Editorial Director, Schocken Books (Hybrid)

Editorial Director, Schocken Books (Hybrid)

Schocken Books seeks an Editorial Director to join its team. Reporting to the Senior Vice President and Publisher, Pantheon + Schocken, the Editorial Director will solicit, acquire, evaluate, and develop projects for Schocken’s storied list of Jewish-interest books across all genres, including history, biography, social science, cultural studies, spirituality, current affairs, popular culture; and fiction, both commercial and literary. The role includes building a list of Schocken authors, maintaining and refreshing an award-winning backlist, and working alongside other editors to bring their acquired projects to completion. 

Schocken Books, founded by Salman Schocken in Germany in 1931, began publishing in the United States in 1945 and became part of Random House, Inc., in 1987. Building upon its historic commitment to publishing Judaica, Schocken’s authors include S. Y. Agnon, Sholem Aleichem, Aharon Appelfeld, Hannah Arendt, Martin Buber, Mark Russ Federman, Tikva Frymer-Kensky, Franz Kafka, Ben Katchor, Francine Klagsbrun, Harold S. Kushner, Paula Polk Lillard, Deborah Lipstadt, Joan Nathan, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Gershom Scholem, Meir Shalev, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, Elie Wiesel, Simon Wiesenthal, Lori Zabar, and Dr. Avivah Zornberg.

Our ideal candidate will share Schocken’s commitment to identifying and amplifying the work of Jewish authors and authors writing about Jewish culture, religion, and history. We are looking for someone who is an innovative and creative thinker who is excited by the legacy of Schocken and has a vision for how to advance that legacy in the changing landscape of publishing. The Editorial Director will be fully-involved in Schocken’s publishing process, from submissions and acquisition, through production and publication, and will work with the VP and Publisher of Pantheon + Schocken to publish three seasons worth of original titles and frequent reissues and updated editions of titles from Schocken’s historic backlist.

The position of Editorial Director at Schocken is a hybrid position with in-office responsibilities, which include but are not limited to author, agent, and team meetings. We will consider candidates who can work from a commutable distance to our offices at 1745 Broadway, which includes the tri-state area (NJ, CT, & PA).

For consideration, please apply using our ATS system, and include your cover letter and resume, as well as your acquisitions list and your industry contacts list.

The Role:

• Acquires and develops new book projects
• Reads and evaluates manuscripts and proposals; recommends proposals for acquisition
• In coordination with the publisher, assesses potential value of projects, crafts P&Ls, formulates acquisitions requests
• Works with authors on concepts, outlines, and revisions of manuscripts, including substantive and line edits
• Manages select repackaging projects to maintain backlist
• Consults with the art, production, and managing editorial departments on schedule, design, and packaging of books
• Develops and maintains author, agent, and publisher contacts and engages in developmental work with authors
• Tracks manuscripts through all stages of editing, design, and production
• Consults with authors on style, content, and format changes
• Prepares supplemental material as needed, including endorsement requests and final endorsement copy, early reading samples and other materials as requested for the sales force, along with study guide questions and value-add materials 
• Prepares title information sheets; processes and edits copy packs (cover, marketing, catalog, and other retail copy)
• Keeps abreast of trends and competitive titles
• Handles daily correspondence, office work, phones, attends required meetings
• Handles special projects as assigned and works collaboratively with the larger team 
• Performs other related duties, administrative tasks, and support functions as needed 
• Serves as a media spokesperson and advocate for both Schocken titles and authors and the broader vision and direction of the Schocken imprint

The Essentials: 

• 7+ years of editorial experience in both fiction and nonfiction
• A strong writer and voracious, broad reader, with an eye for bold ideas, original thinking, and excellent writing
• Experienced in working collaboratively with writers and thinkers
• An ability to build and maintain relationships with a portable network of agents and author contacts
• Timely follow-up skills with the Pantheon team, our authors, agents and other departments at Penguin Random House; ability to prioritize and complete multiple projects at once in a fast-paced and detail-focused environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A goal-oriented team player who can cultivate productive working relationships
• Proficiency in creative problem-solving, decision-making, and time management

The salary range for this position is $100,000-120,000.  All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results.

Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.<http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/>

Penguin Random House values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

Company: Penguin Random House LLC 

Country: United States of America 

State/Region: New York 

City: New York 

Postal Code: 10019 

Job ID: 268457