Summary

The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) seeks an enthusiastic, creative, self-starting project manager to run MCHC’s print and digital publishing projects and other editorial initiatives as assigned. The ideal candidate will be an experienced editor with a passion for museum and scholarly publishing, dedication to detail, and excellent communication and organizational skills.

Reporting to the Vice President of Research, the position will manage the content and production for our peer-reviewed journal Maryland Historical Magazine and books published by MCHC Press. The position will assist with liaising with the Publications Committee, research fellowships and programs coordination, and take part in MCHC’s onsite and virtual public programming.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages the production of Maryland Historical Magazine (semiannual, peer-reviewed historical journal):

• Content:
• Screens submissions for how well they fit the journal aims and scope.
• Coordinates peer review and revisions with authors.
• Collaborates with Book Reviews Editor: coordinates the selection of books and reviewers, copyedits and fact-checks as needed.
• Production:
• Maintains publishing schedule.
• Manages the editorial/design/production process: copyediting and revising with authors and relevant staff; collecting image permissions and signed publishing agreements from authors; outside vendor contracts and invoices.
• Distribution:
• Cooperates with Advancement Department on maintaining relevant membership and institutional subscriber lists.
• Coordinates mailing of printed copies with distributor, publishing digital ADA-compliant files online (mdhistory.org, MSA website, and other potential digital platforms) with relevant staff and vendors.

• Promotion:
  • Produces relevant social media and other content to promote the journal.

Manages the production of MCHC Press projects (museum publications; academic trade monographs):

• Book proposals and acquisitions:
• Screens submitted book proposals for review by supervisor.
• Coordinates peer review of submitted book proposals with supervisor, relevant staff, Publications Committee, and external reviewers, as appropriate.
• Manages revision process with authors and reviewers.
• Production:
• Establishes and maintains publishing schedule for manuscripts accepted for publication;
• Manages the production process: content- and copyediting, proofreading; image permissions and captions; communication with authors, reviewers, and outside vendors—editor(s), designer(s) and printer(s); publishing agreements and invoices; ISBN and LOC CIP data acquisition.

• Distribution:
  • With supervisor guidance, cooperates with Museum Store, Marketing & Communications Department and other relevant staff, volunteers, and interns to develop marketing and sales strategies.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES AS ASSIGNED:

• Maintains and updates roster of contributors: submitting and published authors; in-house and external reviewers; outside vendors.
• Maintains and updates relevant pages on the mdhistory.org website (WordPress).
• Assists with the logistics and materials (minutes, update reports, agendas, etc.) for Publications Committee meetings, taking place 3 times a year.
• Edits and proofreads public-facing materials as appropriate, in cooperation with relevant staff.
• Contributes to MCHC’s House Style Guide developments and updates.
• Assists with the logistics of MCHC’s research fellowships as needed.
• Performs periodical stock checks for journal and books (on- and offsite) and carries out adjustments in collaboration with supervisor.
• Performs periodical inventories of Publications-related digital and hard-copy files and carries out adjustments in collaboration with supervisor.
• Participates in MCHC’s onsite and virtual public programming as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/CORE COMPETENCES

• Bachelor’s degree in history, art history, English, or a related discipline
• 2 years of experience managing publication projects in history, art, museum studies, social sciences, or related fields
• Proficiency in the Chicago Manual of Style, Microsoft Office, Google and Adobe suites
• Impeccable writing, editing, and communication skills
• Organizational and research skills
• Experience in web editing
• Ability to coordinate multiple simultaneous projects and work across departments
• Self-motivated, innovative, proactive, resourceful
• Excels at both working independently and being a team player
• Possesses a passion for history, the written word, arts and culture organizations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCES

• An advanced degree in history, art history, English, or a related discipline
• 3-5 years of relevant experience managing publication projects in history, art, museum studies, social sciences, or related fields
• Experience in managing scholarly and/or museum publication projects
• Experience in digital publishing
• Experience with databases and project management software, such as Airtable
• Strong knowledge of and interest in Maryland and US history, art, and culture

ABOUT THE POSITION

This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. The salary range is $45,000–50,000 annually. The final salary will be determined based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is eligible for a hybrid working schedule, pending approval by supervisor. Candidates should be able to commute to Baltimore City several times a month for in-person staff meetings, periodical inventorying, and relevant onsite events.

How to Apply

Please email the following to [email protected] with the subject line “Publications manager”:

• Cover letter
• CV/resume with contacts of three professional references
• Two writing samples relevant to this position

Review of applications will begin on March 13, 2023. Selected candidates may be asked to take part in an editorial test and/or supply an example of their editorial work. Incomplete applications may not be considered. No phone calls, please.

ABOUT MCHC

The Maryland Center for History and Culture is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to educate people of all ages about the American experience through the rich history of Maryland using their collections and to preserve important objects and archival materials from prehistoric Maryland to the present day. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by law and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.

The Maryland Center for History and Culture collects, preserves, and interprets the history, art, and culture of Maryland. By exploring multiple perspectives and sharing national stories through the lens of Maryland, MCHC inspires critical thinking, creativity, and community. Learn more at mdhistory.org.