Acquisition Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: See Position Description
Location : UH Manoa, Honolulu, HI
Job Type: Full-Time Temporary
Job Number: 2026-01547
Department: University of Hawai'i at Manoa - University of Hawai'i Press
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/11/2026 11:59 PM Hawaii
Position Number:: 0097672T
Description
Title: Editor
Position Number: 0097672T
Hiring Unit: UHM LIBRARY SERVICES, UH PRESS, ACQUISITIONS (UH PRESS)
Location: University of Hawaii at Manoa, UH Press (2840 Kolowalu Street, Honolulu, HI 96822)
Date Posted: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 08/11/2026
Band: B
Salary :
Full Time/Part Time: Full-time
Month: 11-month
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Duties and Responsibilities
• *Serves as Acquisitions Editor, responsible for reading a high volume of book proposals and manuscripts, conducting preliminary reviews independently, gauging stylistic and substantive problems, and determining which manuscripts the UH Press should pursue toward publication.
• *Identifies and acquires book manuscripts with publishable potential; represent the UH Press at conferences and in other professional settings to cultivate author relationships.
• *Evaluates proposals and manuscripts to determine publishable potential; select expert peer reviewers and coordinate the review process; present recommendations to the UH Press' editorial board.
• *Advises authors on manuscript organization, revisions, and development; serve as liaison between authors and Press departments throughout the publication process.
• *Analyzes manuscripts for editorial issues and communicate solutions to the Editorial-Design-Production Department.
• *Writes publishing contracts and negotiate terms with authors, agents, and other publishers.
• *Research and secures external funding to support publication costs for individual books and book series.
• *Research and assesses potential markets; create book budgets based on marketing forecasts and production estimates.
• Drafts promotional copy and collaborate with marketing staff to develop promotional materials and marketing campaigns.
• Maintains accurate editorial records in the Press-wide database.
• Oversees projects in Asian studies and related disciplines as determined by the Executive Editor and the UH Press Director.
• Other duties as assigned.
*Denotes Essential Functions
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Professional Work Experience
• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in arts, social science, arts and humanities, science, education, business or related field and 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for acquiring scholarly book manuscripts; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of acquiring scholarly book manuscripts as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
• Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with acquiring scholarly book manuscripts.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing and database software.
• If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Supplemental Minimum Qualifications
• General knowledge of book production processes, including copyediting, design, and manufacturing.
• Ability to work with deadlines.
Desirable Qualifications
• Advanced degree in Arts & Sciences.
• Experience working with scholars and academic communities.
• Ability to translate scholarly value into language for sales and marketing teams and financial stakeholders.
• Understanding of academic book markets, Open Access models, and subventions.
• Ability to juggle multiple book projects at different stages.
• Knowledge of publishing databases such as BiblioLive and style manuals such as the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Ability to search and obtain funding for book projects.
• Understanding of publication processes, especially acquisitions and editorial processes.
To Apply:
Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents: (1) Cover letter that addresses how the applicant meets the minimum qualifications: degree requirements, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as the desirable qualifications; (2) resume; (3) names and contact information (telephone numbers and email addresses) of at least three professional references; and, (4) official transcript(s) showing degree and coursework to date appropriate to the position (copies of official transcripts are acceptable; however, original official transcripts will be required prior to completion of hiring). Late and/or incomplete (applications that do not include all four documents) will not be considered. All documents become the property of the school.
Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.
Inquiries: Masako Ikeda, Screening Committee Chair,
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit:
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: , or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: