Description

Position Overview

The production editor is responsible for communicating, planning, consulting, and negotiating with authors, UPK staff, freelancers, and vendors to maintain quality, adhere to budget, and keep projects on schedule.

Job Description

50% - As production editor, oversee copyediting, preparation of illustrations, text design, composition, proofreading, indexing, and manufacturing for approximately 20 to 25 new titles and 5 to 8 new paperbacks per year, maintaining schedules for all projects; this includes working directly with authors throughout the production process from manuscript to bound books and hiring and supervising freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, indexers, and typesetters, plus printing vendors.

20% - Collate author changes and check all stages of text and component proofs; copyedit flap/catalog copy and indexes; scan art and adjust digital image files to ensure high-quality reproduction.

10% - Manage frontlist ebook schedules, overseeing interns on quality assurance. Transfer files to and from conversion vendor, ensuring style and accessibility compliance. Coordinate with managing editor on conversion of backlist titles. Check invoices for accuracy and submit to business and sales manager for payment.

10% - Assist with supervision of UPK Production interns by assigning and reviewing their work in collaboration with managing editor.

5% - Prepare bid specifications for text composition, using in-house modular typographic designs or develop new designs in coordination with managing editor; purchase book typesetting services in conformity with bid specifications and established state procedures.

5% - Advise and assist other departments as necessary, and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in journalism, advertising, communications, business, marketing, or relevant field.
2. Two (2) years of related publishing experience.
3. One (1) year working in an environment requiring regular use of Microsoft Suite and Adobe Creative Suite.
4. One (1) year of experience with book manufacturing processes.
5. One (1) year proofreading documents and materials intended for publication.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Monday, February 23rd 2026 and continues until a pool of qualified applicants is identified.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.