Job Description

Description
This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).
In accordance with the , this position has a comprehensive and an annual salary range of $64,206 to $107,006.
Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.
Working at the University of Alberta
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. .
Working for the University of Alberta Press
University of Alberta Press publishes with purpose. We expand the intellectual and social impact of research, bring solutions to practical problems, and connect ideas and audiences from the region and throughout the world. Our diverse publications - from academic monographs to literary nonfiction and multimedia resources - reflect a commitment to excellence in scholarly and creative programs, building trust among scholars, knowledge-holders, students, and the public. We connect communities of knowledge with inquisitive readers, to inspire, inform, and innovate, taking flexible approaches to digital, multimedia, and open access models and embracing Indigenous ways of knowing and global dialogue. Collaborating with faculty, libraries, museums, authors, and students, we advance the University of Alberta's mission to discover, publish, and apply new knowledge, inspiring the human spirit and shaping the future of publishing.
Position
University of Alberta Press seeks an Acquisitions Editor to be a member of the acquisitions team involved in defining the Press's presence in scholarly communications and in focusing and shaping the direction of the publishing program through the active acquisition of new titles.
In this position, you will be responsible for actively soliciting, developing, and acquiring manuscripts, nurturing list areas across a variety of academic disciplines, including Indigenous community-based research and applied fields; establishing series; and contributing to open and multimedia resource publishing.
With your interpersonal skills and communication methods, you will establish and maintain a network of prospective authors, reviewers, Press Committee members, series editors, supporters, and other publishing professionals. You will apply your analytical skills and knowledge of manuscript acquisitions to assess the potential of proposals and works in development. In seeing manuscripts through to publication, you will develop a nose for solid projects and demonstrate discernment, flexibility, and cultural sensitivity in shaping list areas.
The Acquisitions Editor reports to the Director & Publisher and functions as a member of the Press' management team. All activities of the position must operate within the budgets, policies, procedures, and processes of the Press. University of Alberta Press is based at the University of Alberta's North Campus. This position is hybrid for employees residing in the Edmonton area. Applicants located outside Edmonton who can work remotely and are willing to travel to Edmonton periodically are also encouraged to apply.
Duties
Solicit Manuscripts and Develop Subject Areas

• Approach and meet with potential authors at university campuses, relevant conferences and practitioner gatherings, and in office to discuss new book projects, research trajectories, publishing experiences, and to make a case as to why University of Alberta Press is (or is not) the right publishing home for their work.
• Invite, receive, and analyze new proposals and manuscripts.
• Coordinate the peer review of manuscripts and prepare dossiers for presentation to the Press Committee.
• Identify openings for the Press to publish underserved areas, topics, methods, and formats.
• Invite or initiate series proposals, and work with general editors to establish and shape series.
• Cultivate a community of knowledgeable contacts for the purposes of acquiring, peer review, and networking.

Guide Authors

• Guide authors through the proposal and peer review stages and provide them with information and insights about the publishing process.
• Negotiate contracts with authors and collaborate with them to ensure the quality of manuscripts and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
• Work with authors to ensure all necessary permissions are in place, all materials relating to the manuscript are submitted and meet production, marketing, and technical requirements.

Prepare Title Budgets

• Complete market analysis and prepare book budgets.
• Discuss funding requirements with authors and provide advice, materials, or editorial support for manuscripts requiring publication subventions and funding in aid of publication.

Participate in Project Planning and Press-Wide Goals

• Transmit complete manuscript submission materials to production and provide accurate acquisitions book information for transmittals and in the database.
• Consult with production, design, and marketing staff on the preparation of manuscripts for submission and on the book plans.
• Consult with colleagues to research and consider new developments in the publishing industry that involve or impact the acquisitions stage or press-wide goals (e.g., accessibility standards, Open Access funding requirements, distribution metadata standards).
• Contribute to press-wide objectives and works collegially with the Director & Publisher and the staff in furthering the publishing program and provides acquisitions editorial information as needed to support block grant applications and other work by the office of the Director and Publisher.
• Represent the Press at professional meetings, book events, scholarly conferences, seminars, and other public functions as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• A graduate education and comfortable engaging in an academic environment including Indigenous community-informed research contexts.
• Minimum of five years of experience in book publishing with a minimum of three years in scholarly publishing.
• Good analytical capabilities to assess manuscripts, identify appropriate peer reviewers, and judge the potential and merits of each project.
• Team player with excellent oral, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to the value of diversity, equity, inclusion, and decolonization initiatives.
• Sound judgement and problem-solving skills to advise on or make decisions on non-straightforward or complex issues.
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to work with a multitude of personalities and manuscripts while advancing works toward publication.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to meet objectives and requirements and with minimal supervision.
• Basic financial and budgeting skills for book budgeting.
• Confidence in assessing the market in evaluating possible book projects.
• Ability to travel as needed to professional conferences and to meet with faculty at other campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with university press publishing and trends in scholarly communications.
• Degree or experience working in the social sciences and humanities.
• Demonstrated interest in digital publishing, multimedia, and educational resources.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to understand and influence others, and to build relationships, trust, and credibility.
• Proven ability to learn and use a variety of databases and software tools.
• Competency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and database management tools.
• Experience working with confidential information.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms-physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identite et une expression sexospecifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.
Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight September 10, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.