Job Description
Job Summary
Acquires new titles in psychology, sociology, and anthropology for Harvard University Press.
Position Description
Harvard University Press seeks a Senior Acquisitions Editor to sign 15-20 new books each year in psychology, sociology, and anthropology, as well as adjacent fields. Reporting to the Editorial Director, the Senior Editor will build a strong list of books in the social sciences of interest to both scholars and the general readership.
Responsibilities: The Senior Editor keeps abreast of the latest research and publications in the field, attending professional conferences, and traveling to universities across the United States. This position involves maintaining a network of prospective authors, agents, and other publishing professionals worldwide, actively commissioning works of broad appeal and significance, and selectively soliciting and evaluating proposals for books for a wide readership, as well as books for scholars and professionals.
The Senior Editor is responsible for negotiating contracts on behalf of the Press, supervising the peer review process, and collaborating closely with authors to ensure the quality of manuscripts and fulfillment of contractual obligations. Additionally, the Senior Editor drafts title information sheets and design briefs and presents new books at marketing launch meetings, and to the Press?s faculty board.
The Senior Editor employs industry-standard software to manage records, update metadata, identify competitive titles, and track sales trajectories and inventory levels of Press publications.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
Undergraduate degree required, with advanced degree in a related field strongly preferred. 8 years of publishing experience required, including 8 years of book-acquisition experience. Other relevant qualifications such as advance academic degrees, publications, or institutional appointments will be considered.
Additional Information
This position has a 6-month orientation and review period.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format
Remote
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
About Harvard University Press
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
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