Acquisitions Editor

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

4d • $80,000 - $87,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Harvard Education Press (HEP), an independent, mission-driven university press affiliated with the Harvard Graduate School of Education, seeks an Acquisitions Editor to develop books addressing critical issues in education, translating educational research into practice, and presenting education topics to general audiences. The Press serves practitioners and policymakers and uses peer review as a central part of its publishing process.

The Acquisitions Editor will acquire 15–20 academic/professional and/or trade books annually in education research, policy, and practice. They will help shape HEP’s publishing program, maintain and expand existing lists, identify new areas of interest, and commission at least half of their annual acquisitions. They will develop acquired titles from contract through publication and may manage interns and freelance support.

The position solicits, develops, and evaluates proposals with editorial colleagues; identifies reviewers and manages peer review; presents proposals to the HEP Editorial Advisory Board; and works with authors to revise proposals and manuscripts in line with reviewer feedback and Press standards. The editor coordinates with production colleagues and consults with marketing and sales to help books reach their intended audiences. The role is based in a hybrid work format, with the ability to work from the Cambridge offices three days per week strongly preferred. Occasional travel is required.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of related professional experience in publishing and/or education.
• Editorial expertise and proven editorial judgment.
• Excellent communication and networking abilities.
• Initiative and the ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Occasional travel is required.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• Ability to come into the Cambridge offices three days per week is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Acquire 15–20 academic/professional and/or trade books per year in education research, policy, and practice, commissioning at least half of annual signings.
• Help shape HEP’s editorial program by maintaining and expanding current publishing lists and identifying new areas of interest.
• Solicit, develop, and evaluate proposals in consultation with editorial colleagues.
• Identify appropriate reviewers, manage peer review, and present proposals to the HEP Editorial Advisory Board.
• Develop acquired titles from contract through publication.
• Work with authors to develop and revise proposals and manuscripts in response to peer reviewer feedback and Press standards.
• Coordinate with production colleagues to ensure a smooth workflow.
• Consult with marketing and sales colleagues to help books reach their target readerships.
• Help manage interns and freelance support as needed.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed