THE ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY IS IRELAND'S LEADING BODY OF EXPERTS IN THE SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

The Royal Irish Academy/Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann champions research. We identify and recognise Ireland’s world class researchers. We support scholarship and promote awareness of how science and the humanities enrich our lives and benefit society. We believe that good research needs to be promoted, sustained and communicated. The Academy is run by a Council of its members. Membership is by election and considered the highest academic honour in Ireland.

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Vacancy: Commissioning Editor

21 June 2023

The Academy is seeking applications for a Commissioning Editor as part of the Publications Office team based at the Royal Irish Academy. Closing date: Monday, 26 June (midnight).

Department: Publications Office
Contract type: Fixed-term
Duration: 2 years (24-months)
FTE: 0.8
Reports to: Managing Editor

Overview

Applications are invited for the position of Commissioning editor as part of the Publications Office team based at the Royal Irish Academy. The Royal Irish Academy is a predominantly publicly funded institution established for the promotion of learning in the sciences and humanities across the island of Ireland.

Key purpose of role

We are seeking a creative and organised person to facilitate the development and delivery of innovative publishing projects that meet the needs of the Royal Irish Academy’s current strategic plan, 2019–23 (www.ria.ie/strategic-plan). The successful candidate will join the skilled and creative team in the publishing house of the RIA: www.ria.ie/publications.

Key accountabilities

  • As part of the Publications Office team, evaluate and develop the Royal Irish Academy’s publications list.
  • Identify new publishing opportunities relevant to the current and future needs of the RIA, and propose book ideas to meet those needs.
  • Contribute in the development of books commissioned, in terms of content, overall structure, length, organisation, etc.
  • In consultation with the design manager and editor, oversee the delivery of complete manuscripts, including images, for production.
  • Engage with authors, including on contracts and royalty arrangements, and be responsible for author care generally, including in evaluating and responding to unsolicited proposals.
  • Develop creative partnerships to promote RIA publications.

Person specification

Essential criteria

  • A relevant third-level degree
  • A minimum of three years’ experience in publishing or in bookselling.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to identify promising ideas and potential authors.
  • Ability to develop creative projects.
  • Capacity to manage several competing projects simultaneously.

Desirable criteria

  • Editorial or book-commissioning experience.
  • Hold a relevant postgraduate qualification
  • Skills in creative strategies to reach new audiences.
  • The vision and energy to identify partnerships: financial; cultural and educational.
  • The vision to help authors realise their creative potential.

Further Information

Salary: Salary is on the Admin Officer / Programme Manager Scale €39,979 - €52,112. Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum of the scale and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with government pay policy. Candidates should note that different pay and conditions may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is a serving civil or public servant.

Hours of Work: The normal hours of work are 35 hours per week.

Overtime is not paid in respect of excess attendance which, should it arise, is discharged by time off in lieu at times agreed in advance with the Managing Editor.

This role is suitable for blended working.

Leave: The annual leave entitlement is 25 days per annum, pro-rata for shorter periods. Entitlement to leave for public holidays is in accordance with the terms of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. There is a requirement to take up to four days annual leave where the Academy is closed at Easter and Christmas.

Medical: Staff shall, if required, and at the expense of the Academy, submit to a medical examination by a registered medical practitioner nominated by the Academy and shall authorise such medical practitioner to disclose and to discuss with the Academy the results of the examination and the matters which arise from it so that the Academy can ascertain any matters that they consider might impair a staff member from properly discharging his/her duties.

Pension: Details of the appropriate pension scheme will be provided upon determination of appointee’s status.

Permanent Pension contribution: This appointment is subject to the Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) effective from 1 January 2019.

Application Process

Completed applications consisting of one electronic copy (with all documents contained in one Word document) must be submitted to recruitment@ria.ie in the order as set out below:

  • A brief cover letter demonstrating how you meet the qualifications and experience for the position (max. 700 words)
  • A curriculum vitae summarising your qualifications and relevant experience (max. 4 pages)

Applicants will be shortlisted based on information provided in their application. 

Please note: failure to fulfil the application requisites will deem the application invalid.

Closing date: 26 June 2023, at midnight. Late applications will not be considered.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held on 3 July 2023.

Please note this interview will include competency-based interview questions.

The Royal Irish Academy is an equal opportunities employer

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