Commissioning Editor (Identified s25)

• University of Queensland Press (UQP)
• Full-time, permanent position
• Base salary will be in the range $104,616 - $113,920 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 7)
• This position is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates only, as a genuine occupational requirement, to commission and publish titles for UQP’s adult list
• Based at our Long Pocket location

Acknowledgement of Country

The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ operates. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.

About This Opportunity

An exciting opportunity is available for a Commissioning Editor to join the University of Queensland Press (UQP). In this role, you will commission and publish titles for UQP’s adult list that are commercially viable and/or culturally important, including having a strong involvement with First Nations writers.

The University of Queensland is committed to the employment, career development and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognises their contributions to its community in academic and professional roles and at all levels.

If you’re passionate about books, have a sharp editorial instinct, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to join UQP and make a lasting impact on Australia’s literary landscape.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• The University of Queensland and UQP are strongly committed to championing the work and voices of First Nations writers: Therefore, the successful candidate will spend time with First Nations community and networks to develop potential new book projects.
• Acquire, develop and structurally edit titles across fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
• Manage a pipeline of projects, publishing at least 8 titles annually.
• Assess submissions and present manuscripts for acquisition decisions.
• Oversee projects end-to-end, including budgets, negotiations, and collaboration with marketing, sales and freelance teams.

For further information, please click here to view the information booklet.

About UQ

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
• 17% superannuation contributions
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
• UQ Study for Staff
• Salary packaging options
• Free parking at our Long Pocket Campus

As part of our team, you'll have access to cultural leave, allowing you to maintain and celebrate your cultural responsibilities. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with vibrant staff networks, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. Be part of an organisation that respects and champions Indigenous voices, your journey starts here!

Our Commitment

UQ is committed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ learning, discovery and engagement. The University’s Strategic Plan outlines strategies aimed at increasing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which are supported through the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy. Here in Australia, we especially want to play a leading role in reconciliation as advocates with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

At a national level, in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, we will embed reconciliation across the University’s operations to achieve and implement a ‘Stretch’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) by 2025.

About You

Genuine Occupational Requirement: The University of Queensland considers that to perform this role, it is essential that the person is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).

The successful candidate will be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

• A degree level qualification in Humanities, Social Sciences or related field with at least four (4) years subsequent relevant experience in a publishing environment; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and or training.
• Proven in establishing and developing strong professional relationships with the writing community. Prior experience engaging and communicating with Indigenous authors and communities is highly desirable.
• A sound understanding of current market trends in literary publishing, both nationally and internationally.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively within a team and with external stakeholders.

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualifications in Editing and Publishing.

If you are interested in the position but are not sure you have all of the skills required, we encourage you to apply. We offer industry leading training and coaching that can help you the rest of the way.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Madonna Duffy, Director, UQP at [email protected].

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (R-62866) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

To submit an application for this role, go to the UQ Careers portal and use the Apply button.

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section
• Resume

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments.

Your cultural identity will be respected, valued, and embraced in this role.

Applications close Sunday, 26 April 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-62866).