Textbook Coordinator (Remote or Hybrid)

Princeton University Press (PUP) seeks an enthusiastic, inspired, and highly organized professional with at least two years of publishing experience to be the Textbook Coordinator. The coordinator is a member of the Editorial department and supports the Senior Textbook Editor through all stages of the life cycle of the textbook, from concept through post-publication, and has a significant role and responsibility in the management and publication of the Press’s distinctive and evolving textbooks in the Life Sciences. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: market research, coordination and management of peer review, advising authors on the preparation of manuscript and illustration development, and commissioning of media and supplements.

The textbook coordinator will also be part of the Press’s cross departmental textbook team and collaborate regularly with colleagues in production, digital publishing, marketing, and sales. In addition, the Textbook Coordinator will, on occasion, contribute to the lifecycle management of textbooks outside of the sciences. This is a full-time position with comprehensive benefits and may be 100% remote, hybrid, or in-office at the Princeton office. PUP is a staff choice organization and defers to employees on their work location preference.

Core Responsibilities

• Take a central and collaborative role in the day-to-day management of the life science textbook list and gain essential and detailed experience on all aspects of editorial and other processes involved in textbook publishing.
• Assist in the acquisition, development, and publishing of a distinctive and growing portfolio of outstanding textbooks and supplements.
•  Will have independent management of select projects.
• Conduct market research using databases such as NavStem, EduDataHub, MDR, TextbookWeb, and Bookscan.
• Develop an understanding of competitive landscape and maintain database of competing textbooks.
• Oversee and manage peer review at multiple stages of textbook development.
• In conjunction with the editor and marketing and sales departments, research, acquire, develop, and manage the creation of select media and supplements programs.
• Maintain data integrity for the textbooks on the list, contributing to the efficient flow of materials and information using the Biblio title management system.
• Preparation of book budgets and content descriptions for editorial and marketing meetings.
• Prepare and track contracts.
• Manage pipeline of projects under contract, including regular communication with authors.
• Liaise with artists and illustrators in support of production of complex illustrated textbooks.
• Transmit completed manuscripts and art programs to production.
• Support implementation of strategic E & I goals for the list.
• Serve as a liaison between authors and the Press.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration within the organization and beyond.

Position Requirements

• A minimum of two years’ within publishing, or related experience.
• A preference for experience with textbook and/or science publishing, and author management, from editorial or production editorial roles.
• Demonstrable independent project management skills.
•  A curiosity for textbook publishing.
• Strong and versatile communication skills as the role entails in-person and in-meeting conversation, as well as multi-format written communication.
• Experience with author management, from editorial or production editorial role preferred.
• Capacity for creative problem solving.
• Demonstrable time-management and organizational skills, and appreciation for detail.
• Confidence with independent work, and as part of a larger collective with common goals.
• Prior experience with title management systems (e.g., Biblio) preferred but not required.
• Advocacy skills.
• Degree from a four-year college or university preferred but not required, or equivalent experience.
• Computer proficiency, including databases and Microsoft Office.
• Enthusiasm for collaboration, and commitment to the Press’s professional codes of conduct which may be accessed at https://press.princeton.edu/about/mission-values.

PUP is a strong advocate for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the university press community. Individuals who are members of groups underrepresented in academic publishing (which is, according to research by Lee & Low, historically a majority white, straight, cisgender, and nondisabled industry) are encouraged to apply. The Press provides a comprehensive and affordable benefits package and is located in a historic building on Princeton University’s campus that is walking distance from downtown Princeton with easy car access to Route 1 and walking distance from the Princeton train station.

Base Salary: $45,000/year plus extensive benefits package. Starting salary may be negotiable based on relevant skills and prior experience.

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should send a cover letter* with salary requirements, and a résumé via PUP's recruitment 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 valued and reviewed closely as a writing sample.

Due to application volume, only finalists will be contacted. For more information on Princeton University Press, visit http://press.princeton.edu/.

EOE/AA/M/F/D/V

Princeton University Press is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.