Theological Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary Range: 

Starting at $71,889/year

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

SMU is a nationally ranked private research university located in Dallas, Texas, with eight degree-granting schools and a dynamic campus culture. SMU Libraries includes six libraries on the main campus and one in Taos, NM, with the Rees-Jones Library of the American West opening in 2027. Collaboration, innovation, and professional growth are central to SMU Libraries' mission, providing an engaging and supportive environment for library and publishing professionals.

Bridwell Library serves the faculty, students, and researchers of the Perkins School of Theology and the broader SMU community. Its collections, research services, and special collections make it one of the leading theological libraries in the United States. Bridwell Press extends the library's mission by publishing scholarly works in theology, religion, and related humanities fields, fostering intellectual engagement and advancing academic discourse.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

SMU Libraries seeks a collaborative, detail-oriented, and highly organized Managing Editor to oversee editorial and production workflows for the Bridwell Press. This role ensures the timely and professional publication of academic works that reflect the scholarly and creative mission of SMU.

The Managing Editor reports to the Director of Bridwell Library and serves as a key liaison among authors, editors, reviewers, and institutional partners. This position provides essential project management, ensures editorial integrity, coordinates contracts and review processes, and supports the promotion and visibility of the Press' publications within the university and wider scholarly community.

Essential Functions:

• Project and Workflow Oversight: Manage and track all editorial and production workflows for multiple concurrent projects. Coordinate cross-departmental communication to ensure smooth transitions from acquisition to publication.

• Scheduling and Contracts: Monitor project timelines and enforce deadlines. Collaborate with authors, editors, and the SMU legal office to oversee contract development and compliance with university and publishing standards.

• Peer Review and Editorial Coordination: Support and manage the peer review process in collaboration with editorial boards. Facilitate reviewer communications, ensure consistency and transparency, and uphold academic rigor across publications.

• Nominations and Award Strategy: Coordinate nominations for relevant literary, academic, and design awards. Partner with SMU Libraries' marketing and communications teams to promote author recognition and institutional visibility.

• Leadership and Representation: Represent Bridwell Press in meetings, collaborations, and initiatives related to academic publishing. Support the Director's leadership by maintaining continuity in communication and decision-making across projects.

Education and Experience:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

• At least two years of project management experience, preferably in publishing or academia.

• Demonstrated understanding of academic publishing, peer review, and editorial processes.

• Strong interpersonal, written, and organizational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in the humanities or related field.

• Experience working with editorial boards or academic committees.

• Familiarity with contract management in publishing or higher education.

• Experience in marketing or promotional strategy for academic or literary works.

• Familiarity with Fulcrum or similar publishing software.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.  

A candidate with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suits, knowledge of project tracking software and an ability to work effectively with authors, faculty, and creative professionals is greatly preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Open until filled. Applications submitted by January 12, 2026 February 1, 2026 will receive priority consideration. 

To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit:

1. A resume or CV
2. A cover letter that addresses the education and experience required and preferred for this position

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.