PJ Publishing is seeking an organized, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic Editorial Assistant to join our editorial team. PJ Publishing (PJP) is the in-house imprint of PJ Library®, the flagship program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) that mails more than 240,000 Jewish children’s books as gifts each month to children in North America from birth through age twelve. Most PJ Library books are created by outside publishers, but PJ Publishing publishes a select few—and that number is growing. The Editorial Assistant will handle administrative logistics for the team. You'll have a sharp eye for detail and strong organizational skills. You'll need to be highly efficient, able to work well under pressure, and a strong, deadline-focused multitasker. You will also be flexible and adaptive, comfortable taking the initiative, and have excellent communication skills. Knowledge of Jewish culture and religion is a plus.
This newly created role is an excellent opportunity: You will be part of a small team working on a growing catalog of specially curated Jewish children’s books. You will report to the Managing Editor, providing support on our list of board books, picture books, emerging reader titles, and middle-grade books.
Responsibilities
- Managing licensed reprint title organization for PJ Library and PJ Our Way, and ensure adherence to deadlines, including creating and maintaining a system to track up to 20 titles at any given time
- Assist Production Editor in preparing and managing PJP’s internal production schedule for 10-15 titles
- Assist Acquisitions Director in maintaining author office hours
- Create and maintain schedules for book flap production
- Review contracts for individual title schedules to ensure internal and external deadlines are met
- Track deadlines and serve as liaison with freelancers (flap writers, book designers, book copyeditors, etc.)
- Schedule and act as notetaker at internal PJP meetings, including production and book flap meetings
- Ensure that materials for cataloging-in-publication applications are complete and correct, including LCCN registration and copyright
- Manage funding schedule and payment process for external publisher funding as part of the Next Level Books Initiative
- Run reports on books in the various international programs and translation languages
- Submit PJP titles for publicity, reviews, and awards
- Track and mail out contractual bonuses to PJP authors
- Mail creator copies, review copies, and book award copies
- Secure foreign rights for PJP English editions, and liaise with translators
- Field all PJP author requests for wholesale copies
- Liaise with colleagues across HGF, including Operations, Marketing, Digital, and Author Stewardship teams
- Maintain organization of team spaces, including SharePoint, Dropbox, and Wrike, and manage storage and tracking systems for PJP titles
In addition to these responsibilities, the Editorial Assistant will perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- 1 to 3 years’ administrative experience preferred
- Proven ability in project management including managing time, prioritizing deadlines, and balancing multiple projects simultaneously
- Excellent English-language editing and writing skills
- Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organization skills
- Ability to communicate clearly and interact professionally with both internal staff and external partners and freelancers
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 Suite (specifically Word, Outlook, SharePoint, and Excel), as well as Salesforce or other CRM systems
- Interest in children’s books and Jewish knowledge are a strong plus
Location
This role is available fully remote within the U.S. or hybrid from our offices in New York City or Agawam, MA. Hybrid employees are expected onsite 60% of the time. All team members must be available during standard Eastern Time (ET) business hours for meetings and collaboration.
Compensation
A competitive salary ranging from $50,000-$55,000 annually commensurate with experience.
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Vision & Dental Insurance
- Flexible Spending Plan
- Short Disability Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- 401(k) Plan with Employer Match
- Flexible work schedule policy
- Paid Sick, Holiday, Vacation, and Personal Time
To Apply
Apply Here
The Harold Grinspoon Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are invited to apply. For more information about the foundation and its programs, visit www.hgf.org.
About the Organization
Founded in 1991 by successful businessman and philanthropist, Harold Grinspoon, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) has invested more than $200 million in programs that make Jewish life and Jewish community more vibrant and more connected. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, HGF and its sister foundation the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation (HGCF), employ over 150 employees and offer national and international philanthropic programs that range from enhancing Jewish life throughout the US and the globe, to providing support and resources for local farmers, to honoring local public school teachers, to supplying over 680,000 free books monthly to children throughout the world.
The Foundation offers the stability of a nearly thirty-year organization, while also exhibiting the creative, exciting, and fast-paced spirit of a start-up. As an endowed foundation committed to serving its target markets, it offers long-term growth opportunities while also driving positive impact for all those served.