Senior Acquisitions Editor for Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology

Harvard University - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Senior

Remote - Cambridge, MA

Educational Services

About the position

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. This role is pivotal in building a strong list of books in the social sciences that appeal to both scholars and the general readership. The Senior Acquisitions Editor will report to the Editorial Director and will be responsible for keeping abreast of the latest research and publications in the field, attending professional conferences, and traveling to universities across the United States. The Senior Editor will maintain a network of prospective authors, agents, and other publishing professionals worldwide, actively commissioning works of broad appeal and significance. This includes selectively soliciting and evaluating proposals for books aimed at a wide readership, as well as those targeted at scholars and professionals. The role also involves 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. In addition, the Senior Editor will draft title information sheets and design briefs, present new books at marketing launch meetings, and to the Press's faculty board. The position requires the use of industry-standard software to manage records, update metadata, identify competitive titles, and track sales trajectories and inventory levels of Press publications.

Responsibilities

• Acquire 15-20 new titles each year in psychology, sociology, and anthropology.
• Keep abreast of the latest research and publications in the field.
• Attend professional conferences and travel to universities across the United States.
• Maintain a network of prospective authors, agents, and other publishing professionals worldwide.
• Commission works of broad appeal and significance.
• Solicit and evaluate proposals for books for a wide readership and for scholars and professionals.
• Negotiate contracts on behalf of the Press.
• Supervise the peer review process.
• Collaborate closely with authors to ensure quality of manuscripts and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
• Draft title information sheets and design briefs.
• Present new books at marketing launch meetings and to the Press's faculty board.
• Employ industry-standard software to manage records, update metadata, identify competitive titles, and track sales trajectories and inventory levels.

Requirements

• 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.
• Relevant qualifications such as advanced academic degrees, publications, or institutional appointments will be considered.

Benefits

• 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).
• Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary caregivers.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits.
• 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.
• 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 including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program providing 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.
• Various commuter options including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes, and biking benefits.
• Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more. Discounts to various types of services and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.