Managing Editor, JMH
About The Position
The Managing Editor is responsible for operating the Journal of Modern History’s academic journal office. The role edits manuscripts for substance and style, oversees peer review and publication workflows, and serves as a liaison among the journal’s editors, reviewers, authors, editorial board, 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 manages manuscripts from submission through peer review and final decision, the book review operation, publication scheduling, and final proof review. It edits articles and book reviews, works with authors to clarify content and improve writing, handles proof responses and translation arrangements, prepares journal statistics, drafts decision letters, and sets and conducts editorial meetings. The role also establishes editing schedules, supports quality control through proofreading, and performs other related work as needed. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored employment authorization. Hybrid work may be considered at the manager’s discretion, and some domestic or international travel may be required. The position is scheduled for 37.5 hours per week and is benefits eligible.
Requirements
- A 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 demands with organization, time management, and attention to detail.
- Ability to solve problems, work diplomatically, and communicate with representatives at administrative through executive levels.
- Tact in dealing with others, prompt and appropriate responses to emails and queries, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to coordinate with others and work as part of a team.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- At least 3 years of experience in scholarly journal publishing.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
- Knowledge of Editorial Manager or another peer review software is strongly preferred.
- Expertise in the journal’s academic field.
- Reading proficiency in at least three European languages in addition to English.
Responsibilities
- Manage the Journal of Modern History academic journal office, peer review process, and day-to-day operations.
- 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 processes, including scheduling articles and book reviews and reviewing final proofs for each issue.
- Advise editors on peer review and acceptance volumes and publication space to maintain a sufficient flow of material and avoid 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, improve arguments, and polish writing.
- Edit book reviews as needed.
- Review authors’ responses to page proofs and approve or deny requested changes, explaining decisions to authors as needed.
- Commission and approve translations of accepted foreign-language submissions.
- Liaise with the Press, editors, editorial board members, authors, reviewers, and other stakeholders through regular correspondence.
- Draft decision letters based on readers’ reports and meeting discussions, and work with editors on final wording.
- Set editorial meeting agendas and conduct editorial meetings.
- Manage two full-time journal office employees, including hiring and performance evaluations.
- Resolve routine and moderate problems with authors using existing procedures and clarify meaning.
- Proofread edited manuscripts to support quality control.
- Edit books, journals, or other written materials with some guidance and establish editing schedules.
- Perform other related work as needed.
Benefits
- Health benefits
- Retirement benefits
- Paid time off
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
