The Papers of Roger Brooke Taney seeks a full-time assistant editor to begin work in September 2021. This is a new, born-digital project, currently approaching completion of its first volume, The Bank War. The project is one of four selected for inclusion in the launch of the Primary Source Cooperative at the Massachusetts Historical Society (http://primarysourcecoop.org/). Work on the Taney Papers provides a unique opportunity to explore interbranch relations of mid-nineteenth century America through the correspondence and writings of one of our most notorious and consequential political figures.

About the Position

The assistant editor is actively engaged in each stage of the editorial process, and assists the senior and associate editors with training and supervision of graduate student workers and project volunteers. Primary editorial duties include collation and tandem verification of transcriptions and supervision of several spreadsheets (calendar, names, subjects, permissions) used to control project workflow. Administrative duties include correspondence, assistance with grant reporting, and file management. Applicants must be committed to creating a final product that meets the high standards set by the project. The work requires extreme attention to detail and a desire to collaborate with coworkers on planning and problem solving. This nine-month position is grant-funded and renewable subject to continued funding.

Requirements

• M.A. in History or related field
• Experience with editorial work, including strong copyediting skills, a familiarity with style guides (Chicago preferred), and a strong grasp of rules of grammar and usage
• Familiarity with MS Office, Adobe Acrobat and GoogleDrive
• Ability to work independently and in a small team, managing own time, and communicating effectively to share information and plan tasks with others
• Knowledge of and skill in using print and electronic resources for historical research
• Meticulous eye for detail and commitment to accuracy

Job applicants invited for an interview may be asked to take a transcription test.

Pluses

• PhD in American history or related field, with focus on mid-nineteenth century
• Experience in documentary editing
• Familiarity with the handwriting of nineteenth-century political figures
• Familiarity with basic XML

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position to start September 1, 2021.

To apply, please submit cover letter, résumé, and names of three references to Taney Papers Assistant Editor Job Listing. Address materials to David Ramsey, Senior Editor, The Papers of Roger Brooke Taney, Reubin O’D. Askew Department of Government.