Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: N4008 / Sr Acquisitions Editor
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 13

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Solicits, evaluates, and secures book-length manuscripts from authors, and performs all editorial activities with respect to manuscripts acquired, ensuring that all published work meets established standards for appearance and content. Manuscripts may be in a highly technical, scientific, or specialized field of endeavor. Participates in long-range list planning and development. Coordinates such functions as budget preparation and financial management for the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Solicits, secures, and coordinates the acquisition of thirty or more book-length manuscripts per year, to include recruitment of authors, selection of topics in accordance with department objectives, evaluation of manuscripts, budget/sales forecasting, and contract negotiation.
  2. Serves as liaison between the unit and authors and/or publishers; locates peer reviewers and mediates between peer reviewers and authors.
  3. Prepares financial objectives by assisting in preparing the annual budget, scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective actions; prepares formal planning and reporting documents as needed.
  4. Assists in establishing and implementing short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures.
  5. Participates in development, implementation and maintenance of policies, objectives, short-and long-range planning; develops and implements projects and programs to assist in accomplishment of established goals.
  6. Plans, develops, and implements strategies for generating resources and/or revenues for the organization.
  7. Serves on committees which recommend, coordinate, and implement changes and/or improvements in fiscal controls, policies, procedures, and/or financial and human resource management systems.
  8. Represents the organization at various community and/or business meetings, committees, and task forces; promotes existing and new programs and/or policies.
  9. Provides leadership to editors in the acquisition of publication materials, recruits authors, negotiates contracts, oversees rights and permissions, approves revisions, and sets production schedules and priorities.
  10. Negotiates contracts with authors and publishers for new and distributed books, and for reprints.
  11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree; at least 4 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.
  • Knowledge of the acquisition process for book-length manuscripts.
  • Ability to develop and implement accurate title budgets and sales forecasts.
  • Skill in business and financial planning and management.
  • Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
  • Conflict resolution and/or mediation skills.
  • Knowledge of publishing processes, procedures, and techniques.
  • Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
  • Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions.
  • Strong interpersonal and professional leadership skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
  • Ability to identify and secure alternative funding/revenue sources.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and negotiating skills.
  • Knowledge of college and university human resources systems.
  • Knowledge of cost analysis techniques.
  • Knowledge of peer review principles and procedures for scholarly manuscripts.
  • Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
  • Ability to negotiate and manage contractual arrangements.
  • Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
  • Ability to provide professional direction, guidance and counsel to publications editors.
  • Ability to negotiate publishing contracts, rights and permissions.
  • Ability to direct and coordinate publications and printing press operations.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 03/20/2017