The Beloit Poetry Journal is seeking applicants for a newly created Associate Editor ("AE") position. The AE will engage in a wide variety of editorial, developmental, and strategic projects while joining a vibrant non-profit literary organization committed to publishing the best in contemporary poetry. The ideal candidate for this position is a person who wants to use their editorial and managerial skills to further the mission of a world-aware, progressive literary magazine.
The BPJ is one of the nation’s oldest literary journals; it is wholly independent and has been publishing poetry, reviews, essays, and chapbooks for more than 70 years. The BPJ has a dedicated, expanding family of contributors and readers, and a small, devoted staff. It runs the esteemed Adrienne Rich Award and the Chad Walsh Chapbook Series contest annually, as it seeks to publish the most sophisticated and innovative work by new and established poets in two annual issues and a yearly chapbook.
Position Overview
The Associate Editor will work on a part-time basis as part of a team reporting to the Editors. The AE will play a central role in a broad range of initiatives ranging from supporting the BPJ’s print and online editorial functions, to planning and executing grant and development work. The AE is an accomplished poet who espouses the BPJ’s mission and values, and has the energy, vision, and practical skills to further that mission.
This is a remote-work position, but preference will be given to applicants in the Boston-Portland (Maine) corridor where the Co-Editors are based. This role requires between 10-12 hours per week (varies depending on publication calendar) at $5,000 per year, paid quarterly.
Responsibilities include
● Reading, discussing, selecting, and editing poetry submissions
● Writing and editing content associated with online features
● Supporting social media efforts
● Providing support for grant proposals and development opportunities
● Coordinating special projects as they arise
The ideal candidate will have
● Previous experience at a literary journal
● Strong publication history
● Deep experience with and appreciation for sophisticated poetry of varying styles and a love for engaging in high-level discussions about craft, intent, and possibilities for poems submitted to the journal
● Specific experience in editing and proofreading
● Familiarity with Submittable and Microsoft Office suite
● Location in MA, NH or ME is strongly preferred, but not required
● A flexible approach and sense of humor!
To Apply
Submit a letter of interest, a resume, and reference contacts by email to bpj@bpj.org, using “Associate Editor [your last name]” for the subject line.
No postal mail applications or phone queries, please. The BPJ intends to fill this position in early 2022. Please apply at your earliest convenience.
The BPJ does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected class status. In all we do, the BPJ champions diverse backgrounds. If you need any reasonable accommodation to apply for or perform the functions of this job, please let us know.