Associate Editorial Director- 2 Year FTC

Public Library of Science

8h•$145,000 - $163,000•Remote

About The Position

The Associate Editorial Director oversees a subset of PLOS’s journals portfolio, managing PLOS Biology and PLOS Medicine, including line management of their professional Editors-in-Chief, and providing editorial oversight for journals led by academic volunteers across biology, human health, and environmental health. The role develops the journals in alignment with PLOS strategy, supports open science publishing and trusted content, and builds engagement with scientific communities. The Associate Editorial Director works with Editorial Boards and in-house colleagues to develop and deliver journal strategies, drawing on international networks to strengthen PLOS’s profile and reputation. As a member of senior PLOS editorial leadership, the role applies the PLOS Leaders’ Framework at an advanced level and leads ad hoc projects across the journals portfolio. Current priority areas include quality control, workflow optimization, cost efficiency, non-article research outputs such as data and code, policy development, and community engagement. The role embraces change and leads teams through it. The position is fully remote and home based. Applications are accepted from candidates based in Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. It is a two-year fixed-term contract. The established base salary range is $145,000–$163,000.

Requirements

PhD and post-doctoral experience, or equivalent, in a relevant subject area.
At least five years of substantial editorial experience in STM publishing, with progressively increased managerial responsibility.
Experience managing a group of successful journals and internationally distributed teams.
Passionate interest in science and scientists.
Proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and scholarly publishing.
Strong business acumen.
Wide network of contacts within global scientific communities.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, innovate, and implement creative solutions.
Experienced people manager with a track record of leading high-performing teams through change.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Develop editorial strategy for a portfolio of PLOS journals with Directors of Editorial, Publishing, Marketing and Communications, and Global Development, supporting PLOS commitments to open science, diversity, equity and inclusion, community engagement, trusted content, and customer service.
Identify and develop opportunities to expand the portfolio in line with PLOS strategy.
Develop and oversee multi-term performance metrics for individual journals.
Partner with the Publishing Director to develop and manage annual budgets, making responsible decisions and allocating resources efficiently while meeting budget and quality standards.
Work with Operations colleagues and vendors to optimize editorial workflows, systems, and reporting.
Work with Marketing and Communications colleagues to promote journal content and PLOS’s mission, drive journal submissions, and encourage uptake of open science practices.
Ensure Editorial makes effective and efficient use of cross-journal Centers of Excellence, including Publication Ethics and Editorial Board Services.
Maintain cohesive and consistent editorial policies and quality standards across the portfolio, adapting to changing community needs while foregrounding open science.
Lead cross-journal initiatives and oversee the development of systems and workflows.
Oversee Editorial participation in community initiatives, conferences, and events, ensuring equal opportunity and alignment with PLOS’s mission.
Promote good document hygiene and information sharing throughout Editorial.
Lead a cohesive, high-performing Editorial team of up to four direct reports, fostering cross-portfolio and cross-cultural perspectives.
Translate strategy collaboratively into clear team and individual tactics, and regularly monitor progress against goals.
Model open, clear communication and ensure stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities.
Build strong, partnership-based relationships with Editorial Boards.
Address underperformance promptly, sensitively, and supportively, in collaboration with the Line Manager and People & Culture team.
Act as a thought partner to, and deputize for, the Editorial Director.
Oversee efforts to improve diversity among PLOS staff, Editorial Boards, peer reviewers, and authors.
Work with stakeholders to eliminate bias in manuscript processing and editorial decision-making.
Oversee editorial participation in internal and external diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Maintain in-depth industry knowledge and awareness of market trends, innovations, and evolving customer needs.
Represent PLOS at industry events occasionally, approximately one to two events per year.
Lead ad hoc projects across the PLOS journals portfolio, including current priorities in quality control, workflow optimization, cost efficiency, data and code outputs, policy development, and community engagement.