Executive Editor

WRITER EDITOR 3 CM (005386)

UCPath Position ID: 40064922

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

601130

Approved Date:

9/2/2026 4:00:07 PM

Date Last Edited:

9/2/2026 4:00:01 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

2/1/2008

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1400O

Organization:

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE                

Division Code:

1460D

Division:

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE                

Department:

122000 - AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40064922

Position Description ID

169717

UC Payroll Title:

WRITER EDITOR 3 CM (005386)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

CM: Comms, Mktg, & Sales Profs

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40127846

Reports to Payroll Title:

ADMIN OFCR 3

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40199963

Department Head Payroll Title:

DIRECTOR

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Serve as Director of Publications for the James S. Coleman African Studies Center (ASC), producing and/or advising on publication of the African Arts journal, the graduate student journal Ufahamu, ASC newsletter, and other Center publications and publishing projects as assigned.

As Executive Editor of African Arts, a quarterly art journal published continuously since 1967, assume central responsibility for securing articles for publication and for production of the journal. Position requires a high degree of independence and project management, under the broad editorial direction of the journal's faculty editors, and under the general authority of the Deputy Director and Faculty Director of the ASC, with accountability to the UCLA International Institute.

Oversee the solicitation and evaluation of editorial and pictorial material for African Arts and editing of all texts for publication in the journal, writing copy as needed and occasionally writing pieces for departmental columns and PR purposes. Oversee or carry out art direction and production of journal, including art and text lay-out, processing of galleys, proofs, and blue-lines, and communication with advertisers, printers, and distributors. Monitor the flow of production for each issue. Act as a liaison with the African Arts Editorial Consortium Boards, Consulting Editors, and authors. Participate in representing African Arts within UCLA and to the international academic community. With the Editorial Board, shape editorial policy and continually review the quality and quantity of material for the journal. Maintain general oversight of the business operation of the journal in collaboration with ASC's Publication Coordinator. Oversee administrative and financial matters of the journal in coordination with African Studies Center and International Institute staff (e.g. recruitment and management of consortium renewals and associated contracts, such as the OJS manuscript management system; timely processing of payment to vendors, managing budget of African Arts and publications, etc.). Supervise student assistant in executing clerical and editorial tasks.

As publishing advisor to Ufahamu, assist student editors in establishing editorial schedules, acquaint them with standards in academic publishing, advise on publication requirements and procedures, and oversee financial matters of the journal in collaboration with ASC's Publication Coordinator. Maintain continuity in operations through transitions in student editors.

Develop proposals, oversee and implement other publication projects such monograph series, new journals, digital humanities initiatives, etc.) as assigned by ASC leadership. Keep current with trends and needs in academic publishing. Represent the publishing arm of ASC to the UCLA, African Studies, academic, and local communities.

The UCLA International Institute educates students, supports scholarship on the world at UCLA and serves as a campus and community resource.

With a history dating back to 1958, the Institute is the central hub for global and area studies on campus. Its more than 27 centers and programs support innovative multidisciplinary research on specific world regions and pressing global issues. Its rigorous academic programs offer degrees in global studies, international development, global health, international migration and diverse regions and countries of the world.

The UCLA International Institute is directed by a senior management team led by the Vice Provost for International Studies and Global Engagement, two Associate Vice Provosts and two Assistant Vice Provosts.

The Office of the Vice Provost develops and implements UCLA’s global strategy, manages the university’s partnership agreements with foreign educational and research institutions, and represents UCLA to international constituencies and organizations.

African Arts Production

Establish and maintain production schedules for African Arts.

Format all manuscripts and all text in galley form for editing, input manuscripts and text as needed  input editorial changes and corrections.

Determine contents of each issue and relative importance of items, with input from Editorial Board. Evaluate all editorial material for each issue to determine the order of articles and peripheral editorial material (book reviews, exhibition reviews, dialogue, etc.

Evaluate all color and black-and-white photographs for appropriateness to the text and for reproduction quality.

Edit manuscripts and all other copy for the journal for both style and substance, including querying authors on matters of fact and clarity, and write supplementary text as needed: Includes substantive revision of scholarly submissions, sometimes from non-native English-speakers.

Communicate with authors regarding status and editing of their manuscripts: Includes ensuring that all requisite materials (e.g., suitable illustrations, copyright agreements, photo permissions) have been secured and obtaining author's approval of edited text.

Design and layout the entire magazine, giving each article its own character while maintaining the established overall appearance of the magazine.

Prepare all photographs for four-color print publication with appropriate software such as Photoshop.

Coordinate all materials from vendors for shipment to printshop in a timely fashion.

Check the blueline for each issue for accuracy.

Supervise the establishment and maintenance of current-issue records: Includes establishing files, maintaining email and manuscript system records of review and publication processes, compiling author mailing lists.

60%

African Arts Preparation for future issues

Supervise the peer review of manuscripts by the Consulting Editors and other specialists: Includes initially evaluating proposals and submissions; selecting appropriate reviewers of submissions; communicating decisions and suggestions of the reviewers and Editorial Board to authors and making additional recommendations for revision as needed; determining acceptability of revised texts; developing and maintaining guidelines for reviewers.

Monitor the quantity, quality, and variety of backlogged materials in article and departmental categories. Roughly outline contents of next one or two issues. Solicit submissions, especially to correct deficiencies in the backlog with regard to subject, geographical area, visual appeal, etc.

Assist and advise journal section editors (e.g., of book and exhibition reviews):  Includes securing information on books and exhibitions, soliciting books for review, supervising the recording of book data and mailing of selected books.

25%

African Arts & Publications Business and administration

Regularly review sales and distribution figures and contribute to plans for promotion by Distributor, by the African Studies Center, and by the International Institute.

Maintain oversight of journal expenses to be able to work knowledgeably with International Institute fund manager. Participate in financial decisions and monitor day-to-day office expenses.

Work with staff of African Studies Center and International Institute to maintain a visible presence of the journal in their events and applicable projects and otherwise integrate the journal in the plans of the Center and Institute.

Periodically review and conduct outreach to potential donors and cooperative agreements with museums and other institutions that may be beneficial for the journal.

Write formal interoffice statements regarding African Arts, and ASC publications: includes material related to staff job description and requisition and funding proposals.

In consultation with Center and Institute staff, write public relations copy.

Supervise maintenance of editorial mailing lists (e.g., to publishers, museums and galleries).

Maintain oversight that subscriptions, checks, or other such materials are promptly routed to the Distributor or local financial staff.

Supervise the scheduling of regular backups of computer files of journal issues, digital art materials, records, and lists.

10%

Miscellaneous tasks and duties

With the African Arts Editorial Board, evaluate the effectiveness of the Consulting Editors; make and enact recommendations about editorial board changes. Correspond with Consulting Editors regarding editorial and other matters.

Coordinate or research occasional special projects.

Represent the journal at academic conferences and other professional gatherings

Develop content and style guidelines for distribution to prospective authors.

Respond to non-business-related requests for information.

Produce and/or advise on publication of student journal Ufahamu, ASC newsletter, and other Center publications and publishing projects as assigned.

5%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Required

Skill in writing and substantive editing, including knowledge of editing conventions and procedures. Skill in exercising tact and diplomacy to communicate with stakeholders around contracts, editorial process and publishing.

Required

Knowledge of conventions in formal academic writing.

Preferred

Knowledge of basic computer processes: word processing, email, Internet. Ability to use Adobe CS publishing software and Photoshop for editing and production.

Required

General knowledge of African art history or similar area of study

Required

Specialized knowledge/advanced degree on Africa

Preferred

Familiarity with scholars in the field of African art studies. Familiarity with African languages.

Preferred

Skill in project management and prioritizing a wide variety of tasks to meet deadlines.

Required

Knowledge of standard publishing procedures and specifications.

Preferred

Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively.

Required

Ability to work under pressure with numerous interruptions.

Preferred

Skill in training and supervising assistants.

Required

Demonstrated experience in grant writing, resource development, and securing external funding to support academic journals, publishing initiatives, and research dissemination activities.

Preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Bunche Hall

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.