The United States Naval Institute

Founded in 1873, the non-profit U.S. Naval Institute (located at but not part of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD) is the independent forum for those who dare to read, think, speak, and write to advance the professional, literary, and scientific understanding of sea power and other issues critical to global security. The Institute plays a key role in the nation’s ongoing discussion of defense and global security policy and aims always to be the organization that tests the conventional wisdom and explores the power of new ideas.

Established in 1898, the Naval Institute Press is the book-publishing department of the U. S. Naval Institute and a member of the Association of University Presses since 1949. The Naval Institute Press publishes 60-70 books and oral histories each year in multiple formats. 

Summary

The Acquisitions Editor reports to the Press Director and is a key contributor to the success of the Press. The successful individual will assist in the development and growth of our current editorial strengths by acquiring and developing new saleable content. The incumbent will also have opportunities to contribute to the growth of our emergent digital publishing program. 

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Acquires and transmits 15-20 new book projects annually (including digital projects)
• Meets financial and content goals established for list
• Manages assigned series
• Solicits and evaluates reports from suitable external readers
• Maintains updated project records in Firebrand’s Title Management system; communicates project statuses; and moves projects along the pipeline from proposal to publication committee review to transmittal
• Builds a broad network of scholars and other potential authors, editors, readers, and agents 
• Negotiates contract terms with authors and author representatives, preparing necessary information for contracts
• Maintains close contact with authors under contract to ensure manuscripts and accompanying materials are delivered on time, in the appropriate formats, as required by the terms of the contract, keeping Press colleagues informed of changes to project status
• Attends and contributes to launch, editorial, and other scheduled meetings, assisting Marketing and Production with the development of book covers and metadata associated with each project
• Provides regular status reports to Press Director
• Other duties as assigned by the Press Director

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in the humanities, social sciences, or discipline compatible to our list preferred
• Two year's experience in publishing (combination of employment, internship, assistantship, and/or apprenticeship) preferred
• Ability to work well with active-duty and retired military personnel, academics, and people from other service cultures
• Attends conferences, meetings, symposia, campus visits, and other events appropriate for acquisitions opportunities
• Office/Hybrid; The U.S. Naval Institute offers a hybrid work environment. Successful candidates must commit to three days per week in the office

The U.S. Naval Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/disability/veteran.