Editorial Assistant
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
School of Information Sciences
The Center for Children’s Books
Editorial Assistant
The School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois invites applications from qualified individuals for a 50% part-time Editorial Assistant in the Center for Children’s Books.
The iSchool at Illinois makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals through teaching, research, and public engagement. Our mission is to lead the way in understanding the use of information in science, culture, society, commerce, and the diverse activities of our daily lives. We engage in inclusive community partnerships, working beyond geographic boundaries to benefit the social good. We believe in the power of information to change the world. For more information about iSchool, visit https://ischool.illinois.edu/.
JOB SUMMARY
The School of Information Sciences is hiring a part-time Civil Service staff (.5 FTE) to join the Center for Children’s Books as the Editorial Assistant to The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. The Editorial Assistant is a member of the Center staff and will work closely with the Editor of The Bulletin, managing editorial activities including tracking books and manuscripts, fact-checking, proofreading, and indexing; offering digital support; and communicating with publishers.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
COPY EDITING (50%)
• Fact-check and proofread all submitted book reviews.
• Format and maintain consistent style across all print and digital content for the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
• Index all print and digital content for the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
WEB CONTENT (20%)
• Maintain editorial calendar, track deadlines, schedule meetings, and handle correspondence.
• Maintain and update website and social media.
COLLABORATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE WORK (25%)
• Manage files and digital content in multiple software programs.
• Communicate with editor, reviewers, and publishers to ensure workflow, consistency, and deadlines.
• Collaborate with staff of the Center for Children’s Books and campus libraries.
• Plan and execute Center for Children’s Book book sales, in collaboration with editor and other staff.
OTHER (5%)
• Duties to support the Bulletin and Center for Children’s Books, as assigned.
ADDITIONAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Minimum Qualifications
Per SUCSS qualifications:
1. High school graduation or equivalent
2. Any one or any combination of the following, totaling one (1) year (12 months), from the categories below:
1. experience in editorial and proofreading work
2. college course work, preferably in journalism, and/or communications, English, public relations or a closely related field
§ 30 semester hours equals six (6) months
§ 60 semester hours or an Associate's degree equals one (1) year (12 months)
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or related field
• Two years of professional copy editing or proofreading experience
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of Library of Congress subject headings and genre/form terms
• Familiarity with the publishing industry
• Familiarity with children’s and young literature
• Command of grammar and style guides (e.g., AP, Chicago)
• Knowledge and familiarity within digital file management systems (e.g., FileMaker Pro and Microsoft Access)
• Knowledge and familiarity in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, Box and other relevant software
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to work independently, and knowledge of children’s and young adult literature.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a 50% Part-time Civil Service Editorial Assistant position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search close date. This is a bargained position and as such, the salary is driven by the collective bargaining agreement. The budgeted salary range for the position is $32,000 to $40,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Hybrid work options may be available for this position after an initial training period, but with the requirement that onsite availability may be needed at any time with short notice.
Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver’s License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.
Work authorization is not available for this position.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on February 4th, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting, and upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names and contact information for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your application materials, including all relevant experiences. Interviews may occur before the close date; however, all applications received by the close date will receive full consideration. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment.
For further information regarding this specific position, please email ischool-hr@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application system, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.