Job Description

SUMMARY:

The Basic Books Group is a division of Hachette Book Group dedicated to making the world smarter by publishing works of serious non-fiction by expert authors. We are seeking an Editorial Director or Executive Editor to lead the PublicAffairs imprint. The successful candidate will eagerly embrace this opportunity to chart and execute a strategy for the imprint’s future and to represent this vision to agents and authors. The Editorial Director or Executive Editor will acquire and edit 10-12 new books per year, manage title P&Ls and budgets, and oversee one associate editor and one shared editorial assistant.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Developing and overseeing the editorial strategy for the PublicAffairs imprint.
• Commissioning and/or acquiring 10-12 books annually.
• Editing manuscripts for publication.
• Successfully negotiating deals.
• Working effectively with authors and agents in all phases of the publishing process, from acquisition through publication date and beyond.
• Managing one associate editor and one shared editorial assistant.
• Supervising the production process by acting as the in-house liaison between editorial and the production, design, and managing-editorial departments.
• Collaborating with the publicity, marketing, and design teams to package and position books.
• Developing selected backlist reissues.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Excellent conceptual and line-editing abilities.
• Strong contacts among authors, writers, academics, journalists, and literary agents

• 7+ years’ editorial or equivalent experience.
• Broad knowledge of, and interest in, nonfiction subject areas and publishing categories.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with other groups, companies, and organizations on shared long-term projects.
• Demonstrated understanding of and an appreciation for the ideas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Ability to deliver timely, accurate work and demonstrate good follow up and follow through.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team setting.

This is a NYC-based position. Please note our current hybrid model is two days per week in the office. Effective in January 2025, HBG’s hybrid model will be 3 days in-office, 2 days working from home.

As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.     

Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

The compensation range for this position is $100,000 - $160,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location — talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects. 

The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. 

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