Associate Editorial Director – 2 Year FTC

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Kingdom.

📋 Description

• Oversee PLOS Biology and PLOS Medicine, managing their professional Editors-in-Chief.

• Provide editorial direction for journals operated by academic volunteers in the fields of biology, human health, and environmental health.

• Create and implement editorial strategies that align with PLOS's commitments to Open Science, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), community engagement, reliable content, and customer service.

• Identify opportunities to broaden the journal portfolio.

• Develop and assess multi-term performance metrics for journals.

• Collaborate with the Publishing Director to develop and manage annual budgets.

• Enhance editorial workflows, systems, and reporting in partnership with Operations colleagues and vendors.

• Promote journal content and PLOS’s mission while driving journal submissions and the adoption of Open Science practices.

• Ensure consistent editorial policies and quality standards across the portfolio.

• Lead cross-journal initiatives, overseeing systems and workflow development.

• Supervise participation in community initiatives, conferences, and events.

• Manage a team of editorial staff with up to 4 direct reports.

• Translate strategy into actionable tactics and monitor progress toward goals.

• Cultivate relationships with Editorial Boards.

• Address underperformance in collaboration with the Line Manager and People & Culture team.

• Serve as a thought partner to and act on behalf of the Editorial Director.

• Foster diversity among staff, Editorial Boards, peer reviewers, and authors.

• Assist in eliminating bias in manuscript processing and editorial decision-making.

• Maintain industry knowledge and represent PLOS at approximately 1–2 industry events annually.

⛳️ Requirements

• PhD and post-doctoral experience (or equivalent) in a relevant field.

• Significant editorial experience (5+ years) with progressively increased managerial responsibilities in STM publishing is required.

• Proven track record in managing successful journals and teams distributed internationally.

• Deep passion for science and the scientific community.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and scholarly publishing.

• Strong business acumen.

• Extensive network of contacts within global scientific communities.

• Proven ability to think strategically, innovate, and implement creative solutions.

• Experienced in people management with a history of leading high-performing teams through change.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

🏝️ Benefits

• Private medical insurance.

• Life assurance.

• Income protection.

• Personal accident insurance.

• Pension plan with up to a 10% employer match.

• 25 days of holidays.

• Market-competitive maternity and paternity leave.

• Birthday and three winter holidays off.

• 2 days of paid time off for volunteering each year.

• Fully remote work environment with a stipend provided upon joining for home office setup.