Production Coordinator, Penn State University Press

Penn State University • University Park, IL

23h

About The Position

Penn State University Press seeks a Production Coordinator to play a central role in the production of scholarly books and digital publications. Penn State University Press is renowned for publishing groundbreaking scholarship in the arts and humanities, as well as regional trade titles. This position is responsible for coordinating proofreading, indexing, and ebook production, while providing editorial and production support across multiple stages of the publishing process. The Production Coordinator works closely with authors, freelancers, vendors, and internal staff to ensure projects meet the Press’s standards for quality, schedule, and budget.

Requirements

• Experience either in scholarly publishing or with book production workflows is required.
• Applicants must have experience performing or evaluating one of the following: copyediting, proofreading, indexing, or related editorial or production work.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat is required
• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter with their application materials.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency with FileMaker Pro and Adobe InDesign is preferred.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Proof Management Distribute proofs to authors, freelance proofreaders, and staff; communicate guidelines and deadlines
• Compile, evaluate, and consolidate proof corrections; transmit correction sets to the Production Manager
• Track and manage elements completed later in proof stages, including Cataloging-in-Publication data block, country of printing, and grant language
• Index Management Coordinate and provide guidance on indexing to authors and freelance indexers
• Evaluate indexes for style, depth, accuracy, and typographic standards and apply styles for composition
• Proofread and correct typeset indexes
• Ebook and Digital Production Oversee ebook production, including file preparation and transmission to vendors
• Coordinate alt text creation (author-supplied, staff-written, or vendor-generated) and review for accuracy, appropriateness, and accessibility standards
• Review EPUB files for errors, formatting, and accessibility compliance
• Upload final ebook files to the data management system
• Manage file adjustments for Open Access conversions, including Digital Object Identifier assignment and copyright page updates
• Assign and oversee web PDF production by staff
• Maintain and manage a pool of freelance proofreaders, indexers, and ebook vendors: assign work and track schedules; negotiate rates within project budgets; process invoices
• Provide manuscript editorial support: prepare manuscripts for copyediting and design; evaluate freelance copyediting; edit cover and marketing materials
• Supervise part-time staff and interns as assigned

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level