The client is seeking an Executive Director to provide visionary, innovative leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of the publishing program. The role oversees daily operations, strengthens internal and external relationships, and ensures the Press advances its mission by bringing influential scholarship and ideas to readers worldwide. The Executive Director will build on a tradition of publishing excellence while shaping publishing strategy, exploring new opportunities for reach and impact, and connecting scholarly purpose with financial sustainability.
Key responsibilities include developing and executing a long-term vision, establishing publishing priorities, and identifying emerging trends and market opportunities. The Executive Director will partner with editorial and acquisitions leadership and relevant faculty committees to maintain a high-quality, respected publishing list across disciplines while thoughtfully exploring new areas of emphasis. The role also supports financial sustainability by balancing mission-driven publishing with fiscal responsibility, including collaboration on budgets and revenue projections, and working with university advancement stakeholders and an advisory committee to identify, cultivate, and steward donors and funding partners aligned with the organization’s scholarly and public mission.
The Executive Director will manage stakeholder engagement and partnerships across the university and the broader publishing ecosystem, including industry consortia and international sales alliances, while leveraging the university’s research strengths. The position will define and advance digital strategy, ensuring innovation in formats and platforms and leading ethical, intentional integration of AI technologies to support scholarly quality, accessibility, and the university’s public mission. The Executive Director will lead and develop staff, and oversee operational functions including design, production, marketing, publicity, and sales to ensure excellence across the full publishing workflow.