Editorial Assistant III

Job Summary

The Editorial Assistant supports two publication programs of the Project on Cold War Studies at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies. The Journal on Cold War Studies, a quarterly peer-reviewed publication, and the Cold War Book Series. The journal and book series are designed to encourage historical reassessments as well as the use of archival evidence to test social science theories. The Journal of Cold War Studies features peer-reviewed articles based on archival research in all parts of the world that figured prominently in the Cold War. More than 400 manuscripts are submitted to the JCWS each year for possible publication with only 8% accepted for publication. Volumes in the book series, which also draw on newly available archival materials, are chosen in a rigorous, two-stage review process, similar to the process used for all articles in the journal. This position reports to the Director of the Project on Cold War Studies.

Auto req ID

67435BR

Job Code

402029 Editorial Assistant III

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Business Title

Editorial Assistant III

Sub-Unit

Social Sciences

Appointment End Date

31-Jul-2026

Salary Grade

053

Time Status

Part-time

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Basic Qualifications

Three years of related experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor’s degree preferred. Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to draft letters on an ad-hoc basis and, when necessary, to deal with authors over the phone. Mastery of Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and other standard software is essential. An advanced degree and knowledge of one or more foreign languages are preferred but are not required.

Additional Information

* We strongly encourage all applicants to include a cover letter.

This is a term appointment through July 31, 2026. Renewal beyond that date is contingent upon available funding.

Department

Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Job Function

Communications

Position Description

Coordinates Peer-Review Process for Journal on Cold War Studies under broad direction from the editor.

• Handles all correspondence with authors, manuscript reviewers, and others who contact the JCWS, including publishers. book reviewers, and (if necessary) book authors.
• Provides daily updates to editor on manuscript reviews, the status of manuscripts, and the scheduling of publication.
• Prepares accepted article manuscripts for editing in accordance with the journal’s guidelines for footnotes, dates, spellings, etc.
• Coordinates book review section. Formats and standardizes book reviews for editing.
• Works with authors and MIT Press representatives to resolve any potential glitches in texts.

Coordinates peer-review process for Cold War Studies Book Series.

• Handles all correspondence with authors and reviewers of book manuscripts.
• Prepares accepted book manuscripts for editing in accordance with the book series guidelines for footnotes, dates, and spellings.
• Works with representatives of Rowman & Littlefield to resolve any glitches in the preparation of manuscripts for editing and publication.

Administrative Support

• Oversees the tasks of student research assistants in conjunction with program director. Assigns any specific tasks to students as required by outstanding problems with manuscripts
• Helps the editor with basic maintenance on the Cold War Studies website.

School/Unit

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Certificates and Licenses

N/A

Physical Requirements

Handles incoming and outgoing mail: manuscripts, books, and professional journals. As such, this position handles light weight packages and requires an on-campus presence.

Working Conditions

This is a 28 hour per week position, all work to be performed on-campus.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

On-Site

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

To learn more about Cold War Studies at the Davis Center, visit: https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/coldwarstudies/home. To learn about the Davis Center, visit: https://daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/

We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.