Acquisitions Editor, Politics (Remote or Hybrid)

We are seeking an Acquisitions Editor to join Princeton University Press’ dynamic global publishing team and expand our renowned social sciences program. This is an exciting opportunity to commission, sign, develop, and collaborate with an incredible team on all aspects of publication of a broad and diverse list – including trade books, textbooks and scholarly monographs – in political science, international relations, political economy, and adjacent fields. The acquisitions program is expected to contribute significantly to the Press’ mission-inspired publishing and global reputation. 

We seek a colleague who demonstrates curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject matter and for scholarly publishing, and ideally with prior acquisition and strategic list-building experience in book publishing. Interested applicants with prior acquiring experience should include a list of signings and publications with their submission materials. Selected applicants may be asked to prepare a list analysis and publishing proposal to demonstrate acquisitions creativity and potential. Applicants with greater acquisitions experience will be considered for positions that reflect that experience in title and compensation. 

This is a full-time position with comprehensive and industry leading benefits that include a focus on wellness. PUP is a staff choice organization when it comes to work location and flexible scheduling. The Press respects and trusts that staff can determine where and how they best function to perform their role. The selected candidate will be able to choose either 100% remote (within the US), hybrid, or full-time in our Princeton, NJ office. 

Core Responsibilities 

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  Acquire and publish c. 20 outstanding and impactful books a year in the specified academic field(s). 

  
  

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  Develop a list that is balanced across book genres - trade, monograph, textbooks - fiscally robust, and that includes diverse representation among authors. 

  
  

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  Conceive new book ideas, establish and maintain author and advisor collaborations, and solicit and assess new proposals and book manuscripts. 

  
  

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  Successfully manage an acquisitions list, including working with authors under contract to ensure timely delivery and meeting of annual transmittal goals; developing manuscripts to align with intended audience; overseeing peer review process of proposals or manuscripts; preparing materials for monthly faculty Editorial Board meetings and internal presentations; and collaborating with colleagues in other departments to effectively produce, position and publish books. 

  
  

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  Attend academic conferences and visit campuses to expand professional contacts, cultivate new book prospects, and identify new opportunities in relevant fields. 

  
  

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  Present new titles for consideration, including publishing and financial rationale, at weekly internal meetings, and negotiate contract terms with authors and/or agents. 

  
  

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  Engage with colleagues across all Press departments and international PUP offices as an active member of a global team. 

  
  

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  Supervise and mentor other members of editorial department, including editorial assistant or potentially peer editor, depending on experience and skill set. 

  
  

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  A minimum of 3 required, 5 years preferred experience in acquisitions editorial with a demonstrated track record in acquiring and publishing titles that make a major intellectual and financial contribution preferred. 

  
  

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  Editorial knowledge, curiosity, and energy and to evaluate, identify, create, and develop book concepts. 

  
  

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  Ability to take initiative, make critical decisions, negotiate, project manage, meet deadlines, and take creative risks. 

  
  

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  Compelling and effective written and oral communication and collaborative skills with the ability to network and create generative relationships with Press colleagues, authors, and others in the publishing community. 

  
  

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  Knowledge of techniques of acquisition, manuscript preparation and general publishing processes and practices, including the ability to understand and use financial tools to assess the viability of book projects preferred. 

  
  

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  Ability to successfully manage projects through all stages of the publishing process, with a creative, solutions-based mindset. 

  
  

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  Computer proficiency, including databases and Microsoft Office. 

  
  

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  Enthusiasm for collaboration, and commitment to professional codes of conduct; the Press’s may be accessed at https://press.princeton.edu/about/mission-values. 

  
  

PUP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our publishing. Individuals who are members of groups underrepresented in academic publishing (which is, according to research by Lee & Low, historically a majority white, straight, cisgender, nondisabled and neurotypical industry) are encouraged to apply. The Press provides a comprehensive and affordable benefits package. 

Base Salary: $65,000/year plus extensive benefits package. Starting salary may be negotiable based on relevant skills and prior experience.  

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should send a cover letter with salary requirements, and a résumé, including a list of signings and publications (for applicants with prior acquiring experience) at PUP’s application website.* 

* Note that the cover letter is valued and reviewed closely as a writing sample.  

Due to application volume, only finalists will be contacted.  

Founded in 1905, Princeton University Press is an independent, nonprofit publisher with close connections to Princeton University. The Press brings influential voices and ideas to the world stage through their academic scholarship, advancing the frontiers of scholarly knowledge and promoting the human conversation. For more information on Princeton University Press, visit http://press.princeton.edu/.