POSITION: Director

RANK: Administrative Faculty

DEPARTMENT: University of Georgia Press

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

The Director of the University of Georgia Press serves as the chief executive officer of the Press with responsibility for developing and executing strategic, programmatic, and financial plans that ensure the continued success of the organization. The Director actively represents and promotes the interests of the Press throughout the University, scholarly community, and publishing industry. The Director supervises all Press departments and major programs, including acquisitions; editorial; design and production; marketing and sales; business and distribution center; fundraising; and subsidiary rights and electronic publishing. Additionally, the Director serves as one of three members of an executive committee for the New Georgia Encyclopedia. The Director reports to the University Librarian and Associate Provost.

Since its founding in 1938, the primary mission of the University of Georgia Press has been to support and enhance the University’s place as a major research institution by publishing both outstanding works of scholarship by writers throughout the world and books of interest to general readers. The Press has been a member of the Association of American University Presses since 1940 and is the largest book publisher in the state. With a full-time staff of 24 publishing professionals, the Press currently publishes 80-85 new books a year and has over 1,500 titles in print. The Press is also a founding partner of the New Georgia Encyclopedia, the state’s award-winning, online only, multimedia reference work on the people, places, events, and institutions of Georgia.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Works with senior management team to develop and establish the overall direction of the Press’s publishing program.

Recruits, hires, and manages staff and reviews performance of Press department heads.

Cultivates publishing partnerships and promotes the acquisition of new manuscripts.

Oversees financial management of the Press in consultation with the assistant director of business.

Directs the Press’s fundraising program in consultation with the Press’s Advisory Council and its chair, and the Press’s director of development.

Conducts quarterly meetings of UGA faculty Editorial Board, which is responsible for the imprint of the Press.

Administers and leads the development of the New Georgia Encyclopedia as a member of its executive committee.

Serves as the chief liaison with University officials and other University departments, with foundations and funding agencies, and with other state, regional, and national organizations with which the Press collaborates.

Stays abreast of developments in the scholarly world and publishing industry.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and seven years’ significant and progressively responsible management experience in academic publishing. Demonstrated ability to craft a vision for the Press, including shaping an editorial program and formulating business plans. Knowledge of all aspects of book publishing. Ability to develop creative solutions to the challenges posed by changing markets and new technologies. Knowledge of trends and current issues in academic publishing, including electronic publishing and print-on-demand. Understanding of current scholarly communication issues in academia. Ability to work effectively both within and outside the University. Ability to communicate with and motivate staff and to foster a cooperative work environment. Excellent analytical, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree preferred. Experience with digital content and electronic/online projects preferred. Demonstrated success in raising funds from private and public sources preferred.