
• Commitment to using an understanding of the diversity of human experiences in developing, recruiting, and marketing manuscripts and books.
• Sensitivity to language relating to race, gender, sexuality, and ability/disability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate work or advanced degree in humanities, social sciences or field related to the press’s core acquisitions areas
• Commitment to pursuing a career in academic publishing.
• Sustained personal engagement with low income communities and/or communities within the U.S. that are underrepresented in publishing and a demonstrated ability to bring the understandings gleaned from such engagement to the daily work of academic publishing.
• Demonstrated interest in equity, inclusion, and justice.
• Knowledge of Adobe In-Design or Photoshop
• Familiarity with Filemaker Pro database management

Working Conditions

• Position may occasionally require attendance at publication events outside normal working hours.
• The person in this position will be working in an open office environment.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.