Acquisitions Editor 3–5 CM

Job Summary

Responsible for acquiring, developing, and revising titles. Develops and recommends publishing plans and list strategies using research and personal knowledge of the market. Works with authors to develop suitable manuscripts to meet publishing objectives. Acts as liaison with design, copyediting, printing, production, sales and marketing personnel. May have profit and loss responsibility.

Job Title	Acquisitions Editor 3 CM	Acquisitions Editor 4 CM	Acquisitions Editor 5 CM
Job Code	5368	5370	6400
Bargaining Unit	CM	CM	CM
FLSA	Exempt	Exempt	Exempt
Generic Scope	Experienced professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field; independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; possesses broad job knowledge; analyzes problems  / issues of diverse scope and determines solutions.	Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues / problems without precedent and / or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy.	Recognized organization-wide expert. Has significant impact and influence on organizational policy and program development. Regularly leads projects of critical importance to the organization; these projects carry substantial consequences of success or failure. May direct programs with organization-wide impact that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources. Significant barriers to entry exist at this level.
Custom Scope	Independently defines and develops the strategic growth plan and list strategy for two or more publishing programs. Responsible for meeting signing and transmittal goals for up to 20 titles annually. May also lead and develop and / or supervise less experienced staff. Typically, the bargaining unit job code should be used for work covered by this title. However, if the position is not covered by the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) due to one of the following reasons—(1) Confidential status, where duties normally require access to confidential information that significantly influences the development of management’s bargaining or grievance positions; (2) employed outside of California at a location with 100 or fewer employees; or (3) Supervisory status, where duties include supervising employees as a regular part of the job—then the position should be listed under the generic title without the “CM” ending.	Under general direction, has responsibility for developing the strategic growth plan and list strategy for at least one large or two small publishing programs, acquiring up to 15 titles per year including meeting specific annual signing and transmittal goals. Typically, the bargaining unit job code should be used for work covered by this title. However, if the position is not covered by the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) due to one of the following reasons—(1) Confidential status, where duties normally require access to confidential information that significantly influences the development of management’s bargaining or grievance positions; (2) employed outside of California at a location with 100 or fewer employees; or (3) Supervisory status, where duties include supervising employees as a regular part of the job—then the position should be listed under the generic title without the “CM” ending.	Independently defines and develops the strategic growth plan and list strategy for two or more publishing programs and is responsible for meeting aggressive signing and transmittal goals usually associated with up to 25 titles annually. Leads and develops and / or supervises less experienced staff. Typically, the bargaining unit job code should be used for work covered by this title. However, if the position is not covered by the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) due to one of the following reasons—(1) Confidential status, where duties normally require access to confidential information that significantly influences the development of management’s bargaining or grievance positions; (2) employed outside of California at a location with 100 or fewer employees; or (3) Supervisory status, where duties include supervising employees as a regular part of the job—then the position should be listed under the generic title without the “CM” ending.
Key Resp 01	Under general direction, develops the strategic growth plan, list strategy, including the management of backlist titles, and conceives new book and journal ideas for at least one large or several small publishing programs.	Independently develops the publishing list strategy, including the management of backlist titles, and conceives new book and journal ideas for two or more publishing programs.	Independently develops the publishing list strategy, including the management of backlist titles, and conceives new book and journal ideas for two or more publishing programs.
Key Resp 02	Develops contacts and working relationships with scholars within the assigned subject matter for the purpose of obtaining manuscripts.	Expands network of scholars, authors, and agents for the purpose of obtaining manuscripts, and judges whether or not they are publishable, editorially and financially.	Responsible for aggressive signing and transmittal goals associated with the signing of as many as 25 titles annually.
Key Resp 03	Obtains and evaluates critical manuscripts making informed decisions to either reject or recommend them for publication.	Independently obtains and evaluates critical manuscripts by making informed decisions to either reject or recommend them for publication.	Proactively expands the network of leading scholars, authors, and agents to source high-quality manuscripts. Carefully evaluates submissions for editorial merit and commercial viability, ensuring alignment with publishing standards and strategic objectives.
Key Resp 04	Prepares analysis for editorial and financial feasibility for presentation to editorial committee to build case for proposed titles.	Prepares analysis for editorial and financial feasibility for presentation to editorial committee to build case for proposed titles.	Prepares in-depth analysis for editorial and financial feasibility for presentation to editorial committee to build case for proposed titles.
Key Resp 05	In consultation with more senior acquisition editor, negotiates approved terms for publishing contracts.	Negotiates terms for publishing contracts.	Independently negotiates approved terms for publishing contracts.
Key Resp 06	Coordinates preparation of final manuscripts through copy editing and production stages.	May lead, develop, or provide oversight and direction of the work of less experienced acquisitions editors.	Collaborates with journal publishing managers to acquire and develop titles in subject area.
Key Resp 07	Collaborates with journal publishing managers to acquire and develop titles in subject area.	Collaborates with journal publishing managers to acquire and develop titles in subject area.	Frequently represents the organization to the external community.
Key Resp 08		May supervise editorial assistants and less experienced acquisitions editors.	Leverages expertise in the subject matter to cultivate and strengthen professional relationships, while actively building and maintaining strategic publishing partnerships with institutions.
Key Resp 09		May work on special department level projects or serve on task forces.	Manages complex and sensitive publishing relationships with other foundations and entities.
Key Resp 10			Develops best practices.
Key Resp 11			Mentors, develops, and provides oversight and direction of the work of less experienced acquisitions editors.
Key Resp 12			May supervise editorial assistants.
Key Resp 13			May work on special organization-wide projects or serve on task forces.
Education	Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training	Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training	Bachelor’s degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
Special Condition	Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.	Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.	Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
KSA 01	Working knowledge of all aspects of publishing process.	Proven knowledge of all aspects of scholarly publishing.	Expert knowledge of all aspects of scholarly publishing.
KSA 02	Broad knowledge of assigned subject area(s): ability to comprehend and interpret concepts.	Advanced knowledge of assigned subject area(s); ability to comprehend and interpret complex concepts.	Deep knowledge of assigned subject area(s); ability to comprehend and interpret complex concepts.
KSA 03	Strong entrepreneurial skills to identify, create, develop and evaluate book concepts and proposals and backlist strategies that will attain target financial goals.	Advanced entrepreneurial skills to identify, create, develop, and evaluate book concepts, proposals and backlist strategies that have a high degree of editorial or financial impact.	Expert entrepreneurial skills to identify, develop, and evaluate innovative book concepts, proposals, and backlist strategies that deliver significant editorial and financial impact while keeping pace with industry trends
KSA 04	Ability to understand and use financial models to determine financial viability and goals of assigned projects.	Advanced knowledge and understanding of industry standards for editorial acquisitions and product development to successfully manage projects through all stages of the publishing process and address unique issues.	Expert knowledge and understanding of industry standards for editorial acquisitions and product development to successfully manage projects through all stages of the publishing process and address complex issues.
KSA 05	Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain working relationships with internal and external parties.	Proven skills in understanding and using financial models to determine and demonstrate financial viability and goals of assigned projects.	Proven skills in understanding and using financial models to determine and demonstrate financial viability and goals of assigned projects.
KSA 06	Solid verbal, written and presentation skills to articulate ideas and issues in individual and group settings.	Excellent interpersonal skills to establish and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external parties.	Excellent interpersonal skills to establish and maintain strong working relationships with top scholars, as well as internal and external parties.
KSA 07	Strong negotiation skills. Understanding of publishing contracts, royalty payments and other conditions with authors / organizations that sponsor books.	Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills to articulate complex ideas and issues in individual and group settings.	Strong organizational understanding to effectively represent the organization on internal and external committees.
KSA 08	Strong analytical, critical thinking, project management and problem resolution skills.	Strong negotiation skills.	Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills to articulate complex ideas and issues in individual and group settings.
KSA 09	Working knowledge and understanding of industry standards for editorial acquisitions and product development to successfully follow projects through all stages of the publishing process.	Advanced analytical, critical thinking, project management and problem resolution skills.	Excellent negotiation skills. Expert analytical, critical thinking, project management and problem resolution skills.
KSA 10	Proficiency with internet searches, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database and e-mail applications.	Strong use of internet searches, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database and e-mail applications.	Proven leadership ability to train and mentor less experienced acquisitions editors and editorial assistants to grow a publishing program.
KSA 11		Ability to train and mentor less experienced staff.	Strong use of internet searches, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database and e-mail applications.
Environment	Campus, or other university setting.	Campus, or other university setting.	Campus, or other university setting.