Production Assistant

The Modern Language Association is hiring a production assistant to support the work of its publications program, which creates resources for teachers, students, and researchers in language and literature and related humanities fields. In this role, the production assistant will work with the head of production on the typesetting, ebook preparation, and printing of frontlist and backlist book publications. As part of the production team the assistant also works on the production of the MLA Newsletter, reports, and a range of MLA print and digital projects.

Responsibilities include

• Facilitating ebook production and distribution, including accessibility checks, quality assurance, and supplying metadata and digital assets to vendors
• Assisting with inventory management by monitoring stock and sales reports and modifying print on demand (POD) quantities
• Initiating reprints or PODs, including uploading metadata and print asset files to vendor
• Maintaining workflow documentation
• Making recommendations for print, prepress, ebook vendors, and technology workflows
• Trafficking files for editorial review and correction (for books, periodicals, reports, marketing materials, and general office supplies)
• Tracking the progress of production processes and communicating reminders and changes to relevant personnel
• Updating content on the MLA bookstore (Ibexa platform)
• Assisting the head of production with the preparation of book manuscripts

Required Qualifications

• Two years working in publishing or publications management
• Degree of BA or higher in a humanities field
• Knowledge of book publication processes, terminology, and software
• Experience managing print and ebook metadata for multiple titles in a title management system or database
• Certified or otherwise demonstrated knowledge of EPUB file structures and standards
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, troubleshoot, and complete multiple tasks within a given time frame
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, and with Adobe Acrobat Pro

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Adobe InDesign and other Creative Cloud applications
• Knowledge of XML/HTML
• Experience in accessibility for publications
• Knowledge of FileMakerPro a plus
• Experience working in a website CMS, such as WordPress

This is a full-time, hybrid position. Some work can be done remotely, but there is a requirement to work on-site as needed at our office in downtown Manhattan. You must be able to work legally in the United States. The annual salary is $60,000. The MLA provides generous vacation and sick time, flexible work hours, a 403(b) retirement plan, and individual health and dental plans with minimum shared premium cost.

Please submit a cover letter and résumé to PASC@mla.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position in filled.

The MLA is as equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws.