Who we are:

The American Astronomical Society (AAS), established in 1899, is a major international organization of professional astronomers, astronomy educators, and amateur astronomers. Its membership of approximately 8,000 also includes physicists, geologists, engineers, and others whose interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising astronomical sciences. The mission of the AAS is to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community, which it achieves through publishing, meetings, science advocacy, education and outreach, and training and professional development.

The position:

The Books Publishing Manager will oversee the selection, authorship, production and publication of books related to the astronomical sciences under three AAS-owned imprints, AAS Scholarly Books, Sky & Telescope Books and Willmann-Bell Books.

Responsibilities:

1) Evaluate book proposals and manuscripts; manage the submission and selection process and maintain a manuscript tracking system.

2) Negotiate and oversee book contracts and author agreements and published materials reuse permissions for each title.

3) Establish and manage partnerships with publishing partners and service providers or contractors.

4) Oversee contracted editing and production services of manuscripts, ensure adherence to proscribed style and ensure readability.

5) Serve as staff liaison to Editorial Advisory Committees (EACs) on developing the annual book production calendar for each imprint.

6) Work with graphic designers on book layout and design.

7) Work with editorial contractors or partners on quality control.

8) Work with publishing partners to ensure timely and high-quality printing of finished manuscripts.

9) Work with the marketing team to develop compelling marketing efforts to support book sales.

10) Assess viability of reprinting titles based on sales performance.

11) Serve as a member of the AAS Publishing Team

12) In collaboration with the CFO, set sales prices for books.

13) Other duties as assigned or needed.

Qualifications:

1) Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, or related; OR commensurate experience.

2) 8 to 10 years of editorial experience in book publishing.

3) Strong author management skills.

4) Demonstrated excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

5) Strong management and leadership capabilities, with a focus on quality, speed, productivity, efficiency, and cost control.

6) Exceptional time management skills.

7) Ability to maintain a professional and team-focused approach when dealing with authors, volunteer editorial advisors, and all others within the publishing and scientific communities.

8) Ability to establish and maintain working relationships both internally and externally.

9) Highly skilled in time management and organization with demonstrated to meet or exceed deadlines on multiple projects simultaneously.

10) Demonstrated understanding of print and electronic publication production processes.

11) Working knowledge of several professional editorial-style manuals.

12) Demonstrated awareness of trends and policies in book publishing and ability to maintain and expand this knowledge.

13) Must have knowledge of standard office software and the ability to learn additional software tools as required.

The AAS offers a competitive salary plus an exceptional benefits package, generous sick and vacation time, 13 paid holidays, comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability, and parking and commuter benefits.

Applicants must be physically located in the United States and authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment Visa at this time.

The AAS actively seeks diverse candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.

The AAS recognizes that candidates with non-traditional career paths, or individuals who are at earlier stages of their careers may have demonstrated experience in different ways. The AAS encourages applications from such individuals. We welcome you to apply today!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

Do you possess eight or more years of proven experience in the field of book publishing?

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

editorial: 8 years (Required)
book publishing: 8 years (Required)

Location:

United States (Required)

Work Location: Remote

The American Astronomical Society

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Books Publishing Manager (Remote)