Invitation to apply for the post of Editor of The European Archaeologist (TEA)

The European Archaeologist (TEA), the quarterly e-newsletter of the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA), is seeking to appoint an Editor from September 2021.

 

TEA profile

TEA is intended to keep EAA members abreast of developments within the Association, and in Europe generally, and to give them a forum for reports, debate and announcements. It includes summaries from sessions at EAA Annual Meetings, reports from EAA Communities, news from correspondents, etc.

TEA is one of EAA members’ key benefits so it is important that the newsletter meets their expectations in terms of content, appearance and timely dissemination. The importance of the newsletter as a communication vehicle with EAA membership requires a close working relationship with the other members of the EAA Executive Board and the Social Media Editor.

TEA editorship

TEA editorship is a voluntary role, which involves everything from establishing acceptance criteria for materials to be published in the newsletter to production of the electronic file for web-page publication and distribution to EAA membership. We also look to the TEA Editor(s) to identify imaginative, practical and effective ways to develop the newsletter and its content.  (The EAA Secretariat takes care of the technicalities.)

The term of service is three years, renewable without limit (pending formal renewal every three years), and commences in September 2021. TEA Editor will receive an honorarium of €1000 per annum plus free EAA membership. Applications by co-editors are welcome; in this case the honorarium is divided between the co-editors but both receive free EAA membership.

Specific duties of TEA editorship include:

  • Liaising with EAA Secretariat about communication of EAA governance;
  • Attending EAA Executive Board meetings as an observer to keep abreast of current EAA matters. Travel costs to in-person meetings are reimbursed.
  • Producing four newsletter issues per year, typically 2-3 weeks after the deadlines for submission from authors:
  • 15 January - Winter issue
  • 15 April - Spring issue
  • 15 July - Summer issue
  • 15 October – Autumn issue
  • Content gathering and production: developing and maintaining contacts, requesting content, and writing content as needed or appropriate; making final determinations of content to be published
  • Correspondence with EAA members and other stakeholders (e.g. answering enquiries about content/format)
  • Correspondence with authors: proofreading, re-structuring, and editing articles submitted by members, many of whom use English as a second or third language, feedback to authors
  • Checking image copyright (whether each author supplied their images with relevant credits and permissions to reproduce in TEA already in place)
  • Content compilation: layout and presentation, creating consistent and appealing design
  • Coordination with EAA Secretariat for publication and distribution in both html and text (pdf) formats
  • Coordination with EAA Social Media editor for additional distribution over social media.

 Necessary skills include:

  • Editing
  • Sound written English (if not a native English speaker, the TEA Editor must have access to a native English speaker with skills that include correct use of grammar, punctuation and English spellings)
  • Ability to access and use relevant digital tools for composing and designing the Newsletter (e.g., MS Office, Apple Pages)
  • Creative thinking to be able to design and lay out the Newsletter to an attractive and professional standard
  • Awareness of copyright and its application, particularly for the use of images
  • Attention to detail
  • Networking, to identify and procure good copy
  • Adherence to deadlines
  • Ability to work independently and meet commitments
  • Ability to work well with others.

Application procedure

If you wish to apply, please email the EAA Secretariat (administrator@e-a-a.org) a statement no longer than 1000 words outlining your relevant experience and why you would like to become Editor of The European Archaeologist.

The deadline for the receipt of applications is 15 April 2021. Selected candidates will be interviewed online in May 2021. Decision about the appointment will be communicated to applicants before 30 June 2021. We will formally announce the appointment to the EAA membership at the Annual Membership Business Meeting on 10 September 2021.