"Editorial Assistant III"

Job Summary: The Editorial Assistant supports two publication programs of the Project on Cold War Studies at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies: The Journal on Cold War Studies, a quarterly peer-reviewed publication, and the Cold War Book Series. The journal and book series are designed to encourage historical reassessments as well as the use of archival evidence to test social science theories. The Journal of Cold War Studies features peer-reviewed articles based on archival research in all parts of the world that figured prominently in the Cold War. More than 400 manuscripts are submitted to the JCWS each year for possible publication, with only 8% accepted for publication. Volumes in the book series, which also draw on newly available archival materials, are chosen in a rigorous, two-stage review process, similar to the process used for all articles in the journal. This position reports to the Director of the Project on Cold War Studies. To learn more about the Davis Center, please visit https://daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/. For more information about the Cold War Studies Project, please visit https://daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/research-initiatives/cold-war-studies-project.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Coordinates Peer-Review Process for Journal on Cold War Studies under broad direction from the editor.
  • Handles all correspondence with authors, manuscript reviewers, and others who contact the JCWS, including publishers, book reviewers, and (if necessary) book authors.
  • Provides daily updates to editor on manuscript reviews, the status of manuscripts, and the scheduling of publication.
  • Prepares accepted article manuscripts for editing in accordance with the journal’s guidelines for footnotes, dates, spellings, etc.
  • Coordinates book review section. Formats and standardizes book reviews for editing.
  • Works with authors and MIT Press representatives to resolve any potential glitches in texts.
• Coordinates peer-review process for Cold War Studies Book Series.
  • Handles all correspondence with authors and reviewers of book manuscripts.
  • Prepares accepted book manuscripts for editing in accordance with the book series guidelines for footnotes, dates, and spellings.
  • Works with representatives of Rowman & Littlefield to resolve any glitches in the preparation of manuscripts for editing and publication.
• Administrative Support
  • Oversees the tasks of student research assistants in conjunction with program director. Assigns any specific tasks to students as required by outstanding problems with manuscripts.
  • Helps the editor with basic maintenance on the Cold War Studies website.

Working Conditions: There is a hands-on requirement to process incoming and outgoing manuscripts, books, and professional journals. As such, this position handles lightweight packages and requires an on-campus presence. This is a 17.5-hour-per-week position.

Physical Requirements: Handles incoming and outgoing mail: manuscripts, books, and professional journals.

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications: Three years of related experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills: Bachelor’s degree preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft letters on an ad-hoc basis and, when necessary, to deal with authors over the phone. Mastery of Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and other standard software is essential. An advanced degree and knowledge of one or more foreign languages are preferred but are not required.

Additional Information:

• Appointment End Date: July 31, 2026
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 17.5 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate: New hires can anticipate a salary somewhere within the lower end of the salary range. The amount will vary based on the position and the candidate’s relevant experience.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information: This is a 10-month term appointment that may be renewed depending on available funding and job performance.
• Work Format Details: This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.