We are seeking an Acquisitions Editor to join Princeton University Press’ (PUP) dynamic global publishing team and expand our renowned social sciences programme in the UK and Europe. This is an exciting opportunity to commission, sign, develop and collaborate with an incredible team on all aspects of publication of a broad and diverse list – including trade books, textbooks and scholarly monographs – in economics, politics, international relations and allied areas of the social sciences. The acquisitions programme is expected to contribute significantly to the Press’ mission-inspired publishing and global reputation.

We seek a colleague who demonstrates curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject matter and for scholarly publishing, and ideally with prior acquisition and strategic list-building experience in book publishing. Interested applicants with prior acquiring experience should include a list of signings and publications with their submission materials. Selected applicants may be asked to prepare a list analysis and publishing proposal to demonstrate acquisitions mindset and potential.

This is a full-time position with comprehensive UK benefits. PUP is a staff choice organization, and the Editor will be able to choose either 100% remote, hybrid, or full time in our new Oxford, UK office.

Core responsibilities:

• Acquire and publish 15 to 20 outstanding books a year in the specified academic field(s).
• Develop a list that is balanced across genres - trade, monograph, textbooks - fiscally robust and that includes a diverse representation among authors.
• Conceive new book ideas, establish and maintain author and advisor collaborations and solicit and assess new proposals and book manuscripts.
• Manage peer review process and an expansive community of peer reviewers.
• Attend academic conferences and visit campuses to expand professional contacts, cultivate new book prospects and identify new opportunities in relevant fields.
• Present new titles for consideration, including publishing and financial rationale, at weekly internal meetings, and negotiate contract terms with authors and/or agents.
• Engage with colleagues across all Press departments and international PUP offices to ensure effective collaboration.
• Successfully manage an acquisitions list, including working with authors under contract to ensure timely delivery and meeting of annual transmittal goals; developing manuscripts to to align with intended audience; overseeing peer review process of proposals or manuscripts to determine publishing impact; preparing materials for monthly faculty Editorial Board meetings and internal presentations; and collaborating with colleagues in other departments to effectively produce, position and publish books.
• Supervise (in collaboration with another editor) an editorial assistant and possibly editorial interns.

• A minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in acquisitions editorial with a demonstrated track record in acquiring and publishing titles that make a major intellectual and financial contribution preferred.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and editorial knowledge and to evaluate, identify, create and develop book concepts.
• Ability to take initiative, make critical decisions, negotiate, follow through on projects, meet deadlines and take creative risks.
• Excellent written and oral communication and collaborative skills with the ability to network and build key relationships with Press colleagues, authors and others in the publishing community.
• Knowledge of techniques of acquisition, manuscript preparation and general publishing processes and practices, including the ability to understand and use financial tools to assess the viability of book projects preferred.
• Ability to successfully manage projects through all stages of publishing process, including a creative, solutions-based mindset.
• Computer proficiency, including databases and Microsoft Office.
• Enthusiasm for collaboration, and commitment to professional codes of conduct which the Press’s may be accessed at https://press.princeton.edu/about/mission-values.
• This requisition is for a locally hired position in the UK. Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work immediately in the United Kingdom. PUP will not attempt to obtain Immigration and labour sponsorship for any applicants.

PUP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our publishing. Individuals who are members of groups underrepresented in academic publishing (which is, according to research by Lee & Low, historically a majority white, straight, cisgender, nondisabled and neurotypical industry) are encouraged to apply. The Press provides a comprehensive and affordable benefits package.

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should send a cover letter with salary requirements, and a résumé, including, a list of signings and publications (for applicants with prior acquiring experience) at PUP’s application website.

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.