"Acquisitions Assistant"

Posted: 06-Dec-25

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Type: Full-time

Categories: Publishing/Printing/Graphic Design, Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 25347

ACQUISITIONS ASSISTANT

MIT Press, supports two Acquisitions Editors in managing book projects in computer science, physical science, education, science fiction, and textbooks for the MIT Press. Handling roughly 30 projects annually, the assistant oversees key stages of project development across textbooks, trade titles, and scholarly monographs. They facilitate proposal and manuscript evaluation, coordinate peer review, and assist authors in preparing manuscripts and artwork for production. Core responsibilities include maintaining project data in the title management system, tracking permissions, securing endorsements, preparing contracts and sales materials, and ensuring manuscripts follow submission guidelines. The role also involves researching competing titles, identifying potential markets or course adoption opportunities, and developing financial projections as needed. After contract signing, the assistant manages designated projects, liaises with authors and internal departments, and helps maintain schedules tied to publishing deadlines.

REQUIRED: High school diploma or equivalent; a minimum of three years of administrative experience; excellent organizational and communication skills; strong administrative computer skills (MS Word, FileMaker, Excel, PowerPoint); ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple demands, and deal with confidential information and/or issues (including peer reviewer identities, tax forms, etc.) using discretion and judgment; and be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and enjoy working in teams when necessary. PREFERRED: Bachelor's degree; publishing experience; experience or engagement with diverse communities or communities that are underrepresented in STEM fields, and a willingness to apply that knowledge in the daily work of publishing; and academic or professional experience in computer science and/or education and learning.

The position offers an entry point into university press acquisitions, no subject expertise is required.

This full-time role operates within MIT Press's hybrid work model, requiring at least one weekly in-office day in Cambridge, MA.