About the position
Booklist is widely recognized for providing reliable reviews that assist libraries in making informed purchasing decisions and help library patrons and students select what to read, view, or listen to across a diverse range of media. The organization encompasses two print magazines, a comprehensive website and database, e-newsletters, webinars, podcasts, and various resources aimed at supporting librarians in collection development and readers' advisory. We are currently seeking a full-time Editorial Assistant to join our Adult/Audio team. This role is crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of the editorial workflow. The Editorial Assistant will be responsible for accurately and efficiently checking books into the Booklist database, which is essential for maintaining our high standards of service. The position involves monitoring and sorting a daily influx of digital book submissions, sending review copies to freelance reviewers, and generally supporting the Editorial team in their daily tasks. The Editorial Assistant will communicate frequently with freelancers regarding review deadlines and other relevant topics, as well as with publishers about the status of their titles. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records is a key part of this role, including managing publisher and freelancer contact information, starred book reviews, and mailing schedules. This position is based in our Chicago office, and while we have a generous telecommuting policy, we do not offer fully remote positions outside of our workplace sites. Candidates should be aware that ALA requires all employees to be fully vaccinated as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with proof of vaccination required on or before the start date. All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and proof of eligibility to work in the United States. The starting salary for this position is negotiable from $40,000 based on relevant experience, and ALA offers an excellent benefits package that includes flexible work schedules, medical and dental coverage, generous paid vacation, a retirement annuity, and a 35-hour work week. Additionally, employees may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Responsibilities
- Accurately and quickly checking books into the Booklist database.
- Monitoring and sorting a daily influx of digital book submissions.
- Sending review copies to freelancer reviewers.
- Maintaining smooth operations and workflow for Booklist's Editorial team.
- Communicating frequently with freelancers about review deadlines and other topics.
- Communicating with publishers about the status of their titles.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of various operations, including publisher and freelancer contact information, starred book reviews, and mailing schedules.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree is preferred, ideally in English or the humanities.
- Minimum 1 to 2 years related experience (may include internships and/or volunteer service).
- Exceptional communication skills - verbal and written.
- Strong attention to details.
- Ability to adhere to multiple deadlines and multitask in a fast-paced work environment.
- Basic knowledge of book publishing and libraries is a plus.
- Familiarity with Google Drive, Dropbox, and Excel is strongly preferred.
- Must be flexible and able to handle competing, sometimes conflicting priorities.
Nice-to-haves
- Basic knowledge of book publishing and libraries.
Benefits
- Flexible work schedules
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Generous paid vacation
- Retirement annuity
- 35-hour work week
- Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
