Director : Oregon State University Press

Director : Oregon State University Press

OSU Libraries and Press is seeking a Director for the Oregon State University Press. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position. Founded in 1961, Oregon State University Press informs and inspires scholars, students, and curious readers by publishing works of regional importance and lasting cultural value. The Press extends and advances OSU's land-grant mission by cultivating responsible scholarship, promoting creativity, and disseminating ideas and knowledge. In all its work, the Press is committed to advancing equitable and inclusive publishing and encouraging diverse voices and viewpoints. The Director provides strategic leadership and administrative support for all aspects of Press operations and collaborates with the Press's management team on departmental goals, strategies, and budgets. The Director manages and directs a full-time staff of three professional faculty members whose areas of specialization cover the breadth of Press activities. The Director plans and administers the overall mission and operation of the Press and works with staff to determine and implement Press systems, policies, and procedures and to develop and maintain short-term and long-range strategic plans. The Director is responsible for ensuring a consistent flow of publishing projects to sustain and grow a dynamic academic and regional trade publishing program. In addition, the Director seeks productive partnerships and collaborations on OSU campuses and across the state and region to increase the presence of the Press and its books. The Press is a department of OSU Libraries and Press (OSULP), with the Director reporting to the Dean of Libraries and serving as a member of the Library Administration, Management, and Planning (LAMP) team.

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job! Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don't wait for challenges to present themselves we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport. Oregon State's beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America's best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including : medical, dental, vision and basic life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents. Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources. Retirement savings paid by the university. A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave. Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities. Robust Work Life programs including dual career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program. Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Key Responsibilities

• 35% Administration and Management
• Plan and administer the overall mission and operation of the Press.
• Work with staff to determine and implement successful systems, policies, and procedures.
• Lead the Press management team and guide decision-making about strategic planning, publication plans and strategies, and general operations matters related to budgets, personnel, and communication and outreach programs.
• Lead the Press in establishing the direction, quality, and quantity of the publishing program.
• Assess workflow and foster communication among staff to create efficiencies and maintain high quality books.
• Conduct staff and departmental meetings and attend faculty editorial board meetings.
• Work with the acquisitions editor on the editorial vision for the Press, list development, and planning for editorial board meetings.
• Manage subsidiary rights and permissions requests.
• Support goals for equity, diversity, and inclusion by participating in available training opportunities; actively seeking diverse applicants for open positions; advocating for the publication of books by underrepresented voices; and expanding network of BIPOC media, freelance talent, and publishing partners.
• Oversee and provide final approval of contracts with authors, distributors, publishing partners, and vendors.
• 20% Strategic Planning and Implementation
• Develop and implement short-term planning and long-range vision for the Press.
• Identify strategies that align the Press with OSULP and OSU goals and initiatives.
• Work with staff to meet annual and long-term goals.
• Develop strategies for utilizing emerging digital technologies to enhance books and their accessibility and to improve Press operations.
• Expand readership for Press books by identifying and engaging new and underrepresented audiences.
• Seek, establish, and maintain strong strategic relationships with university and external partners.
• Research issues and trends in scholarly research and communications, libraries, university press publishing, and bookselling.
• 20% Financial Planning and Budgeting
• Develop and administer the overall Press budget and ensure the long-term financial stability of the Press by managing sales revenue, grants, and gifts.
• Review title budgets and help determine prices, print runs, and schedules for all books.
• Administer annual and semi-annual royalties. Enter and update contracts and author information in distributor's royalty system. Ensure that authors are registered as OSU vendors.
• Approve invoice payments, expense reports, and timesheets.
• 15% Outreach and Engagement
• Cultivate partnerships with local and regional organizations to distribute titles and collaborate on projects and events.
• Represent the Press at local readings, signings, and literary events.
• With support from OSU Foundation and OSULP colleagues, seek and secure funding for books, special projects, and the overall publishing program from individuals, organizations, and foundations.
• Participate in public outreach and professional activities to promote enhanced visibility and reputation of the Press.
• Develop and foster relationships with authors, prospective partners, donors, vendors, booksellers, librarians, other press directors, faculty, university officials, and community members.
• Serve on library, university, community, and professional committees as appropriate.
• 10% Supervision
• Provide overall supervision of the Press's three professional faculty members (acquisitions editor; editorial, design, and production manager; and marketing manager).
• Conduct regular 1 : 1 meetings with staff. Oversee staff's annual goals and conduct performance evaluations.
• Oversee Press staffing needs. As necessary, review position descriptions, recruit, and hire.

What You Will Need

What We Would Like You to Have