Senior Manuscript Editor

Department
Press Journals General Editorial
About the Department
Since its origins in 1890 as one of the three main divisions of the University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Press has embraced as its mission the obligation to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard and to publish serious works that promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life. Through our books and journals, we seek not only to advance scholarly conversation within and across traditional disciplines but, in keeping with the University of Chicago's experimental tradition, to help define new areas of knowledge and intellectual endeavor.
Job Summary
The job performs advanced professional activities to support large-scale editorial and/or publishing projects. Independently collaborates with authors, journal offices, managing editors, and editorial assistants, as well as in-house staff among many departments, to coordinate varied manuscript elements and publication stages; implements existing procedures to solve unique problems that may arise, while monitoring issue workflow and journal style consistency and following strict publication deadlines.
Responsibilities

• Edits complex manuscripts in science and economics on a tight schedule for style, grammar, and accuracy, with minimal supervision of more senior members of the department. Edits on-screen using XML-based editing software (including prepping files, checking and entering necessary tagging) to create both online and print editions of scholarly science and economics journals. Queries authors and communicates with them as appropriate during various stages of the editorial process. Reviews proofs returned from authors. Checks typesetting and enters corrections in PDF proofs using Adobe Acrobat annotation tools. Checks and approves final individual articles to be printed and posted online.
• Acts as lead editor and/or co-lead editor on a portfolio of journals: monitors editing process and workflow of those journals, serves as authority on style and maintains journal style notes, and oversees adherence to issue publication schedules. When necessary, helps train other editors new to journals for which they serve as lead and conducts various levels of quality control and oversight.
• Checks consistency and accuracy of editing across entire journal issues, vets and implements necessary changes, and retains sole editorial responsibility for approving final version of issue for print publication and online posting.
• Works closely with in-house production controllers, e-pub staff, and others throughout the department about any problems encountered in the editing process or related to journal oversight as lead editor. Conducts client-facing communication with journal office personnel, managing editors, and editorial assistants about editorial questions and/or needs; builds and maintains relationships with these publishing partners.
• Identifies and tactfully solves unique editorial situations with authors; journal offices, managing editors, and editorial assistants; and/or supervisors.
• Coordinate all stages of manuscript editing and proof review up to the time the book is bound and edit and approve catalog and jacket materials with guidance from others.
• Collaborates with authors to resolve routine and moderate problems using existing procedures and to clarify meaning. Assists with quality control by proofreading edited manuscripts.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Graduate coursework.

Experience:

• Minimum three years of professional experience copy editing scholarly journals or books.
• More than two years of professional experience editing electronically using XML-based software.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated and detailed knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Extensive experience in XML-based editing, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Background in a foreign language preferred.
• Knowledge of science, economics, social sciences, and/or humanities preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrate exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Work on multiple tasks simultaneously, involving projects in various stages of the publication process, for multiple journals with different styles and procedures.
• Assume responsibility for meeting deadlines and other expectations.
• Work independently and demonstrate confident and competent decision-making skills.
• Work collaboratively with more senior supervisors to assist with high-level tasks as needed.
• Display tact and diplomacy in dealing with authors, journal offices, managing editors, and editorial assistants, as well as in-house staff at all levels.
• Concentrate and attend to highly detail-oriented tasks.
• Utilize excellent organizational skills.
• Maintain focus, despite distractions.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Communications
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
Employees must comply with the University's COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward.
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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