Associate Editor

Job Description

Job Description

About the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation
The South Dakota Historical Society Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of South Dakota. One of the programs that we support is the South Dakota Historical Society Press.

A small, dynamic, and award-winning publisher, the South Dakota Historical Society Press seeks a forward-looking individual to be a part of its editorial team in the position of associate editor. Primary duties for this position include preparing manuscripts for publication by editing, verifying statements, checking facts and footnotes, and coordinating with authors, illustrators, map makers, graphic designers, printers, and indexers. The associate editor also solicits, reviews, and tracks manuscripts to determine whether submissions meet the standards of the South Dakota Historical Society Press. The associate editor reports to the Director of the Press and serves on the team that sets press policies and publishing directions.

The ideal candidate will hold an advanced degree in history, American Studies, English, or a related field. Two or more years of experience in editing is preferred. The ideal candidate will also possess knowledge of American history and the history and culture of South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains region; editing methods and standards; English grammar; Microsoft Word; Chicago Manual of Style; copyright law, rules, and regulations; research techniques and resources; and Adobe Photoshop.

The ideal candidate’s skills should also include the ability to analyze research data and internal structures of written material; read and extract information from various reference materials and other resources; recognize historical error and solve problems of fact and conjecture through research; manage people and establish and maintain effective relationships; and organize, schedule, direct, correct, and prioritize simultaneous editing projects. The ideal candidate should also be comfortable with assisting the inventory manager with shipping-related tasks as needed.

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week), administered and funded by the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm of the South Dakota State Historical Society. It is not a State of South Dakota position. Compensation and benefits are provided by the Foundation and include vacation leave, sick leave, a retirement contribution match, and a health insurance stipend. Salary range is $21 to $24 per hour, commensurate with previous editing experience. This position is located on-site at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre; remote work is NOT an option for this position.

Please include a cover letter; curriculum vitae or resume; brief writing sample; and contact information for three references with your application. Address application materials to Dr. Dedra Birzer, SDHS Press Director.

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