Associate Editor, Political Science

Job Description

Position Summary:

The American Political Science Association (APSA) seeks an Associate Editor to join our team full-time. The Associate Editor has a unique dual role of working hands-on with content as the Associate Editor for APSA’s member magazine, Political Science Today (PST), as well as providing support to the Publishing Senior Director for all aspects of journal publishing and association publications. The Associate Editor liaises with APSA staff in gathering news and announcements for PST; drafts and edits in-house manuscripts, gathers content, photographs, and permissions, and produces layouts for the magazine. This role also provides technical and editorial support to the Publishing Senior Director and Managing Editors of American Political Science Review (APSR), Perspectives on Politics (Perspectives), and Political Science & Politics (PS) for manuscript preparation, proofreading, and delivery. The Associate Editor designs and packages cover files for APSR, PS and Perspectives and coordinates the distribution of books for the Perspectives book review.

Application Notes: Please include a cover letter and a work sample demonstrating InDesign experience in your application.

Essential Functions:

The examples of essential functions listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Associate Editor, PST Duties (50%):

Request from staff and APSA members and seek out appropriate and timely materials for Political Science Today (Spotlights: Presidential Biography, Executive Director's Report, Member/External submissions, Educate articles, Public Scholarship, In Memoriam etc.; Feature articles and/or Public Scholarship articles; Association: Internal submissions, APSA news, awards)

Edit content to adhere to APSA Style Manual

Solicit advertisements for magazine to create revenue

Prepare and layout initial drafts of these sections for Publishing Senior Director approval

Use Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva to prepare all magazine materials to existing design specifications

Distribute proofs to editors, APSA staff, and members for review; compile corrections and make revisions as necessary for Publishing Senior Director approval

Work with APSA staff to review layout of all magazine content

Create or identify graphics to publish alongside magazine articles

Coordinate uploading of files of the magazine to the printer and serve as their contact point throughout production to maintain schedules and deliver files for online hosting

Solicit photographs, permissions, and approvals from members

Other Publishing Support Duties (50%):

Work with Editors of APSR, PS and Perspectives to determine cover image(s); develop cover mockups using Adobe InDesign; secure image use approval; prepare high quality pdf and send to publisher with necessary high-resolution images, text files, ads, and logos or preparation of final cover files

Record books received for Perspectives book review editors

Track and ship books to reviewers for Perspectives book review editors

Manage Lightning Source account for on-demand printing of APSA books

Provide technical support to journal editorial teams as needed

Provide editorial assistance (design, writing, proofreading, or copyediting as needed) in other association publications (style guide, task force reports, annual reports, newsletters)

Assist in production/ layout of APSA Publications-related materials, reviewing and updating materials for print and electronic distribution

Update website(s) with current information on APSA journals, organized section journals, publications available, and other related content using WordPress and HTML

Update Style Manual website on regular basis to reflect changes using WordPress and HTML

Coordinate with Communications to produce timely content in multiple formats for APSA communication outlets to members and the public

Draft, manage and organize editorial contracts with editors and institutions

Submit payment requests to Finance department on a monthly basis according to contractual financial responsibilities of APSA and ensure that invoices are paid in a timely manner

Track payments to and from APSA publications

Coordinate publication-related activities at the APSA Annual Meeting, including roundtables, editorial board meetings, and other related events, and assist with registration duties

Respond to routine member and customer queries over email, via phone, or in-person

Run reports from various systems and databases such as Editorial Manager as requested

Additional duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: Experience, Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:

Bachelor’s degree required. Major in political science or related field preferred

Experience using Adobe InDesign and other applications in the Adobe Creative Suite required

Keen eye for design, style, and layout of print and digital publications

Two years of relevant editorial experience and/or training in writing, English, or journalism

Ability to work with scholars with professionalism and courtesy throughout the manuscript review, preparation, and publication process

Possession of strong organizational, communication, and multi-tasking skills

Experience working with diverse populations of authors and members and commitment to furthering a climate of inclusivity and collaboration

Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments

Proficient in use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Familiar with style guide applications, in general, and Chicago Manual of Style, in particular

Experience with database systems and online content management systems preferred

Basic web design experience and familiarity with WordPress and HTML preferred

Familiarity with major social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Experience soliciting social media content preferred

Understanding of academic journal publishing a plus

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This job description is subject to change at any time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange information. The employee frequently is required to remain in a stationary position and constantly operate computers and other office productivity machinery.

Generally good working conditions with little or no exposure to extremes in noise or temperature

Minimal lifting

Work performed in an office setting

Flexible work schedule and work arrangement (at least 2 days a week in the office)

All team members are required to adhere to the APSA vaccination policy

Reports to:

Senior Director, Publishing

Supervision Exercised:

None

Compensation & Benefits:

Hourly rate: $28-$34 which equates to approximately $50,958-$61,877 annually with our 35-hour work week.

APSA’s benefits package includes substantial employer contributions towards medical, dental and vision plans for employees, dependents and spouses/domestic partners, disability and life insurance, a 35-hour work week, professional development stipend, public transportation allowance, a 403(b) retirement plan with APSA contributing 10% of your annual salary after a year of service, and generous paid time off policies including paid time off for the week between Christmas and New Years.

FLSA Status:

This position is considered non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore eligible for overtime pay.

APSA is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Full-time