Job Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants

AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Join the Penn State University Press as a part-time Editorial Assistant, working approximately 30 hours per week anticipated for 16 consecutive weeks in support of the acquisition and development of scholarly books through peer review coordination, manuscript preparation, and contract administration.

The Editorial Assistant will support two editors in their book acquisitions. They will learn about all aspects of book acquisitions while gaining insight into the workings of other Press departments, including Sales & Marketing and Editorial, Design, & Production.

This is a challenging but exciting job at a reputable university press, and excellent training for any career path in publishing.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Manage the full peer review process for proposals and manuscripts, including recruiting reviewers, coordinating materials and deadlines, maintaining confidentiality, tracking reviews, summarizing recommendations, and initiating reviewer payments.
Route and track new book contracts through electronic signature systems and monitor fulfillment of contractual obligations such as payments and gratis copies.
Prepare manuscripts for production by creating castoffs, production estimates, front matter, and Profit and Loss statements; evaluating manuscript and illustration files for quality and style compliance; and organizing third-party permissions.
Support acquisitions editors with contractual and approval workflows by preparing materials for interdepartmental and faculty board meetings, drafting cover sheets, tracking required components, and documenting meeting outcomes.
Collaborate with editorial assistants on the hiring, training, and oversight of a departmental intern.
Maintain accurate project records across shared drives and title management systems for all projects under consideration.
Serve as a point of contact for authors, responding to inquiries from manuscript submission through transmittal to production.

Qualifications

Effective verbal and written communication skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others.
Demonstrated willingness to engage with subject matter across varied academic disciplines and fields.
Detail-oriented, efficient, organized, and able to prioritize a large volume of work effectively.
Ability to work independently with initiative in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
Capacity to collaborate effectively and contribute positively to team goals.
Exhibit the ability to lead, mentor, or influence others through collaboration and example.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree required. Previous editorial or publishing experience desired but not required.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Hotlines