Synergy Journal: Open Call for Editors

Synergy: The Journal of Contemporary Asian Studies is currently recruiting for the 2016-2017 academic year. We are looking for highly motivated and academically rigorous applicants who are committed towards moving the academic mandate of the Synergy Journal forward. Positions available at this time include editorial positions at various levels as well as event committee positions (which should only complement editorial positions and are not standalone positions by themselves).

The Synergy Journal, founded at the Asian Institute of the University of Toronto is an academic journal with a regional focus on East, Southeast, and South Asia. The goal of the journal is to stimulate and generate vibrant academic discussions on the current political, historical, societal, and/or economic developments in the region. Submissions and solicited editorial contents are published online throughout the year and then compiled into biannual print publications. Synergy is currently listed with the Library and Archives Canada.

Available Positions & Eligibility Requirement

CORE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

The Core Editorial Committee is the highest administrative body of the Synergy Journal. The Core Editorial Committee positions are intensive in nature, and require fully committed applicants who are ready to be a motivating force behind the Journal’s operations.

Design and Layout Managing Editor (1)
The Design and Layout Managing Editor is the pillar force behind all layout design for Synergy Journal’s editorial content and editorial promotion.

Open to senior undergraduate and graduate applicants
Design all creative promotional materials (posters, advertisements, pamphlets etc.) for the operation of the Synergy Journal’s editorial committee
Design the layout and creative content of the annual/bi-annual print journal publication
Thorough knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other designing applications needed
Past design experience in working with print-publications is an asset

Webmaster (1)
The Webmaster is the pillar force behind Synergy Journal’s online branding and vision, and is responsible for consistently uploading and editing all contents for the Synergy Journal’s website platform. They will work closely with the Design and Layout Managing Editor as well as the Editor-in-Chief and the Associate Editor-in-Chief during their term.

Open to senior undergraduate and graduate applicants
Responsible for uploading all editorial and promotional materials onto Synergy Journal’s website
Should be highly familiar with Synergy Journal’s website platform and design
Past experience with online content design and managing is highly preferred

DIVISIONAL EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Apart from the administrative Core Editorial Committee, the rest of our full editorial committee is divided into 3 sections according regional interests: East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The number beside each type of position below represents the total number of available positions for each of the 3 sectional divisions.

Research Analysts (3)
A research analyst is required to be a specialist in a country that falls under his/her regional section, and is required to write either research articles or op-eds about a topic pertaining to that country. The topic must be related to the development of contemporary politics, history, society, and/or economy in the assigned region and/or country of specialization. A standard research proposal must be submitted to the Lead Editor for approval prior to the research being conducted.

Only open to undergraduate applicants in their 2nd year or above and graduate applicants
Must be proficient in writing Canadian English (no grammar errors, punctuation errors, etc.)
Must have a solid academic background on the political, economic, and/or social developments of the desired regional section and country (i.e. if you want to be in the Southeast Asia section and specialize in Singapore, you must demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge on the current affairs of the Southeast Asia region and Singapore)
Research analysts are expected to write two academic articles or op-eds in the span of three months.

Copy-editor/Style Checker (5)
A copy-editor is required to review the submissions approved by his/her sectional Lead Editor. The copy-editor’s edits must strictly follow Synergy’s Submission and Editorial Guideline.

Open to all undergraduate and graduate applicants
Must be proficient in writing Canadian English (no grammar errors, punctuation errors, etc.)
Must be proficient with MLA citation style
Must be familiar with Synergy‘s Submission and Editorial Guideline
Past experience in copy-editing is an asset

Event Reporter (3)
An event reporter is required to attend an event (mostly at the Munk School of Global Affairs) the Lead Editor of his/her assigned regional section has indicated previously in weeks advance. Synergy requires all event reports to be written and finalized for publication a week after the event. A typical event reporter at Synergy reports on one event per month. However, this may vary according to the event schedules.

Only open to undergraduate applicants in their 2nd year or above and graduate applicants
Must be proficient in writing Canadian English (no grammar errors, punctuation errors, etc.)
Past experience in writing or news reporting is an asset
Must have a solid academic background on the political, historical, economic, and/or social developments of the desired regional section (i.e. if you want to be in the East Asia section, you must demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge on the current affairs of the East Asia region)

EVENT COMMITTEE

The Event Committee of the Synergy Journal is tasked with the mandate to organize and execute academic panels and conferences throughout the year that are oriented towards the regional focus of Asia. Successful candidates will be working closely with Synergy Journal’s Core Editorial Team. These positions are ONLY open to undergraduate applicants in their 2nd year or above and graduate applicants.

Director of Logistics (1)

Responsible to plan and execute the logistical details of every event
Include creating name cards for guest speakers, ordering refreshments and foods for reception, booking venue, creating detailed itinerary for the event and much more
Past event planning experience is a must, past academic event planning is an asset

Director of Marketing (1)

Design all creative promotional materials for the need of the event committee (includes posters, advertisements, pamphlets etc.)
Creating and updating marketing strategies for Synergy Journal’s event operations on a regular basis
Thorough knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other designing applications needed

Associate Director of Public Relations (1)

Assist Director of Public Relations with external promotion
Assist in providing communication networks between Synergy Journal and all external parties on-campus (secure partnerships and collaborations for events)
Assist in promoting all events through official University of Toronto department listservs
Assist with all other executive duties as required

Application Process

Please submit all 3 items listed below to submissions@utsynergyjournal.org, with the subject line “Synergy Journal Application: [Name of Editorial Section]” by Friday 18 March 2016 midnight sharp. Requests for interviews will be sent shortly after based on application rigour to determine your placement.

Resume (PDF or Word file) highlighting your relevant past experiences and assets tailoring towards the position(s) that you are applying.
A short English language writing sample (less than 200 words) in any topic or discipline. For those applying for Design and Layout Managing Editor or Webmaster, instead of an English language writing sample, please submit a short digital portfolio of your past work (links to your past works are acceptable as long as they are listed in the same document).
Answer to the questions listed below (in a separate PDF or Word attachment).

Questions

Why would you like to join Synergy? What can you bring to Synergy? (100 words max.)
Please state the position that you are applying for as well as your sectional editorial preference (Core Editorial Committee, East Asia, Southeast Asia, or South Asia).
What are you envisioning to accomplish during your term in the position of your interest? If you are applying for Research Analyst, please state your detailed region of focus and your interests for the region. (200 words max.)
Are you interested in our Event Committee positions as well? Please state the position that you are applying within the Event Committee, and then brief us with your relative experience and your event vision for the Event Committee. Note: All Event Committee positions only serve as complements to an editorial position. (300 words max.)

Please direct questions about the journal or editorial positions in general to inquiries@utsynergyjournal.org, or visit our website at http://utsynergyjournal.org/ for more information.

We look forward to your submission.