Director, University of Illinois Press - Hybrid

Director, University of Illinois Press - Hybrid

Sponsorship for Work Authorization is not available for this position.

The Director is responsible for the strategic vision and functional leadership of the University Press. This position represents the Press at major events and functions and keeps the administration apprised of Press activities, goals, needs, and aspirations. Director fosters collaborations with UI and outside partners and develops and implements strategies for advancement and fundraising. This position supervises department managers and works with managers in cultivating staff development and diversity, and in fostering productive and harmonious working relations. The Director also pursues book acquisitions at a level in keeping with other responsibilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all aspects of the Press's operation, which currently includes 80 new books each year and 43 scholarly journals. Fulfill the Press's mission as a publisher of high-quality scholarship, a source of expertise about scholarly publishing, and a liaison between the University of Illinois and the people of the state and surrounding region.
• Lead, supervise, and evaluate the Press's management team. Work with management team to develop budgets and financial strategies that support and advance the goals and publications of the Press. In consultation with the Press's Chief Financial Officer, guide and approve annual budgets and track income and expenses against them.
• Lead the Press's development and fundraising efforts, in concert with representatives of the UI Foundation.
• Review all contracts and support Intellectual Property manager in developing contract templates. Work with Intellectual Property Manager in reverting rights to authors and agencies when desired or required.
• Recruit and nominate prospective members of UI Press Board from System faculty. Convene monthly Press Board meetings, work to engage board members in Press activities and priorities, report to board on Press news and events.
• Represent the Press at conferences and events as appropriate. Represent the Press at all three campuses of the University of Illinois.
• Report on Press activities and finances to the Senior Assistant Vice President for Academic Initiatives and Policies.
• Stay current with issues facing university press and scholarly publishing and with the best practices for dealing with them.
• Foster innovation and cross-departmental collaboration at the Press. Lead and contribute to Press-wide initiatives.
• Other duties and responsibilities appropriate for a Director, University of Illinois Press.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum of five years leadership and management experience in scholarly publishing.

Preferred:

• Graduate's degree in a related field.
• Experience working with officials of learned societies and directors of other scholarly presses
• Experience working in more than one division of a university or academic press

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting tools, and electronic spreadsheets.
• Experience with databases and word-processing software.
• Familiarity with academic disciplines of importance to the Press. Understanding of evolving trends, leading and emerging scholars, and competition in these disciplines.
• Thorough knowledge of academic standards and the use of the peer-review process for manuscript evaluation.
• Thorough knowledge of the publication process for books and journals.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills to interact effectively with University and departmental officials/staff.
• Strategic leadership to align the best interests of the Press with the mission and goals of the University of Illinois.
• Strong interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach to develop and maintain effective work relationships.
• Ability to handle stressful, sensitive, and demanding situations and personalities effectively.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a Full Time academic professional position. The expected start date is 4/28/2025. Sponsorship for Work Authorization is not available for this position. System Office jobs such as this one are not eligible for the Referral Program.

The budgeted salary range for the position is $135,000.00 - 155,000.00. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION
For full consideration, please click APPLY NOW on this page to submit an application, references and cover letter through our job board by 6 pm on 3/12/2025.

System Human Resource Services
(217) 333-2600
erhr@uillinois.edu

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the System Human Resource Services, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at 217-333-2600, or by emailing ADAaccessibility@uillinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 9000824
Job Category: Academic Professional
Campus Location: Urbana

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