The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is looking to hire a new member of staff to help us continue the Society’s publications programme and to ensure its sustainability for the future.

The role will help facilitate the timely publication of high-quality, peer-reviewed content within the Society’s two journals – Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (PSAS) and Scottish Archaeological Internet Reports (SAIR) – as well as books and e-books, helping the Society to deliver its strategic goals.

The post holder will gain experience of a wide range of publishing activities from submissions to sales. This will include day-to-day operational administration of all the Society’s publications including engagement with authors, contractors and the Editorial Advisory Board. 

Image Credit: Neil Hanna

Main responsibilities 

• Manage the peer review process for PSAS, SAIR and books 
• Manage the proofreading process for PSAS 
• Maintain and update bibliographic records as required 
• Process copyright permissions requests 
• Process online book orders 
• Respond to enquiries regarding the Society’s Publications 
• Provide general administrative support to the Publications team 
• Provide general support and bookselling at Society events  

Person Specification 

This is an excellent opportunity for someone at the beginning of a career in academic publishing.

The ideal candidate will be familiar with standard academic publishing processes including peer review and open access and will have experience of office administration.

They will be a key contact for authors and the Editorial Advisory Board and will therefore need strong communication skills.

They will report directly to the Editorial Manager, sharing collective responsibility to deliver the Society’s strategy and vision.  

Essential criteria

• Demonstrable experience in a supporting administrative role 
• Knowledge of academic publishing including peer review processes 
• Experience of project management, including working to tight budgets and timetables 
• Keen eye for detail 
• Excellent computer skills and the ability to pick up new programmes quickly 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• A proactive and analytical approach to solving problems 

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of the Society and the Scottish heritage sector 
• Demonstrable experience of publishing academic peer reviewed content 
• Experience of working in a charitable organisation 
• Experience in product marketing and publicity 
• Experience of Open Journal Systems and Adobe applications (InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator) 
• Evidence of Continued Professional Development (CPD) relevant to the role purpose and level 

Aptitude 

• Ability to work flexibly, including occasional weekend and out-of-hours work 
• Strong commitment to the values and ethos of the Society 
• Strong team player with capacity to complete projects both collaboratively and independently 
• Energy, enthusiasm and the commitment to work hard and achieve ambitious targets  

Further Information 

This post is a fixed term 18-month part-time (3 days a week) contract which may be extendible subject to funding. There will be a short probationary period during which time your skills and suitability for the position will be assessed. 

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer and believes that diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and encourage all interested individuals to apply.

For further information on the post please contact the Editorial Manager, Kate Bailey, at editor@socantscot.org.

A full job description is available here.

About the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland  

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is a heritage charity (SC010440) with global membership providing expertise, support and resources to enhance and promote the understanding and enjoyment of Scotland’s past. The Society has been around for over 240 years, with its first publication dating to 1792.

Job Summary

Role: Publications Officer  

Responsible to: Editorial Manager 

Location: Offices in the National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh 

Hours: 22.2 hours per week (3 days a week), core hours of 10am–4pm, occasional evening and weekend work required. 

Salary: £29,200 per annum pro rata  

Contract: 18 months (1.5 years) 

Additional benefits 

• 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays) pro rata
• 10% gross salary contributions to pension scheme 
• Flexible working
• Remote working for up to two days (60%) a week possible
• Staff wellbeing benefits include 30 minutes per day for exercise and flexible research leave  

How to apply: Submit a CV and covering letter outlining how your experience, skills and knowledge meets the requirements (no more than 2 sides of A4) by the closing date to the Editorial Manager, Kate Bailey, at editor@socantscot.org. 

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in person in Edinburgh or online via Zoom. Reasonable travel expenses can be claimed. 

Applicants who are not shortlisted will be informed but no detailed feedback will be possible. 

Closing date: 11:59 PM Wednesday 13 November 2024 

Interviews: Wednesday 20th November 2024