2023 marks the 51st year of the literary and cultural magazine AGNI, a beacon of international literary culture (PEN) and a crown jewel of the humanities at Boston University. Its name derived from the Sanskrit for fire, AGNI ignites with writing that responds to each new now; the magazine has become an essential gathering place for those who feel literatures power to nurture an authentic engagement with the world.

We're looking for a person devoted to the art of literary editing who will take an executive seat on our diverse, collegial masthead and play a central role in shaping and managing the journals next decade. AGNI was founded in 1972 by Askold Melnyczuk, then an undergraduate at Antioch College with a vision of a countercultural space that would raise up imagination in response to a difficult present. Almost a hundred issues later, the editors have seen seven AGNI contributors go on to win the Nobel Prize. Publishing fiction, poetry, essays, reviews, interviews, blog posts, hybrid pieces, and visual art, the print magazine extended via AGNI Online since 2002 constitutes one of the most celebrated and vibrant nodes in contemporary literature.

This position reports to the Editor of AGNI, a journal proudly housed at Boston University's College of Arts and Sciences, and has a broad scope of responsibilities both editorial and administrative. These include, but are not limited to, overseeing the production and distribution of AGNI and AGNI Online, coordinating and helping guide the various editorial teams, and managing the organizations day-to-day work, all in collaboration and partnership with the Editor.

PRODUCTION INCLUDES:

• Typesetting, copyediting, and designing;
• Working with authors (contracts, correspondence, and galleys);
• Arranging and negotiating printing, mailing, and distribution;
• Maintaining and updating the AGNI website.

DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS INCLUDE:

• Training and supervising 4-8 interns;
• Managing the budget;
• Paying bills and honoraria;
• Creating and implementing marketing plans;
• Designing ads and other materials;
• Preparing and sending regular renewal mailings;
• Soliciting donations;
• Scheduling and organizing public events;
• Writing and managing grants.

AGNI editors are writers also, and their creative work, though not published in the magazine, is of the essence to their ambassadorship and editorial sensibility. Boston University has a rich legacy of serving its students, faculty, and staff as well as the communities beyond campus. We value intellectual, cultural, and social diversity among our staff and students. We remain steadfast in our dedication to building a team that is inclusive and equitable and a place where all can thrive.

Required Skills

A cover letter is required for consideration.

• Bachelor's degree required, MFA in Creative Writing preferred. Equivalent experience in writing, editing, or publishing acceptable.
• A strong proven commitment to contemporary literature is essential.
• 5 years of experience in publishing or editing, at minimum.
• Exceptional communication abilities and a keen sensitivity to language a must.
• Proofreading and copyediting experience preferred; some typesetting, printing, and web mastering knowledge helpful.
• Familiarity with programs such as Word, Excel, Photoshop, and InDesign a plus, as is experience with marketing, fundraising, sales, and/or grant writing.

Please note all newly hired staff and faculty will need to be in compliance with Boston University’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirement within 30 days of date of hire. You must upload your vaccine documentation or request a medical or religious exemption (instructions). For further information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 Resources site. 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. 

Required Experience

A cover letter is required for consideration.

• Bachelor's degree required, MFA in Creative Writing preferred. Equivalent experience in writing, editing, or publishing acceptable.
• A strong proven commitment to contemporary literature is essential.
• 5 years of experience in publishing or editing, at minimum.
• Exceptional communication abilities and a keen sensitivity to language a must.
• Proofreading and copyediting experience preferred; some typesetting, printing, and web mastering knowledge helpful.
• Familiarity with programs such as Word, Excel, Photoshop, and InDesign a plus, as is experience with marketing, fundraising, sales, and/or grant writing.

Please note all newly hired staff and faculty will need to be in compliance with Boston University’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirement within 30 days of date of hire. You must upload your vaccine documentation or request a medical or religious exemption (instructions). For further information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 Resources site. 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.