Jean Wilson Diversity in Publishing Fellowship

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

The expected pay (or pay range) for this position is $27.85/hour.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary

Through the Jean Wilson Diversity in Publishing Fellowship, UBC Press continues Jean Wilson’s commitment to celebrating diversity in publishing. This fellowship aims to provide a welcoming and valuable learning environment in which to gain professional experience in a publishing house.

The fellow will rotate through key departments at UBC Press — including Acquisitions/Editorial, Rights and Contracts, Production, Marketing, Sales and Distribution, and Finance — to gain hands-on exposure to the main stages of a book’s lifecycle from proposal to publication and promotion.

About UBC Press

UBC Press produces books integral to Canada’s cultural, political, and social fabric and is widely touted as the country’s pre-eminent social science publisher. Established in 1971 and now offering 1,500 titles in print, the Press publishes sophisticated and transformative works by authors whose thought and research pushes the boundaries of scholarly discourse and makes vital contributions to the democratic exchange of ideas.

About Jean Wilson

Jean Wilson (1945–2022) was an editor and feminist who championed diversity in publishing. With a career spanning three university presses and hundreds of books, her contribution to Canadian publishing and cultural life was profound. As a leader at UBC Press, she is remembered for building a renowned list in Indigenous studies and establishing the groundbreaking Sexuality Studies series. Jean Wilson also helped launch the feminist literary magazine Room and the newspaper Broadside: A Feminist Review, among many other notable achievements.

The fellowship continues her legacy in its commitment to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization in publishing.

Eligibility and Equity Considerations

UBC Press is committed to fostering a publishing community that reflects the rich diversity of the peoples and perspectives of Canada. Pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, this selection process is restricted to someone who identifies as Indigenous, Black, or a Person of Colour. Only those applicants who self-identify as such in the applicant diversity survey as part of the application process will be eligible for consideration. We welcome IBPOC applicants with intersectional identities, such as those who are a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

This fellowship is designed to support emerging professionals seeking to gain industry experience and develop their publishing careers in an inclusive and supportive setting.

Preference will be given to applicants who:

• Have not previously held a full-time in-house position with a publishing firm; and
• Are not concurrently engaged in full-time employment or full-time academic study during the fellowship period.

Those who have held full-time positions in other industries are encouraged to apply – diverse experiences are valued and welcomed.
Work Performed

• Shadow staff members across departments to gain familiarity with all aspects of scholarly publishing.
• Assist with manuscript evaluation and preparation, conference planning, and the peer review process.
• Participate in the production, scheduling, proofreading, and cover coordination of new books.
• Support marketing campaigns, author events, and social media engagement.
• Contribute to publishing tasks as assigned.
• Participate in team meetings and departmental projects.

The fellowship is intended as a learning experience. The fellow will receive mentorship and guided training and support from experienced staff throughout their placement.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors in communication or production processes could result in delays to publication or marketing timelines. The fellow works under close supervision and receives feedback to ensure accuracy and professional growth.
Supervision Received
A single point-of-contact will provide mentorship and continuity throughout the fellowship. Departmental leads provide additional supervision and mentorship during each rotation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in publishing, books, communication, or related creative industries.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully in a team environment.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for learning about scholarly book publishing and contributing to a values-based, equity-oriented organization.
• Ability to communicate clearly and courteously, manage time effectively, and take initiative.
• Familiarity with digital tools such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and social media is an asset.
• Experience (paid or volunteer) in writing, editing, communications, or community engagement is beneficial.

Terms

• Term: Part-time: 500 hours over a period of 24 weeks.
• Schedule: Approximately 3 days per week, based at UBC Press’s Vancouver Office.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to apply for the fellowship by submitting:

• A resume, and
• A brief personal statement (1–2 pages) describing:
  • How your experience and qualifications align with our requirements for this position.
  • Your experience or interest in publishing or related industries thus far
  • Your career goals, and how the fellowship will help you pursue them
  • Your ability to commit to 3 days per week over 24 weeks at our Vancouver office.

Evaluation and selection process

Applications will be evaluated based on the above eligibility and selection criteria. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within four weeks of the application deadline. The process may include interviews, reference checks, and assessments of current skillsets.