"EDITORIAL ASSISTANT - UC PRESS - HYBRID"

Department Overview

University of California Press is one of the most forward-thinking scholarly publishers, committed to influencing public discourse and challenging the status quo. At a time of dramatic change for scholarship and publishing, we collaborate with faculty, librarians, authors, and students to stay ahead of today's knowledge demands and shape the future of publishing.

Position Summary

The Editorial Assistant supports Acquisitions Editors by providing instructions and information to authors around manuscript preparation, assessing file formatting and the submissions of forms and art programs, and preparing materials for production. This role assists editors with manuscript and proposal peer reviews, contributing to the publication of high-quality books while addressing author requests and queries professionally. Responsibilities include preparing marketing materials, soliciting and editing back cover blurbs, coordinating with Press personnel across departments, and handling clerical tasks such as maintaining files, updating databases, drafting contracts, and processing invoices. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, organized individual committed to producing scholarly content.

Responsibilities

• 50% Guide authors in preparing manuscripts for production, evaluate art and permissions and format files, and act as liaison to the production department.
• 15% Assist editors with manuscript and proposal review. Assist editors in signing, developing, and publishing high-quality books.
• 10% Address author requests and queries in a timely and professional manner. Act as liaison between author and Press personnel from various departments.
• 10% Prepare marketing materials. Solicit and edit back cover blurbs.
• 10% Perform clerical tasks such as copying, maintaining electronic files, updating database, drafting contracts from templates, and processing invoices. Provide other administrative duties as needed.
• 5% Attend 1-2 academic conferences each year.

Required Qualifications

• Strong communication skills.
• Strong collaborative skills to work effectively across the organization at all levels.
• Good time management skills; be organized and capable of prioritizing across activities and projects.
• Detail-oriented; make sure that daily activities are handled with accuracy.
• Demonstrated proficiency using: email, word processing, and spreadsheet applications; common desktop/web applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a detail oriented administrative position.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent experience required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.

Travel Requirements

• 5% Travel to two academic conferences per year to meet authors and work in UC Press exhibits booth.

Special Conditions - Hybrid Work Schedule

The person hired will be required to live in California and report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA at least two days per week (currently Wednesday and Thursday).

Salary and Benefits

Job Title: Blank Ast 2
Job Code: 004723
Payscale: $29.09 - $29.65 / hour (Step 4 to 5), commensurate with experience

Benefits of Belonging

How to Apply

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

Application Review Date

The first review date for this job is February 12, 2026. The position will be open until filled.