What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Project MUSE position at Society for Scholarly Publishing?

Johns Hopkins University Press seeks a Director, Project MUSE who will be responsible for the overall financial and mission-oriented success of a massive database that includes 800 journals and 100,000 books across the humanities and social sciences from more than 400 publishers. The Director of Project MUSE will join a team of exceptional professionals committed to bringing the benefits of discovery to the world by providing global access, impact, and influence for the scholarship that we publish and distribute. This position will help to ensure that the Press is a leader in selecting and developing innovative ideas and scholarship, creating and embracing transformative technologies to enhance discovery and learning, and connecting people to the most trusted knowledge from global researchers, scholars, and educators.

The Director of Project MUSE will have a unique opportunity to shape the future of scholarly communication, ensuring that vast amounts of peer-reviewed humanities work is discoverable and has the chance to impact lives worldwide. As the leader of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of 35 professionals, the director will oversee platform technology, sales, publisher relations, marketing, customer support, and production, ensuring that Project MUSE remains a global leader in providing trusted resources for libraries, scholars, researchers, and other readers from hundreds of publishers. This position reports to the Executive Director of Johns Hopkins University Press.

Founded in 1995 with a mission to provide community-owned, equitable access to high-quality scholarly content, Project MUSE partners with publishers and libraries to create an essential platform for digital research and learning. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to the dissemination of knowledge, the people of Project MUSE empower communities and individuals to thrive in a world shaped by discovery and understanding.

Project MUSE is one of four divisions of Hopkins Press, complemented by a book distribution business and a division each for book and journal publishing. The Director of Project MUSE will be part of the senior leadership team of the Press.

The Press is committed to honoring every person’s inherent dignity as human beings and making that the foundation of our organizational culture. We proactively find ways to ensure opportunities that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. We strive to publish courageously, giving voice to groundbreaking ideas. We support each other and our stakeholders and envision a future where knowledge enriches the lives of every person. The successful candidate will join a welcoming community that is inclusive and values the contributions and perspectives of individuals from all backgrounds.

At Project MUSE, you will have the chance to lead a mission-driven organization at the forefront of scholarly communication. This role offers an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of scholars, students, and communities worldwide by ensuring access to the knowledge that drives societal progress. If you are an inspiring leader who believes in the transformative power of knowledge and is ready to guide a talented team toward a bold future, we encourage you to apply.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

In conjunction with the Executive Director of Hopkins Press and the Chief Transformation Officer, develop and execute a bold vision for the future of Project MUSE, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of scholars, libraries, and publishers and in concert with the overall Hopkins Press strategic work.
In collaboration with Hopkins Press leadership, lead Project MUSE strategic planning initiatives, focusing on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Represent Project MUSE on national and international platforms, advocating for sustainable, equitable access to knowledge.
Join the executive team in collaborative leadership of the entire Hopkins Press.

Operational Excellence

Direct the operations of technology, sales, publisher relations, marketing, customer support, and production teams, fostering collaboration and efficiency across departments.

Oversee the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and workflows to enhance user experience and platform performance, including the use of generative AI.

Ensure the delivery of high-quality content and services to meet the diverse and growing needs of global stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement

Cultivate and strengthen relationships with publishing partners, libraries, and academic institutions.

Lead efforts to expand Project MUSE’s network, fostering partnerships that align with its mission.

Champion and enhance digital marketing and outreach strategies that broaden the reach and impact of Project MUSE.

Team Development

Inspire and mentor a talented team of 35 professionals emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.

Foster the culture defined by all Press staff of learning, caring, and job fulfillment with a foundation of honoring the dignity of every person.

Weave diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in all aspects of the organization.

Financial Stewardship

In conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer, develop and manage budgets and resources effectively to ensure financial health and sustainability.

Identify and pursue new sustainable revenue streams and funding opportunities to support Project MUSE’s mission.

Develop new business models that are sustainable and equitable.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of the technology landscape as it relates to content businesses and an ability to make judgments about its applications.

Extensive knowledge of the library market with demonstrated experience building projects and services for that market.

Deep understanding of the Open Access landscape.

Ability to effectively communicate with scholars, scientists, researchers, and others in the higher education community across the humanities and sciences.

Familiarity with the contractual aspects of engaging with publishers and selling to libraries.

Strong understanding of the digital publishing landscape, platform technologies, and trends in open access, generative AI (for operational efficiencies, potential products, and licensing opportunities) and scholarly communications.

Exceptional strategic thinking, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.

Demonstrated success in managing interdisciplinary teams and fostering collaboration.

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a track record of working effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in all aspects of work.

Excellent critical thinking and communication skills.

Outstanding problem-solving skills including using analytics to drive decisions.

Creative thinker, embracing new ideas, passionate about developing the potential of Hopkins Press.

Inclusive in decision-making and problem-solving.

Experience with cultivating a positive workplace environment and an understanding of the foundational principles of leading with dignity.

Excel in effective use of resources and keen self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree.

Ten years of proven leadership experience effectively managing financially sustainable, complex business models and fostering change, preferably in scholarly publishing, publishing technology and / or services, or a related field.

Additional education may substitute for required experience, as permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

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