Job no: 516744
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Communications/Public Relations/Marketing, Executive/Director/Management, Other
Department:47002000 - UP-ACQUISITIONS

Classification Title: Assistant DirectorJob Description:

Department Management

• Develops and implements policies and procedures within the acquisitions department that streamline efforts and help achieve operational effectiveness;
• Develops and implements policies and procedures for the acquisition, handling, and transmittal of manuscripts that recognize production priorities and ensure a consistent schedule of manuscripts into production;
• Works with the director to establish and monitor departmental goals, as well as short- and long-term goals for individual editors, including list plans and signing and revenue goals;
• Works with the director and other department heads to assess the composition of and finalize seasonal lists, analyze financial performance of titles, and map strategies for editorial and financial growth;
• Assists the director in leading Faculty Editorial Board meetings to discuss new acquisitions projects for consideration by the board, determining the meeting agendas and overseeing the preparation of the editorial docket for board member review;
• Leads quarterly decision-to-publish meetings and bimonthly transmittal meetings, as well as other acquisitions-focused meetings;
• Mentors acquisitions editors and acquisitions assistants, supervising and facilitating their work, monitoring and reviewing their performance, assessing their progress, and when necessary, assisting each editor in building their lists, negotiating contracts, and copyright interpretation;
• Reviews and balances staff performance expectations and goals with organizational strategies, incorporating new responsibilities and new roles into the department as necessary;
• Establishes effective training and professional development programs for all members of the department;
• Establishes a culture of teamwork, continuous learning, and collegiality within the department and with other departments at the Press;
• Recommends personnel actions including but not limited to hiring, promotions, and corrective actions;
• Prepares and monitors annual department budget, including author advances, travel, other expenses, and personnel salaries.

Book Acquisition

• Manages and develops 2–3 book lists within the humanities and social sciences and for the regional-interest trade market, acquiring 15–20 new titles annually;
• Develops list strategies, including the management of backlist titles and conception of new book ideas, and determines whether projects are publishable editorially and financially;
• Maintains excellent relationships with authors and series editors and builds a wide and reliable network of leading scholars, authors, and others in appropriate list areas for the purpose of obtaining manuscripts and advice on book publishing opportunities;
• Evaluates manuscripts and book proposals and recruits qualified peer readers;
• Prepares dockets for projects and presents them to the Faculty Editorial Board for approval, negotiates publishing contracts with authors, and presents new projects to staff;
• Works with authors and acquisitions assistants on manuscript development, preparation, revisions, and formatting;
• Collaborates with EDP staff for best copy editing, cover and interior design, and production;
• Collaborates with marketing staff to effectively position titles, and develop necessary marketing and sales materials;
• Provides complete, accurate, and timely information about contracts and manuscripts to other Press departments;
• Acts as liaison between authors and staff members;
• Identifies sources of outside funding and secures grants to offset publishing expenses;
• Remains informed of up-to-date developments in the academic fields of acquisition.

Strategic Planning & Outreach

• Participates actively as a member of the Press management team;
• Works collaboratively with the director and other department heads to establish the priorities, goals, and strategic direction for the Press;
• Participates in Press-wide planning, budgeting, and problem-solving;
• Represents the Press to other University units, to departments and units within the State University System, and to the academy at large, including but not limited to presenting talks and workshops on best practices and careers in scholarly publishing;
• Serves as a representative of the Press to the public and supports outreach efforts;
• May prepare grant proposals or participate in other fundraising activities for the Press.

Maintains flexibility and awareness of changes and needs in the organization by assuming similar duties and responsibilities as assigned and appropriate for an Editor-In-Chief.

Expected Salary:

$72,000 - $78,000

Minimum RequirementsMaster’s degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience.Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree is desirable but not required;
• Experience working for a university press, especially acquiring titles for the trade market;
• Familiarity with two or more academic disciplines of importance to the Press;
• Demonstrated success as an acquiring editor;
• Demonstrated ability to manage editorial staff effectively;
• Thorough knowledge of academic standards, the peer review process, and the publication process;
• Knowledge of book markets and trends, and knowledge of and experience with electronic publishing initiatives.
• A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and at least six years’ experience in acquiring scholarly books, or an equivalent amount of experience and education;
• Three years of demonstrated managerial experience;
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills;
• Ability to travel as needed to professional conferences and to meet with faculty at other campuses.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Applications must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:No

Advertised: 16 Jul 2021 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 17 Aug 2021 Eastern Daylight Time