Princeton University Press (PUP), one of the top academic publishers, seeks an Assistant Publisher to join our dynamic global publishing team and support our renowned natural history and field guide publishing program. Working in close collaboration with the Publisher for Nature, the Assistant Publisher will be responsible for list and lifecycle management of a cohort of books in the nature publishing program. The role will have independent managerial, and selective commissioning responsibility for 10-12 titles annually, specifically copublications and WILDGuides and Wild Nature Press titles, through the publications process, from contract to publication. This is a rare opportunity to focus on an acquisitions program that contributes significantly to the Press’ mission-inspired publishing and global reputation. Applicants with greater publishing experience will be considered for positions that reflect that experience in title and compensation.

This is a full-time position with comprehensive and industry leading benefits that include a focus on wellness. PUP is a staff choice organization when it comes to work location and flexible scheduling. The Press respects and trusts that staff can determine where and how they best function to perform their role. The selected candidate will be able to choose either 100% remote (within the US or UK), hybrid, or full-time in our Princeton, NJ or Oxford, UK offices.

Core Responsibilities:

• Manages WILDGuides, Wild Nature Press, and copublications through the publication lifecycle.
• Manages and optimizes the publications workflow for WILDGuides, Wild Nature Press, and copublications in collaboration with contracts, production editorial, creative media, and publishing operations departments.
• Responsible for long-life management of IP for WILDGuides, Wild Nature Press, and copublications, including seeking opportunities for backlist optimization and new editions.
• Liaises with authors to actively manage publications pipeline and ensure successful delivery of materials for production, including art and permissions. Also maintains author preparation guidelines.
• Liaises with co-publishing partners to ensure accurate scheduling and flow of information and requisite materials, and maintains copublication partner guidelines.
• Maintain data integrity for all WILDGuides, Wild Nature Press, and copublication titles contributing to the efficient flow of materials and information using the Biblio title-management system.
• With the Publisher for Nature, selectively commissions new titles for the WILDGuides program, and for the PUP list of UK and European oriented titles. May have independent commissioning over time.
• With the Publisher for Nature, and also independently on occasion, represents titles to editorial board, contract review, seasonal list planning, launch, and handover meetings.

Requirements

• A 4-year degree and a minimum of 7 years of experience in nature publishing inclusive of projects with complex illustration and production needs.
• Must have current legal authorization to work immediately in the UK or US. PUP will not attempt to obtain Immigration and labor sponsorship for any applicants.
• A demonstrated track record of successfully managing publishing projects and publication related partnerships, including authors and illustrators.
• Demonstrated experience acquiring nature, field guides, and/or illustrated science publications is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and problem solve independently.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Knowledge of manuscript preparation, design, composition, and file preparation.
• Adept with computers and computer programs, including databases.
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills with the confidence and ability to build key relationships with authors and copublishers.
• Commitment to mission driven, non-profit publishing.
• Enthusiasm for collaboration, and commitment to professional codes of conduct; the Press’s may be accessed at https://press.princeton.edu/about/mission-values.

PUP is a strong advocate for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the university press community. Individuals who are members of groups underrepresented in academic publishing (which is, according to research by Lee & Low, historically a majority white, straight, cisgender, and nondisabled industry) are encouraged to apply.

Base Salary: $80,500/year (US) or £50,000/year (UK). Starting salary may be negotiable based on relevant skills and prior experience.

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should send a cover letter* with salary requirements, and a résumé via our application site by Sunday, April 7.

*Please include in your cover letter a description of what you are currently reading and what’s on your “to read” list. Note that the cover letter is valued and reviewed closely as a writing sample.

Due to application volume, only finalists will be contacted. For more information on Princeton University Press, visit http://press.princeton.edu/.