The MIT Press welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those communities underrepresented in scholarly publishing.
Open Positions:
Senior Acquisitions Editor for Computer Science
The Senior Acquisitions Editor will strategically acquire and develop textbooks and professional books on significant topics in computer science computer science, statistics, robotics, and the physical sciences, as determined by signing goals. They will manage a pipeline of projects and work with authors and peer reviewers to develop the highest quality manuscripts for instructors, students, and professionals. They will actively oversee a backlist of projects and serve as the primary point of contact with authors. With a focus on high-impact textbooks as well as professional works, the Senior Acquisitions Editor will establish robust relationships with MIT faculty members and wider networks of advisors and prospective authors. They will exercise good judgment to promote the growth and continued success of this industry leading, legacy MITP portfolio.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions*):
- Commissions textbooks and professional books in computer science, statistics, robotics, and the physical sciences. Tracks original and consequential research and teaching in these areas. Solicits proposals from qualified authors on subjects for which a need has been determined.
- Using all available data, determines the need for and commercial viability of proposed book projects.
- Conducts market research to determine the needs of teachers, students, and professionals for new approaches, syntheses, and analyses of essential and emerging subject matter in computer science, statistics, and robotics.
- Evaluates unsolicited queries, proposals, and manuscripts from authors and agents to identify new and revised textbooks and professional titles.
- Arranges for projects to be independently peer reviewed by qualified experts, and talks with authors about needed revisions.
- Consults with qualified academics at MIT and other universities to ensure the resulting publishing program reflects MIT’s standing among research universities in the field.
- Travels to key campuses and academic conferences to meet with authors and represent the list.
- Builds the press’s networks and positive relationships with researchers, instructors, reviewers, series editors, and others in the field.
- Drafts and prepares external contracts; negotiates terms with authors.
- Works with authors to ensure that contractual terms are met; prepares publishing plans for projects ready to go into production.
- Assesses backlist for revision or reissue, and refreshes metadata to improve discoverability.
- Coordinates with Marketing and Production departments as needed to evaluate potential and costs for prospective projects.
- Prepares production estimates, P&Ls statements, and publishing plans. Makes recommendations on commercial viability of new projects.
- Works with editorial, production, and design departments to ensure the efficient production of projects, including manuscripts prepared in LaTeX; and with marketing and sales staff to ensure the effective promotion of books for their intended readers.
- Presents book projects to the Press editorial board, and its marketing and sales staff.
- Prepares qualitative and quantitative assessments of the list along with list profiles and other materials.
- Manages a program of frontlist and backlist titles that contribute ongoing revenue to the MIT Press’s annual P&L.
- Maintains a high standard of professionalism and leadership in interactions with colleagues at MIT and beyond.
- Represents the MIT Press effectively with authors and prospects, and generally in external interactions.
- Performs other duties as needed or required.
Supervision Received:
This position reports to and meets regularly with our Editorial Director.
Supervision Exercised:
Receives support from an Acquisitions Assistant, who also supports and reports to one other Senior Acquisitions Editor. The two Sr. AEs are responsible for hiring, supervising, and mentoring the Acquisitions Assistant, supporting this person’s development in the role and beyond, conducting annual performance evaluations, and meeting regularly to assure that work obligations are appropriately distributed and performed to expectations.
Qualifications & Skills:
Education: B.A, B.S, or the equivalent.
Experience: Minimum of five years of book acquisitions experience in computer science or a related field.
Skills:
- Strong track record of book acquisitions, including textbooks in computer science or a related field
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong negotiation skills
- Knowledge of publishing contracts and terms
- Knowledge of the higher education community
- Ability to work with academic authors
- Deals with confidential information and/or issues using discretion and judgment
- Campus and conference travel are required
Preferred Education and Experience: Advanced or bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. Knowledge of LaTeX.
*To comply with regulations by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the principal duties in job descriptions must be essential to the job. To identify essential functions, focus on the purpose and the result of the duties rather than the manner in which they are performed. The following definition applies: a job function is essential if removal of that function would fundamentally change the job.
Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.
Please apply for these positions with a cover letter, on the MIT Careers Site using the job cart portal.
The MIT Press is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and offers a hybrid work environment.