November 19, 2020
Title: Editor-in-Chief, American Journal of Archaeology
Reports to: Executive Director
Direct report: Editorial Assistant
Term: Three-year term beginning winter/spring 2021
Date posted: November 2020
The American Journal of Archaeology (AJA) was founded in 1885 and is the distinguished, peer-reviewed scholarly journal of the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA). The AJA is published quarterly in print and electronic forms (see www.ajaonline.org).
The Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of the AJA reads initial submissions, decides whether to assign them to peer reviewers, and determines whether the final version is publishable. The EIC develops an editorial vision and solicits manuscripts consonant with that vision. The EIC works closely with the Managing Editor and editorial staff as well as with the AIA’s Vice President for Research and Academic Affairs.
The EIC appoints peer reviewers and an Editorial Advisory Board, assists the AIA Development Department in raising funds in support of the journal, and provides written reports on the status of the journal to the AIA Governing Board. The EIC oversees a part-time Editorial Assistant and the work of two independent contractors: the Book Reviews Editor and the Museum Review Editor.
The EIC serves as an independent contractor for a term of three years, with an option to extend for two years. Compensation is normally in the form of release time from the EIC’s home institution; appropriate adjustments will be made in the case of independent scholars.
• An established scholar with a demonstrated record of publication.
• Research and publication interests consonant with the mission of the AJA.
• Strong writing skills and demonstrated editorial experience.
• Administrative and managerial experience.
• Strong interest in the future of academic publishing and the development of a vision for the AJA.
• Archaeological field experience related to the scope of the AJA.
• Archaeological field experience in the Old World.
• An academic appointment in an appropriate university/college department, museum, or other relevant unit.
• Experience in publishing across print and digital platforms.
• Cover letter expressing interest in the position, outlining the vision for the journal, and summarizing qualifications.
• CV.
• Copies of two peer-reviewed publications (no more than a total of 100 pages).
• Phone and email contact information for three people who can serve as professional references.
• AIA President Laetitia La Follette
• AIA First Vice President Elizabeth S. Greene
• AIA Executive Director Rebecca W. King
• AJA Managing Editor Meg Sneeringer
• AJA Editorial Advisory Board Member John Clarke
The committee will interview shortlisted candidates by Zoom.
The Archaeological Institute of America was founded in Boston in 1879. Since its beginning, the Institute has functioned both as a professional organization for archaeologists and as a membership organization with lay members. We now have over 6,000 members organized into a network of 105 Societies and more than 5000 donors who are not members. Since 1948 the AIA has published the highly-regarded bimonthly popular magazine ARCHAEOLOGY with a readership of more than 700,000 and the acclaimed scholarly publication the American Journal of Archaeology. The AIA is an educational organization offering financial support to scholars, an Annual Meeting for the exchange of ideas and information, and a wide-ranging public education program for inquiring minds of all ages. Visit archaeological.org to learn more.
The AIA is committed to equal employment opportunity for all. Applicants for employment and employees are reviewed on their individual qualifications for a position. Under no circumstances will the AIA discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, religious creed, retaliation, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, disability, mental illness, genetics, marital status, age, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law. The AIA complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing discrimination in the Boston and New York offices.
