Acquisitions Editor - University Libraries - UTK

The Acquisitions Editor scouts, evaluates, acquires, develops, and edits high-quality scholarly and trade manuscripts. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the Press’s portfolio with a focus on southern studies (including Appalachian studies), the outdoors, and/or academic areas based on the editor's expertise. The Acquisitions Editor possesses a deep passion for scholarly and regional publishing, a keen eye for quality, and a strong network within relevant academic and literary communities.

Since its founding in 1940 as the state’s book publisher, the primary mission of the University of Tennessee Press has been to support and enhance the University’s place as a major research institution by publishing both outstanding works of scholarship by writers throughout the world and books of interest to general readers. In support of its mission, the Press publishes titles in many disciplines, including anthropology, American history—particularly related to the nineteenth century, American Civil War, and African Americans—Appalachian studies, American literature, and material culture. The Press is a member of the Association of University Presses; it publishes 35 to 40 new books a year and has over 1,000 titles in print.

Editorial Acquisitions

• Independently identify, acquire, and cultivate up to 25 high-quality mss/year in areas of expertise
• Develop strategic acquisitions plan, conducting thorough assessments of area markets (identifying potential customers), authors, and content
• Analyze data to identify publishing trends and opportunities
• Develop & maintain strong relationships with emerging & established authors
• Negotiate contracts and oversee the acquisition process, ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures
• Oversee peer review process for mss & proposals
• Take the lead in setting goals for ms revision and project management
• Forecast expenditures and develop title budgets for acquired titles
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with regional agencies for copublishing & promotion of open access
• Participate in conferences, workshops, and academic events to promote the Press and its publications while staying current with industry trends and emerging scholarship
• Continually identify process improvement

Editorial/Production

• Provide direction on cover and interior design
• Collaborate with editorial, editorial board, production, marketing, and sales teams to ensure successful, cost-efficient publication and promotion of acquired titles
• Collaborate on project management of acquired titles
• Collaborate on production specs of acquired titles
• Proof & review designs
• Manage subsidiary & foreign rights & third-party permissions requests for acquired titles

Mentoring/Oversight

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior editorial staff and interns, sharing best practices in acquisitions and publishing.
• Assist in formulation of internship curricula, duties, and direction
• Assist in promotion of university publishing concentration and publishing lab
• Complete 1 to 3 hours of professional development each month

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Experience: Three to five years progressively responsible experience acquiring, editing, and producing print and digital communications.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Demonstrated expertise and interest in scholarly and/or regional trade publishing
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Proven track record of successfully acquiring and managing book projects from proposal to publication.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
• Knowledge of the publishing industry, including current trends, market demands, and the competitive landscape
• Ability to evaluate manuscripts for fitness to publish and fit within the Press list; must have independent and insightful judgment skills
• Ability to collaborate with both internal staff and with external clients, including authors, freelance copyeditors and designers, editorial board members, students, and the reading public
• Excellent networking and negotiating skills
• Effective project management skills

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Master’s Degree

Experience: Acquisitions experience in Appalachian studies, southern studies, and/or the outdoors.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Experience acquiring in Appalachian studies, southern studies, and/or the outdoors
• Teaching or supervisory experience
• Strategic management skills

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
• Onsite
• Compensation and Benefits
• UT market range: 10
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division

The University of Tennessee Libraries serves as the flagship campus of Tennessee’s premier public research university. The University of Tennessee holds the Carnegie Foundation Research 1 designation, granted to doctoral universities with very high research activity. You can learn more about UT Libraries at https://www.lib.utk.edu/about/.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!