APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

Penn State University Press seeks a Production Assistant to play an essential role in its capacity to publish scholarly books.

This position will perform vital functions such as setting up print-on-demand, converting backlist titles for new printing, and filing for copyright registration and Library of Congress cataloging.

Other ways that the Production Assistant will support the Editorial, Design, and Production (EDP) department workflow will be through coordinating new-in-paperback releases, archiving, and administrative tasks.

More specific responsibilities of the Production Assistant include but are not limited to:

• Prepare books for print-on-demand, assembling metadata and print specifications, managing print vendor uploads, approving digital proofs, and sending staff notifications

• Prepare backlist files for reprint, prioritizing projects based on sales and marketing needs, locating files or coordinating scanning, and updating files for the new printing

• Submit Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication (CIP) applications and complete copyright registration for new titles

• Support New in Paperback, scheduling projects, updating files, and managing print vendor uploads

• Obtain permission for cover images and supplemental interior images

• Archive project files for completed book projects

• Provide administrative support to the EDP team, especially the Production Manager and Production Coordinator

Required Qualifications:

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills

• Effective written and verbal communication

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in publishing, English, graphic design, or related field

• Experience with Adobe InDesign and FileMaker Pro

• Familiarity with book production processes, digital file management, or publishing workflows

• Experience coordinating multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED