Director, JHU Press (JHU Press)

Johns Hopkins University•Baltimore, MD

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Johns Hopkins University seeks an exceptional leader to serve as the next Director of the Johns Hopkins University Press (JHU Press). This is a remarkable opportunity to lead one of the world's most distinguished and influential university presses at a pivotal moment in scholarly publishing. The incoming Director will guide JHU Press through an era of profound transformation in academic publishing, marked by rapid advances in digital technologies, the evolution of open access models, the rise of generative artificial intelligence, and shifting economic dynamics. This leader will steward a storied institution while driving innovation across books, journals, digital aggregation platforms, and service operations that collectively serve the global scholarly community. The ideal candidate will combine deep publishing expertise with strategic vision, financial acumen, and technological fluency. This leader will be committed to advancing trusted scholarship and connecting people to evidence-based knowledge—core to the Press's mission and Johns Hopkins University's broader commitment to bringing the benefits of discovery to the world. The role offers the opportunity to shape the future of scholarly communication while working with world-class faculty, accomplished staff, and a supportive university administration committed to the Press's continued excellence and growth.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
A minimum of 10 years of experience managing a revenue-generating business with a significant-sized staff and a budget greater than $10 million
Commitment to publishing peer-reviewed books and journals
In-depth understanding of the economics of book and journal publishing along with the capacity to adapt to changes in the market
Knowledge of library services, resources, and workflows
In-depth knowledge of copyright law, and publishing and distribution contracts; experience in contract development and negotiation
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Demonstrated business analytic skills and ability
Significant senior leadership experience in publishing or closely related sectors.
Deep understanding of scholarly publishing economics, including revenue models, cost structures, and market dynamics.
Extensive familiarity and experience with digital publishing platforms, open access models, and emerging technologies shaping the field.
Demonstrated commitment to peer-reviewed scholarship and knowledge dissemination.
Proven success leading complex, revenue-generating organizations or business units.
Demonstrated strength in strategic planning, organizational development, and change leadership.
Sophisticated financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance management.
Experience balancing mission and margin in a mission-driven and financial-forward enterprise.
Exceptional communication skills and executive presence.
Strong relationship-building capabilities across a wide range of stakeholder groups.
Collaborative leadership style that values transparency and shared accountability.
Integrity, resilience, and sound judgment in periods of industry disruption.
Clear commitment to cultivating an environment in which all individuals can thrive.
Passion for scholarly publishing and belief in the public value of knowledge.

Nice To Haves

MBA or similar Degree
Experience in commercial, professional or scholarly publishing
Experience in fundraising and grant application writing
Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience leading complex publishing organizations.
Exceptional leaders from adjacent sectors—such as digital platforms or large scholarly societies with significant publishing efforts—will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Articulate and execute a clear, forward-looking strategy that builds on the Press’s strengths and aligns with university priorities.
Anticipate and respond to shifts in scholarly communication, including AI-enabled workflows, open access models, evolving research behaviors, and AI-focused digital discovery and dissemination.
Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships within Johns Hopkins and across the broader scholarly ecosystem.
Ensure the Press remains a respected thought leader in the national and global publishing landscape.
Ensure long-term financial sustainability through disciplined budgeting, multi-year planning, and performance management.
Strengthen and diversify revenue streams across books, journals, Project MUSE, and fulfillment services and through strategic acquisition or other innovative opportunities.
Balance mission-driven publishing priorities with sound business practices.
Partner with development leadership to secure philanthropic support for key initiatives.
Lead, mentor, and retain a high-performing, mission-driven staff.
Foster a culture rooted in dignity, learning, and care that promotes collaboration, accountability, professional growth, job fulfillment, and operational excellence.
Build strong relationships with faculty, authors, editors, clients, librarians, scholarly societies, publishing partners, and industry leaders.
Represent the Press effectively in public forums and professional communities.
Deepen connections between the Press and university academic programs, libraries, and research centers.
Provide strategic oversight of the books and journals programs to ensure scholarly impact, audience growth, and financial strength.
Navigate the evolving economics of print, digital, open access, and emerging AI-enabled distribution models.
Address sector-wide challenges including research integrity, peer review sustainability, and responsible AI use.
Guide the continued evolution of Project MUSE and the integration of BioOne to advance Johns Hopkins University Press’s digital publishing portfolio, enhance service to publishers and libraries, and strengthen competitive positioning, operational excellence, and long-term growth.
Oversee Hopkins Fulfillment Services to ensure operational excellence and evaluate opportunities for growth.