Publications Manager
University of California Los Angeles
United States

Application Window

The UCLA Pourdavoud Center for the Study of the Iranian World seeks applications for an Academic Coordinator to serve as the Publications Manager. The position is full time and would begin May 15, 2023.

The Publications Manager is responsible for all aspects of the Pourdavoud Center's publications program, including: overseeing agreements and contracts; critically evaluating manuscript submissions and directing them to editorial board members or readers for peer-review; editing, proof-reading, and preparing manuscripts for publication; and supervising the publication production from manuscript submission to the delivery of digital files to the publisher. These tasks the Publications Manager will be performing in consultation with the Center Director.

Some of the Center's current publication agenda include: Iran and the Ancient World (IAW), a proprietary monograph series established with UC Press that intends to publish two volumes per annum; The Blackwell Companion to the Sassanian Empire; The Blackwell Companion to the Parthian Empire; conference proceedings published with Getty Publications; conference proceedings published with the Verlag der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften (ÖAW); The Parthian Empire: Empires through the Ages in Global Perspective, currently with De Gruyter; and additional series presently under consideration in conjunction with national and international university presses. Further publication opportunities that feature the Center's research, invited lectures, workshop presentations, and conference proceedings will arise in the coming years.

As an integral member of the Pourdavoud Center, the Publications Manager works closely with: (1) the Center Director to develop and implement the Center's publication agenda, assist in exploring publication projects and digital publishing initiatives, as well as provide editorial assistance; (2) the Center Assistant Director on publications related to the Center's strategic plans, newsletters, and development material, as well as publication-related budget planning; and (3) the Program and Administration Coordinator to integrate publications into the Center's conferences and events, as well as assist in promoting Center publications through the web, social media, and other digital technologies. The Publications Manager is expected to work on-campus and keep regular office hours; hybrid/remote work part-time is permissible with approval.

Duties include:

• Serve as the editorial and manuscript preparation expert for the Center.
• Provide one-to-one editorial assistance to the Center Director and Center faculty members who are working on Center publications.
• Coordinate the orderly and timely progress of manuscripts from initial receipt to final judgement.
• Receive, acknowledge, and maintain records of manuscripts submitted for publication.
• In consultation with the academic editor of the journal/series, identify suitable manuscripts and coordinate peer review process.
• Compose letters of acceptance or rejection for contributors with summary of criticism and commentary. Suggest revisions or changes to the author.
• Edit manuscripts accepted for publication for stylistic consistency, spelling, grammar, punctuation, logic, and to conform to the publisher's specifications.
• Prepare illustrations for publication. When necessary, obtain high resolution digital images and permissions from authors, publishers, libraries, and museums.
• Proofread and approve final copy prior to submission to publisher for printing.
• Manage the Center's Publication Program
• Work closely with the Center Director, Assistant Director, and Faculty Advisory Committee to develop new publication projects in accordance with the Center's mission and the Director's vision.
• Work closely with publishers on advertising and marketing strategies. Make recommendations about potential audiences to target.
• Work with the Center's Programs and Administration Coordinator to publicize publications through the web, social media, professional organizations, and other venues.
• Work with the Assistant Director to write and revise content about the Center's publications for the newsletters, announcements, and other promotional materials.
• Attend Center conferences and events to promote publications, screen presentations for publication potential, and meet conference organizers and guest speakers.
• Advise affiliated graduate students, recent PhDs, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty about academic publishing opportunities.
• Prepare written reports on publications for the Faculty Advisory Committee, annual Center reviews, and as requested.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a Master's Degree, with a minimum of five years of experience editing for style, content, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Detailed knowledge of, or work with, one or more areas of research relevant to ancient Iranian Studies and/or the study of the ancient worlds (e.g., Ancient Near East; Classics).
• Excellent written and oral English language skills, with expert knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and style.
• Ability to evaluate manuscripts critically for content, value, logic, and accuracy.
• Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to discern errors and inconsistencies in printed and digital content.
• Utilize word processing and publication software (e.g., MSWord, InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, WordPress, etc.) with a high degree of competence.
• Experience negotiating author's agreements and publication contracts.
• Skill writing effective marketing and promotional copy to generate interest in publications and to expand customer base.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, students, authors, co-workers and staff.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple tasks.
• Highly motivated and able to set priorities, meet deadlines, and problem solve independently.

Candidates should submit a (a) cover letter, (b) resume, (c) statement of contributions to diversity, (d) writing sample, and (e) contact information for three references via UCLA Academic Recruit at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF08260. Review of applications will commence on April 2, 2023, and continue until the position is filled.

See table 36 (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs_files/2022-23/july-2022-salary-scales/t36-ii.pdf) for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $78,564 - $90,170.

We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to the Pourdavoud Center’s commitment to diversity and excellence.

Candidates must have a Master's Degree, with a minimum of five years of experience editing for style, content, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

References will be contacted upon request from Search Committee.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.