Acquisitions Editor

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Job Summary:

Harvard Education Press (HEP) is a mission-driven, independent, university press affiliated with the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Founded in 2002, the Press is overseen by an editorial advisory board drawn from the HGSE faculty and affiliated practitioners, and peer review is at the heart of our publishing process. The HEP offices are adjacent to campus in the heart of Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.

Our mission is to provide practitioners and policymakers with the knowledge, tools, and information they need to understand and address the educational issues facing our society today and tomorrow. As a forum for the variety of thought in the field, we drive the conversation about education.

HEP is seeking an Acquisitions Editor to acquire books on critical issues in education, books which translate educational research into practice, and books on education for a general audience. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the discipline of education, experience in academic and/or trade publishing, editorial expertise, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to advancing the mission of Harvard Education Press.

The Acquisitions Editor will be responsible for acquiring 15-20 titles per year and will work closely with the editorial team and Executive Editor to help shape our evolving program. Part of what makes HEP unique is the close, collaborative editorial relationship authors can expect in working with us—the Acquisitions Editor is therefore responsible for developing the titles they sign, from contract to publication. The Acquisitions Editor will also help manage a talented team of interns and freelance support as needed.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Acquisitions Editor is expected to acquire 15-20 academic/professional and/or trade books per year in the fields of education research, policy, and practice. HEP receives many unsolicited proposals. Half of the acquisitions editor’s signings each year must be commissioned by the editor.

The Acquisitions Editor will contribute to the HEP editorial program by maintaining and expanding current publishing lists and identifying new areas of interest. The current publishing program strengths include such areas as educational leadership, instructional improvement, race and equity in education, and education policy.

The Acquisitions Editor solicits, develops, and evaluates proposals in consultation with editorial colleagues; identifies appropriate reviewers and manages the peer review process; and presents proposals to the HEP Editorial Advisory Board.

The Acquisitions Editor works with authors to develop and revise both proposals and manuscripts to ensure they incorporate feedback from peer reviewers and meet Press standards.

The Acquisitions Editor works closely with colleagues in production to ensure a smooth workflow and consults regularly with colleagues in marketing and sales to ensure books reach their target readerships.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of related professional experience in publishing and/or education.
• Occasional travel required.

Cover letter strongly encouraged.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Academic/professional publishing background strongly preferred, with a track record of outstanding acquisitions. Knowledge of the education sector, including current research and issues in K-12 and higher education strongly preferred. Proven editorial judgment; excellent communication and networking abilities; proven initiative; self-motivated with ability to work independently; strong interpersonal skills; collaborative and team oriented. HEP will consider remote applicants, however, the ability to come into the Cambridge offices 3 days per week is strongly preferred.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $80,000 - $87,000 commensurate with experience
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

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