Temporary Part-Time Editorial Assistant

Penn State University • University Park, IL

19h • Onsite

About The Position

Join the Penn State University Press as a part-time Editorial Assistant, working approximately 30 hours per week anticipated for 16 consecutive weeks in support of the acquisition and development of scholarly books through peer review coordination, manuscript preparation, and contract administration. The Editorial Assistant will support two editors in their book acquisitions. They will learn about all aspects of book acquisitions while gaining insight into the workings of other Press departments, including Sales & Marketing and Editorial, Design, & Production. This is a challenging but exciting job at a reputable university press, and excellent training for any career path in publishing.

Requirements

• Effective verbal and written communication skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others.
• Demonstrated willingness to engage with subject matter across varied academic disciplines and fields.
• Detail-oriented, efficient, organized, and able to prioritize a large volume of work effectively.
• Ability to work independently with initiative in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Capacity to collaborate effectively and contribute positively to team goals.
• Exhibit the ability to lead, mentor, or influence others through collaboration and example.

Nice To Haves

• Previous editorial or publishing experience desired but not required.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full peer review process for proposals and manuscripts, including recruiting reviewers, coordinating materials and deadlines, maintaining confidentiality, tracking reviews, summarizing recommendations, and initiating reviewer payments.
• Route and track new book contracts through electronic signature systems and monitor fulfillment of contractual obligations such as payments and gratis copies.
• Prepare manuscripts for production by creating castoffs, production estimates, front matter, and Profit and Loss statements; evaluating manuscript and illustration files for quality and style compliance; and organizing third-party permissions.
• Support acquisitions editors with contractual and approval workflows by preparing materials for interdepartmental and faculty board meetings, drafting cover sheets, tracking required components, and documenting meeting outcomes.
• Collaborate with editorial assistants on the hiring, training, and oversight of a departmental intern.
• Maintain accurate project records across shared drives and title management systems for all projects under consideration.
• Serve as a point of contact for authors, responding to inquiries from manuscript submission through transmittal to production.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level