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The American Musicological Society (AMS) invites applications for the position of Associate Editor (AE) / Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of the American Musicological Society (JAMS). The role begins as JAMS Associate Editor (AE), assisting the current Editor-in-Chief, and then transitions into a two-year term as Editor-in-Chief (EIC). In addition to managing peer review, article selection, and the flow of editorial materials, the AE / EIC works with the AMS Executive Director, Managing Editor, and Board of Directors to inform the direction and future of the Journal by shaping calls for special/supplemental issues and organizational policies affecting the Journal.

The next JAMS AE will assist EIC Jennifer Walker for a period of twenty-two months, beginning 1 March 2027. The AE will receive an honorarium of $500 per issue, and then, upon succeeding to the role of EIC for a two-year term, 1 January 2029–1 January 2031, an honorarium of $1,500 per issue. In addition to assisting the EIC and working with the AMS Managing Editor, the successful applicant will be responsible for identifying and soliciting peer reviewers, tasking the Editorial Assistant with fact-checking and other duties, and, during their term as EIC, proposing editor and Editorial Board candidates for consideration by the AMS Board of Directors. The new Editorial Board and editorial team (EIC, AE, Digital/Multimedia Editor, Reviews Editor) will begin work on 1 January 2029, when the AE assumes the position of EIC. (The AMS Managing Editor and Editorial Assistant are staff positions hired by the AMS Executive Director with input from the JAMS EIC and AE.)

Duties & Responsibilities

The AE/EIC decides on acceptance, revise/resubmit, and rejection decisions; edits peer reviews for tone; submits edited peer reviews into the Journal’s Scholastica system; and engages in developmental editing with authors upon articles’ acceptance. The AE/EIC works closely with the Journal’s publisher, University of California Press, the AMS Managing Editor, and the Editorial Assistant throughout the production process. Twice a year, the EIC is required to report on the health and status of the Journal to the AMS Board of Directors.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have an established reputation as a researcher or academic editor in music studies, and an appreciable record of published research and/or editorial experience; show evidence of vision, leadership, creativity, and sound planning skills (including a keen eye for emerging directions in music scholarship); strong management skills (liaising with authors and the editorial team; assuring manuscript quality and fidelity to production timelines); and excellent communication and collaboration skills. Finalists should be prepared to demonstrate that they have already discussed the possibility of serving as JAMS AE/EIC with their home institutions and secured a commitment to cover 45% [$10,000] of the Editorial Assistant’s compensation when the AE becomes EIC. (The AMS covers the rest of the Editorial Assistant’s salary, benefits, and fringe, as well as the costs of HR administration.)

Applications should include a cover letter outlining the applicant’s experience and expertise, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact details of two referees. Applications are due by 15 September 2026, and should be sent by email (attachments in .pdf format) to ams@amsmusicology.org. Review of applications by the AMS Board of Directors will begin 16 September 2026 and may include online interviews. A decision will be announced by 15 December 2026.