Department
Press Books Manuscript Editing
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 editorial assistant supports the Manuscript Editing Department editorially and administratively in preparing book manuscripts for editing and typesetting.

Responsibilities

• Assists manuscript editors with preparing book manuscripts for editing and typesetting, handling various proof stages and other basic editorial tasks as assigned.
• Assesses new manuscripts for adherence to set guidelines.
• Maintains departmental records and databases.
• Serves as manuscript editor for paperback reprints, including checking and approving all promotion and jacket copy and all proof stages.
• Maintains extensive contact with authors, vendors, and members of other Press departments.
• Handles overflow of student assistant tasks and covers that workload during breaks.
• Assists managing editor with special projects as assigned.
• Edits books, journals, or other written materials with guidance from others. Establishes editing schedules.
• May coordinate all or some 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.
• 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 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
-
Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

• Office experience.
• Editing experience other than journalism.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Excellent command of American English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Excellent computer skills in PC environment.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word.
• Knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style.
• Knowledge of standard editing and proofreading marks.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to comprehend academic writing.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and tactfully with authors, vendors, and members of Press staff.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Effective organizational skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently
• Strong decision-making skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Working Conditions

• Modern office environment.
• Perform full-time sedentary work.
• Ability to perform full-time computer work, including typing.
• Hybrid position (preference will be given to candidates who are available to work in the office two or three days a week).

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

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
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Hourly
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Pay Range
$18.31 - $23.69
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the

Benefits Guidebook
.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the
University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
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.
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.
The University of Chicago’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:
http://securityreport.uchicago.edu
. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637

• Assists manuscript editors with preparing book manuscripts for editing and typesetting, handling various proof stages and other basic editorial tasks as assigned.
• Assesses new manuscripts for adherence to set guidelines.
• Maintains departmental records and databases.
• Serves as manuscript editor for paperback reprints, including checking and approving all promotion and jacket copy and all proof stages.
• Maintains extensive contact with authors, vendors, and members of other Press departments.
• Handles overflow of student assistant tasks and covers that workload during breaks.
• Assists managing editor with special projects as assigned.
• Edits books, journals, or other written materials with guidance from others. Establishes editing schedules.
• May coordinate all or some 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.
• Performs other related work as needed