Department
Press Journals JMH
About the Department
Job Summary
Responsibilities
- Manage the operation of the academic journal office of the Journal of Modern History. Oversee the peer review process and the day-to-day functions of the journal office, taking on other tasks as needed. Track progress of manuscripts from submission through peer review to final decision and manage peer review pipeline. Supervise the book review operation and delegate tasks as appropriate. Manage the publication process, from scheduling articles and book reviews to reviewing final proofs for each issue. Advise editors on the number of articles we are sending out for peer review and accepting, and the space these will require, ensuring a sufficient flow of incoming material while avoiding build-up of an excessive backlog. Prepare monthly and annual reports of journal-wide statistics as needed.
- Edit all articles for both substance and style. Correspond with article authors to clarify content, improve presentation of arguments, and polish writing style. Edit book reviews as needed. Review article authors’ responses to page proofs and approve or deny requests for changes. Correspond with authors to explain as needed. Commission and approve translations of accepted foreign-language submissions.
- Liaise between the Press, Editors, editorial board members, authors, reviewers, and others. Responsibilities include daily and heavy correspondence with all stakeholders. Draft decision letters for editors based on readers’ reports and meeting discussions. Correspond with editors to develop final wording of letters. Set editorial meeting agendas and conduct editorial meetings.
- Manage two full-time employees in the journal office, including hiring and performance evaluations.
- Collaborates with authors to resolve routine and moderate problems using existing procedures and to clarify meaning. Assists with quality control by proofreading edited manuscripts.
- Edits books, journals, or other written materials with some guidance from others. Establishes editing schedules.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s or Master's degree.
Experience:
- At least 3 years’ experience in scholarly journal publishing.
Technical Knowledge or Skills:
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
- Knowledge of Editorial Manager or another peer review software is strongly preferred.
Preferred Competencies
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative. Proficient ability to work on multiple projects. simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines. Manage stressful situations with ease. Ability to manage complex projects with a high level of organization, excellent time management, and attention to detail.
- Expertise in the journal’s academic field is highly desirable.
- Reading proficiency in at least three European languages in addition to English.
- Must be a problem solver, deadline-oriented, diplomatic, and comfortable working and communicating with representatives from administrative to executive levels.
- Deal with others with tact.
- Respond quickly and appropriately to emails and queries.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Coordinate with others and work in a team.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid (mix of in-person/remote) work may be considered, at manager’s discretion.
- May require some domestic or international travel.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Pay Range
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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Skills Required
- College or university degree in a related field
- 2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
- At least 3 years of experience in scholarly journal publishing
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
- Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat
- Knowledge of Editorial Manager or another peer review software
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
- Ability to manage complex projects with strong organization, time management, and attention to detail
- Expertise in the journal’s academic field
- Reading proficiency in at least three European languages in addition to English
- Problem-solving, diplomacy, confidentiality, teamwork, and tact
What We Do
The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom draws pathbreaking scholars to our global campuses, where field-defining ideas are born that challenge and change the world. The University of Chicago has its main campus on Chicago's South Side and seven international campuses and centers throughout the world. Students can choose from 53 majors and 47 minors in the undergraduate College, with four divisions and seven professional schools for graduate study.
