Applications are open for Mellon Diversity Fellowship at the University of Chicago in the United States of America. The fellow will serve in an entry-level position and provide support to one or more Acquisitions Editors in acquiring scholarly books. This 14-month fellowship seeks to address the lack of staff diversity in the academic publishing industry by providing underrepresented individuals in publishing real work experience and a network to assist them in their professional development.

This is a 14 month position with medical benefits and paid leave time. The fellow participates in the acquisition of new publications by acting as a liaison among acquisitions editors, authors and reviewers as well as other press departments with direction from others. Collects confidential materials and maintains the database of proposals and manuscripts under review.

Responsibilities

• Assists the editor(s) in all phases of acquiring publishable books from initial contact with the author through contractual agreement to publication.
• Assists as necessary with miscellaneous administrative duties.
• Exercises independent judgment in screening proposals.
• Liaises with authors, reviewers, and series editors to shepherd books through the publishing process.
• Coordinates workflow with other departments in the Press (Editorial, Design and Production; Marketing; Order Fulfillment).
• Liaises with external vendors to secure permissions and illustrations.
• Evaluates author illustration and permission programs and directs authors on the modification needed.
• Conducts picture research and discusses contract terms and permission fees as needed. Proofreads materials circulated as part of the pre-publication materials for books.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Criteria

Applicants for this Mellon Diversity Fellowship position at the University of Chicago must have the following qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Knowledge of academic environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Familiarity with databases generally and FileMaker.