Managing Editor, JMH

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Managing Editor is responsible for operating the academic journal office of the Journal of Modern History (JMH). The role edits manuscripts for substance and style and serves as a liaison among the journal’s editors, reviewers, authors, scholarly community, and the University of Chicago Press. The Managing Editor contributes to publishing strategies and editorial initiatives in collaboration with Press publication managers and staff, and supervises two full-time employees. The position oversees peer review and the journal office’s daily operations, manages the publication process from scheduling to final proofs, and supports editors with manuscript-flow and publication decisions. It edits articles and, as needed, book reviews; coordinates translations of accepted foreign-language submissions; prepares journal statistics; drafts decision letters; and organizes and conducts editorial meetings. The role also includes hiring and performance evaluations for two journal-office employees, proofreading and quality control, and other related work as needed. Hybrid work may be considered at the manager’s discretion. Some domestic or international travel may be required. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored employment authorization.

Requirements

College or university degree in a related field.
Knowledge and skills developed through 2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Ability to manage stressful situations, complex projects, and competing deadlines with strong organization, time management, and attention to detail.
Ability to solve problems, work to deadlines, communicate diplomatically with people at administrative through executive levels, and deal with others tactfully.
Ability to respond promptly and appropriately to emails and queries, maintain confidentiality, coordinate with others, and work in a team.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree.
At least 3 years of experience in scholarly journal publishing.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Editorial Manager or another peer review software is strongly preferred.
Expertise in the journal’s academic field is highly desirable.
Reading proficiency in at least three European languages in addition to English.

Responsibilities

Manage the operation of the Journal of Modern History academic journal office and oversee peer review and day-to-day office functions.
Track manuscripts from submission through peer review and final decision, and manage the peer review pipeline.
Supervise the book review operation and delegate tasks as appropriate.
Manage publication scheduling and review final proofs for each issue.
Advise editors on the number of articles to send for peer review and accept, and on the space required, while maintaining an adequate flow of material and avoiding excessive backlog.
Prepare monthly and annual reports of journal-wide statistics as needed.
Edit articles for substance and style; correspond with authors to clarify content, strengthen presentation of arguments, and polish writing.
Edit book reviews as needed, and review authors’ page-proof responses, approving or denying change requests and explaining decisions as needed.
Commission and approve translations of accepted foreign-language submissions.
Liaise and correspond with the Press, editors, editorial board members, authors, reviewers, and other stakeholders.
Draft decision letters based on readers’ reports and editorial meeting discussions, and work with editors on final wording.
Set agendas for and conduct editorial meetings.
Manage two full-time journal-office employees, including hiring and performance evaluations.
Collaborate with authors to resolve routine and moderate problems using existing procedures and clarify meaning.
Proofread edited manuscripts for quality control, establish editing schedules, and edit written materials with some guidance.
Perform other related work as needed.