Position Title: 

Associate Editor - (24142025) 

• Do you have a passion for Montana history?

  Do you want to join an agency full of committed, inspired individuals?

  Do you want to be a part of the award-winning publications team that supports the Montana Historical Society’s mission?

  If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Montana Historical Society (MTHS) might be the perfect place for you! MTHS offers a unique workplace for its employees. It’s filled with friendly and creative staff members who work together to offer the public exciting and innovative ways to experience Montana’s history. The ideal candidate will be a positive representative of the Montana Historical Society to the public, have experience in editing, writing, and research, and will embody the MTHS culture of excellence, teamwork, professionalism, and passion for the work that we do.

   

  MTHS has an opening for a full-time Associate Editor. This position works as a member of the publications team and is responsible for editing and managing production for the quarterly Montana The Magazine of Western History as well as working on Montana Historical Society Press books.

  The ideal candidate is a motivated, detail-oriented team member with expertise in western history, familiarity with academic publishing, excellent communication skills, and who works well under deadlines.

  Come join us at the MTHS where we work together to share Montana’s stories and inspire exploration!

  Function:

  The Associate Editor position is responsible for 1) Editing magazine and book manuscripts according to the tenets of scholarly publishing and working with authors in the mutually satisfactory publication of this material. This process includes shaping material into cohesive narrative and thesis that contributes to the historiography of western history, evaluation of facts and sources, and editing for technical requirements, style, and substance according to the precepts of academic editing outlined in the Chicago Manual of Style, and working with authors and potential authors in the process of guiding projects through production. 2) Managing the varied aspects of the production of the publications described above, from manuscript to proofreading to delivered print and digital products. 3) Helps to maintain organizational systems; fundraising and grant writing; and marketing and sales. 4) Conducting historical research, writing, and fact checking in a variety of historical sources, including archives, databases and published documents. 5) Participating and developing the program’s digital publications and social media program

  Representative Duties:

• Edit magazine and book manuscripts through all stages from acquisition to publication.
• Conduct photograph research to illustrate articles and book projects.
• Conduct primary and secondary source research as needed for content or fact checking.
• Closely work with authors to develop and adapt their manuscripts to magazine style.
• Collaborate with authors, editorial staff, graphic designer, and contractors to ensure timely printing of the magazine.
• Review manuscript submissions for potential publication; work with peer reviewers to ensure scholarly contributions to historiography.
• Act as a representative of the Publications Program and of MTHS at regional and national conferences and events.

• Skills:

  • Demonstrated excellence in editing, writing, and research.
  • Advanced problem-solving skills.
  • Minute attention to detail.
  • Ability to effectively work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to communicate clearly with project teams, authors, external vendors, and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to set and achieve long- and short-term goals.
  • Demonstrated on-screen editing ability in Microsoft Word; experience with Acrobat and Adobe Creative Suite preferred.
  • Proficiency with Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition.
   

Qualifications:

Qualifications include a PhD or master’s degree in history, Native American Studies, American Studies, journalism, or other related liberal arts field and two years of related experience in scholarly publishing. Experience in manuscript editing, historical writing, and Western/Montana history strongly preferred. Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Required Materials

• Resume
• Cover letter

First Review Date

The first review date of applications will be August 12, 2024.

Applicant Pool Statement:  If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. 

Training Assignment:  This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.  

Salary: $ 32.05 - 32.05  Hourly     

Telework Eligibility:  Not Telework Eligible 

Benefits Package Eligibility:  Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan      

Number of Openings:  1 

Employee Status:  Regular Schedule:  Full-Time 

Job Type:  Standard 

Shift:  Day Job 

Travel:  Yes, 5 % of the Time  

Primary Location:  Helena     

Agency:  Montana Historical Society Union:  Montana Federation of Public Employees  

Posting Date:  Jul 29, 2024, 9:41:45 AM 

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) :  Ongoing 

Required Application Materials:  Cover Letter, Resume  

Contact Name:  Randa Renenger  |  Contact Email:  randa.renenger2@mt.gov  |  Contact Phone:  (406)444-2697 The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.