Are you an avid reader of professional literature and an author? Do you have experience as an editor? Do you get excited about nurturing new knowledge and voices in the profession? Are you brimming with ideas for expanding this journal’s readership?
If so, you could be the next editor of American Archivist!
Established in 1938, American Archivist is the leading publication in the archives field. Published semi-annually by the Society of American Archivists, the journal features research articles, case studies, perspectives, and international scene pieces as well as reviews of professional literature, archival technologies, and resources. It strives to publish contributions that advance the core organizational values and strategic goals of SAA.
SAA seeks a dynamic individual with excellent communication skills who will enhance the visibility of American Archivist in the archives and allied professional communities and grow the number of high-quality submissions. The Editor is responsible for the solicitation, selection, peer review, and final approval of articles and features. A successful candidate shall demonstrate an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as reflected in the SAA Statement on Diversity and Inclusion. Critical to advancing the goals enumerated in the SAA Strategic Plan, we seek a candidate who will continue to diversify and strengthen the peer review system, harness the diverse talent and perspectives of the Editorial Board, and focus on making our journal more inclusive and accessible. Thus, we welcome a candidate who will maintain the independence, prominence, and credibility of American Archivist as a critical venue for presenting the diversity of knowledge and ideas relevant to the archival profession, through a rigorous peer review process that values diversity and inclusivity and produces excellent scholarly and professional contributions.
The Editor will use PeerTrack (an author- and reviewer-friendly manuscript submission and peer review system) to work with authors and prospective authors on necessary revisions. In addition, the Editor works closely with the reviews editor, a copyeditor, an indexer, and the SAA staff (who handle journal production and business matters). The Editor also coordinates the activities of the American Archivist Editorial Board, serves ex officio on the SAA Publications Board, and reports to the SAA Council.
Candidates should possess the following qualifications:
• Demonstrated leadership skills, to include a strong and clear showing of a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity and a vision that places the journal at the forefront of professional dialog.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and nurture relationships with authors, both emerging and established, to encourage them to explore interesting questions, and to submit ideas and articles to the journal.
• Strong understanding of archival work or the archival profession, ability and willingness to develop ideas in emerging areas of the profession, to support the thoughtful reexamination of past professional insights, and to address issues of particular relevance to historically underrepresented populations.
• Ability to nurture intriguing, but not completely formed, submissions to successful publication.
• Excellent personal communication and writing skills, including the ability to edit scholarly material, to give feedback to authors, and to make timely reports to those in SAA with oversight responsibility for the journal.
• Sufficient financial and time-management skills to ensure that the journal is published regularly, on time, and on budget.
The term of the current Editor, Cal Lee, expires on December 31, 2020. His successor, who will serve a three-year term, will begin work no later than January 1, 2021. The honorarium is commensurate with experience ($20,000–$30,000).
Interviews of finalists will be conducted in May 2020. Submit letter of interest and curriculum vitae/résumé by April 15, 2020, to saahq@archivists.org and in the subject line state “Application for Editor of American Archivist.”
Questions should be directed to SAA Executive Director Nancy Beaumont at nbeaumont@archivists.org or 866-722-7858.
Publishing in the Archives Profession 