Publishing Manager (US, Remote or Hybrid)

*APPLY BY FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21st*

Princeton University Press (PUP) seeks a Publishing Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of book projects—from acquisition to publication—working closely with leaders and staff across the organization to ensure optimal publishing workflows, accuracy of data and schedules, and effective cross-departmental collaboration. This role coordinates all aspects of the publishing process with a particular focus on acquisitions pipeline management, data and meeting coordination, budgeting, and procedural documentation. The position requires an experienced communicator and problem-solver who is both strategic and detail-oriented, entrepreneurial in spirit and skilled at fostering relationships with a diversity of stakeholders/collaborators.  The Publishing Manager facilitates clear communication and alignment among the Press’s publishing teams and also serves as a key liaison to the Editorial Board and Board of Trustees.

This is a full-time position with comprehensive and industry-leading benefits that include a focus on wellness. PUP is a staff choice organization when it comes to work location and flexible scheduling. The Press respects and trusts that staff can determine where and how they best function to perform their role. The selected candidate will be able to choose either 100% remote (within the US), hybrid, or full-time in our Princeton, NJ office.

Specific Responsibilities Include:
•    Pipeline and List Management: Coordinate the acquisitions pipeline from initial Project Review meeting, through contract review and Editorial Board presentation. Collaborate with members of the Editorial Department to ensure timely and efficient progression of projects.
•    Lifecycle and Publishing Planning: Leads, and with key stakeholders coordinates and manages, all lifecycle, list management, and seasonal planning meetings.  
•    Data Sharing: Maintain and communicate best practices for accuracy and currency of book publishing data and project status throughout the life of the book in Press databases.
•    Process Improvement and Workflow Optimization: Partner with the directors of key departments on continuous process improvement through effective project management and cross-departmental communications. Resolves and suggests improvement on procedural issues; answers questions; and ensures smooth workflow.
•    Liaison: Acts as the Editor-in-Chiefs’ liaison with other Press departments for publication planning purposes.
•    Documentation: Creates, maintains, and revises procedure documentation for publishing processes. Serves as cross-departmental resource for current practices and procedures. 
•    Manuscript Transmittal: Facilitates preparation and handover of manuscripts from acquisitions to other Press departments by tracking work status from approval through final submission, supporting procedures for manuscript preparation, text and art files, and other materials. monitoring deadlines, and generating regular reports, and updating key databases.
•    Training: Trains and orients new editorial department hires; contributes to onboarding of new Board members.
•    Budget and Finance Planning: Supports budget process and tracks the categorization of monthly acquisitions editorial and Board related expenses. Reviews and approves invoices, check requests, and other expenses.
•    Reporting: Prepares weekly and monthly status reports – budget and finance commitments, editorial performance, and editorial project management. 
•    Governance and Board Management: In collaboration with the Press Director, CFO, Editors-in-Chief, and Finance team, manage the annual calendar of Board of Trustees and Editorial Board activities, including key deadlines, documentation, and deliverables. Ensure compliance with Board of Trustees Bylaws, support meeting logistics and materials preparation, and communicate directly with Board members as needed.

•    Minimum of 5 (five) years of experience in publishing, project management, managing editor, or a related field, preferably within an academic or mission-driven environment. 
•    Demonstrated ability to manage complex workflows and cross-functional teams with clarity and strategic foresight. 
•    Excellent and versatile communication skills as the role entails in-person and in-meeting conversation, as well as written communication – with the ability to engage effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
•    Proficiency in publishing tools and platforms (e.g., title management systems, project tracking software, shared calendars).  
•    Strong time-management and organizational skills, and appreciation for detail-oriented work and big picture prioritization.
•    Excellent advocacy and problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of follow-through.
•    A curiosity and interest in scholarly publishing, but no proficiency is required.
•    Degree from a four-year college or university preferred but not required, or equivalent experience. 
•    Enthusiasm for collaboration, and commitment to PUP’s professional code of conduct, located at https://press.princeton.edu/about/mission-values. 
•    This requisition is for a position in the U.S. Candidates must have current legal authorization to work immediately in the U.S. PUP will not attempt to obtain employment sponsorship for any applicants.

Base Salary: $62,000/year plus extensive benefits package. Starting salary may be negotiable based on relevant skills and prior experience.

Application Instructions: Apply if you meet minimum qualifications by sending a cover letter* with salary requirements, and a résumé at PUP’s application website. 
*Please include in your cover letter a description of what you are currently reading and what’s on your “to read” list.  Note that the cover letter is reviewed closely as a writing sample, and to gain an understanding of applicant’s interests and qualifications. 
 

PUP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Selection criteria is focused on relevant knowledge, skills and abilities.  Applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.  Due to application volume, only finalists will be contacted.

Founded in 1905, Princeton University Press is an independent, nonprofit publisher with close connections to Princeton University. The Press brings influential voices and ideas to the world stage through their academic scholarship, advancing the frontiers of scholarly knowledge, and promoting the human conversation. For more information on Princeton University Press, visit http://press.princeton.edu/.