Position Summary
The Director of Publications is a member of the senior staff of the American Philosophical Society (APS) and reports directly to its Executive Officer. The ideal candidate will bring leadership and vision to the oldest scholarly imprint in North America and will develop and grow the Society’s publication through an active recruitment and acquisitions program.
The Director is responsible for acquiring manuscripts, supervising editorial staff, maintaining contact with authors and vendors, receiving manuscripts for review and possible publication, coordinating the marketing and distribution of publications. The Director is also responsible for presenting reviewed works to the Society’s Committee on Publications for discussion and decision. Editorial production work involves copy editing and proofreading accepted manuscripts, working with outside compositors and printers to publish books and collaborating with the APS fulfillment department to market published works. The Director will shepherd manuscripts through the review and editorial process, including working with authors to improve their manuscripts while exploring partnerships with other presses, especially university presses, to expand the reach of the APS Press.
Organizational Description
The American Philosophical Society, the oldest learned society in the United States, was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin for the purpose of “promoting useful knowledge.” In the 21st century the Society sustains this mission in three principal ways.
1. It honors and engages leading scholars, scientists, and professionals through elected membership and opportunities for interdisciplinary, intellectual fellowship, particularly in its semi-annual Meetings.
2. It supports research and discovery through grants and fellowships, lectures, publications, prizes, exhibitions, and public education.
3. It serves scholars through a research library of manuscripts and other collections internationally recognized for their enduring historic value.
The American Philosophical Society’s current activities reflect the founder’s spirit of inquiry, provide a forum for the free exchange of ideas, and convey the conviction that intellectual inquiry and critical thought are inherently in the best interest of the public.
For more information about APS, please visit: https://www.amphilsoc.org/
Qualifications
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience required working in a nonprofit or scholarly publishing environment
Competencies
• Thorough understanding and skill in all aspects of journal and book publication
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to relate well to individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to juggle multiple deadlines and projects
• Demonstration of good judgment, professionalism and the highest standards of ethical conduct.
• Effectively manage budgets, organizational resources, and produce Director of Publications Reports for bi-annual Members meetings
Compensation & Benefits
• The APS offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including health & dental insurance, retirement, life insurance, and disability benefits.
Please submit a resume or CV with a cover letter detailing your interest in the position via Interfolio at: http://apply.interfolio.com/98579
References will be requested for finalists.
The American Philosophical Society is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, age, sex, gender, religion, or national origin. The APS values diversity in its many forms and encourages diverse applicants to apply.
All APS staff must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.