Managing Editor - Journal of Modern History

Department

Press Journals JMH

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 Managing Editor has responsibility for the operation of the academic journal office of the Journal of Modern History. Edits manuscripts for both substance and style. Liaises between editors, reviewers, authors, and the scholarly community, on behalf of the journal and the University of Chicago Press (UCP). Contributes to discussions of publishing strategies and editorial initiatives for the journals in cooperation with the UCP publication managers and other UCP staff. Supervises two full-time staff. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored employment authorization.

Responsibilities

• Manage the operation of the academic journal office of the Journal of Modern History. Oversee the peer review process and the day-to-day functions of the journal office, taking on other tasks as needed. Track progress of manuscripts from submission through peer review to final decision and manage peer review pipeline. Supervise the book review operation and delegate tasks as appropriate. Manage the publication process, from scheduling articles and book reviews to reviewing final proofs for each issue. Advise editors on the number of articles we are sending out for peer review and accepting, and the space these will require, ensuring a sufficient flow of incoming material while avoiding build-up of an excessive backlog. Prepare monthly and annual reports of journal-wide statistics as needed.
• Edit all articles for both substance and style. Correspond with article authors to clarify content, improve presentation of arguments, and polish writing style. Edit book reviews as needed. Review article authors’ responses to page proofs and approve or deny requests for changes. Correspond with authors to explain as needed. Commission and approve translations of accepted foreign-language submissions.
• Liaise between the Press, Editors, editorial board members, authors, reviewers, and others. Responsibilities include daily and heavy correspondence with all stakeholders. Draft decision letters for editors based on readers’ reports and meeting discussions. Correspond with editors to develop final wording of letters. Set editorial meeting agendas and conduct editorial meetings.
• Manage two full-time employees in the journal office, including hiring and performance evaluations.
• Collaborates with authors to resolve routine and moderate problems using existing procedures and to clarify meaning. Assists with quality control by proofreading edited manuscripts.
• Edits books, journals, or other written materials with some guidance from others. Establishes editing schedules.
• 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:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree.

Experience:

• At least 3 years’ experience in scholarly journal publishing.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
• Knowledge of Editorial Manager or another peer review software is strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative. Proficient ability to work on multiple projects. simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines. Manage stressful situations with ease. Ability to manage complex projects with a high level of organization, excellent time management, and attention to detail.

• Expertise in the journal’s academic field is highly desirable.
• Reading proficiency in at least three European languages in addition to English.
• Must be a problem solver, deadline-oriented, diplomatic, and comfortable working and communicating with representatives from administrative to executive levels.
• Deal with others with tact.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to emails and queries.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Coordinate with others and work in a team.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid (mix of in-person/remote) work may be considered, at manager’s discretion.
• May require some domestic or international travel.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

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

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$54,400.00 - $70,400.00

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.

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