Head of Publishing (Maternity Cover)

The Royal Entomological Society is looking to recruit an outstanding and dynamic Head of Publishing to lead their publishing strategy for seven international journals, a handbook series, and general interest entomology books. This position will also play an active role in their quarterly membership magazine ‘Antenna’. This role is a 12-month fixed term contract (maternity cover) and is an exciting position which will ensure the high quality of the Society’s publications and will oversee their planned, sustainable growth.

The post is full-time based on 37.5 hours per week but will offer some flexibility on the working pattern. This role can be worked on a remote basis, with occasional visits to the office.

Reporting to the CEO, responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Managing the RES journal portfolio including subscriptions, marketing, and strategy for growth.
• Optimising opportunities for maximum impact and revenue.
• Working with the Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Editorial Boards of each journal.
• With the CEO and Chair of Publications Committee, developing a strategic plan for RES publishing over the next 3 years.
• Line managing the Managing Editor and Editorial Coordinator and other Society staff as required.
• Leading the development, review, and implementation of publishing strategy for journals, books, and the RES membership magazine.
• Ensuring the RES is represented at key conferences and events (including international).
• Progressing the Society journals towards Open Access and identifying new opportunities.
• Taking responsibility for budget setting and management around publishing each year.
• Keeping up-to-date with the fast-moving publishing sector – including open access, transitional deals, and institutional subscriptions.
• Leading a review of the current library and developing a strategy to increase accessibility with the Librarian and other staff.

While an understanding of Society publishing is required, significant experience in STM or academic journal publishing is essential, particularly with the Open Access agenda and Plan S. You will have demonstrable strategy and project management experience and the effective leadership skills necessary to lead a diverse team. The Society additionally maintains an entomological library and this role will also have line management responsibility for the library team. Experience of working with partners, including publishers, designers, and printers is required, as are strong digital skills e.g. an understanding of ScholarOne and MS Office packages.

As part of the Strategic Leadership Team, you will also contribute to the annual development of the business plan, supporting delivery of the strategic plan. This is an exciting time to join the Royal Entomological Society as it embarks on a new strategy and a fantastic opportunity for an STM professional to take up a new leadership position of Director of Publishing.