Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Duke University Press is seeking an Editorial Director to lead our Books Editorial Group. Reporting to the Director of the Press, and working in close conjunction with the other strategic managers and functional directors who each oversee large areas of the Press's operations, the Editorial Director establishes the editorial vision and sets the overall direction for the Books Editorial Group of Duke University Press. This position is responsible for directing the editorial agenda and for planning the book-publishing program to ensure the highest levels of quality and peer-review excellence across all subject areas.

The Editorial Director leads and supervises editorial staff, setting short-and long-term goals for individual editors and reviewing performance. In conjunction with other Press managers, sets seasonal lists, reviews, and analyzes financial performance of Press lists. This position also performs all functions of an acquisitions editor; represents Press to other University units; represents Press at scholarly conferences and at public events. Manages the title pipeline to ensure a predictable and timely flow of manuscripts into the publication process. Acquires 15-25 titles per year in relevant subject areas, depending on the candidate’s areas of expertise.

Responsibilities:

I. Establishes the overall editorial vision for the Press.

a. Leads the Books Editorial Group in support of DUP's mission

b. Furthers our brand reputation for publishing high-quality scholarship, from bold and progressive thinkers in emerging and vital fields of scholarship

c. Establishes, implements, and monitors long- and short-range editorial goals, policies, and operating procedures

d. Engages staff in long-term list planning and title acquisition across all disciplines

e. Works with editors and the Press Director to determine the agenda for Editorial Advisory Board meetings and oversees the preparation of editorial packets for EAB members

II. Develops lists in relevant subject areas and coordinates list management across the editorial group

a. Solicits, acquires and reviews prospective manuscripts for publication by Duke University Press

b. Performs all tasks of acquisitions editor to acquire approximately 15-25 titles per fiscal year

c. Implements policies and procedures for the acquisition, handling, and transmittal of manuscripts

d. Provides complete and accurate information about contracts and manuscripts to Duke University Press production, marketing, intellectual property, business, and other Press departments and administration

d. Approves all contract requests, develops and monitors seasonal lists, and determines production priorities

f. Represents the Press at professional meetings and conferences as appropriate

g. Represents the Press to other University units as necessary

h. Ensures a steady and predictable flow of manuscripts into the publication process

III. Oversees the management of budgeting for the books publishing program including cost management and list performance for all acquisitions activities

a. Prepares and monitors annual department budget—including expenditures, conference attendance, and variance analysis

b. Sets annual title targets and list goals (e.g. number of titles, sales per title) for individual editors

c. Works closely with Sales/Marketing to project annual Press sales

d. Analyzes list performance and prepares formal planning and reporting documents as needed

e. Performs list review and evaluation as needed

IV. Participates in Press administration as a strategic manager and functional director

a. Along with the Press Director, leads aspects of strategic planning for the Press

b. Works collaboratively with other strategic managers and functional directors

c. Resolves conflicts as needed in a constructive and collegial way

d. Partners to remove barriers to working efficiently across work groups

V. Directs and supports the staff of the books editorial group through supervision, goal setting, performance evaluation, and professional development

a. Oversees the supervision of staff, including work allocation, performance management, training, and professional development

b. Communicates clearly and effectively with direct and indirect reports

c. Effectively leads staff to achieve peak productivity and performance

d. Establishes a culture of team work, continuous learning, and collegiality within the group and with other groups at the Press

e. Develops long-term plans and short-term goals for the group that support DUP’s strategic goals

f. Monitors staff workloads; reviews and balances performance expectations and goals with organizational strategies; incorporates new responsibilities and new roles as necessary. Establishes effective training and professional development programs for all staff

g. Recommends various personnel actions including but not limited to hiring, promotions, and corrective actions

Preferred Experience:

- Experience working for a university press is preferred

- Demonstrated success as an acquiring editor; thorough knowledge of book markets and trends

- Demonstrated ability to manage editorial staff effectively, knowledge of and experience with electronic publishing initiatives

Preferred Skills:

- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, and demonstrated ability to work effectively with others across a wide range of constituencies

- Skilled at analyzing and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies

- Experience in preparing budgets and analyzing results

- Thorough knowledge of copyright and fair use practices

- Solid knowledge of and experience with electronic publishing protocols

Bachelor's Degree in a related area, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience, and working knowledge of administrations, operations, or publishing.

Work requires knowledge generally acquired through a minimum of six years experience working with senior leadership. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.