Director of Journals

About the role

The Director of Journals oversees the successful publication of the USCAP scholarly journals, Modern Pathology (ModPath) and Laboratory Investigation (LI). The successful candidate will bring high-level skills in publication and scientific communication, implementing publishing strategies and editorial initiatives to sustain and enhance the journals’ standing within the global pathology field. The Director works closely with the Editors in Chief of ModPath and LI, oversees the USCAP Publications Committee, and manages all relevant contractual relationships. This role reports to the Chief Education and Program Officer and supervises the Managing Editor.

Responsibilities

• Leads, develops, and executes a comprehensive publications strategy aligned with USCAP's mission, strategic priorities, and financial goals.
• Provides managerial, editorial, and production expertise and oversight for the journals.
• Oversees the journals’ daily operations, ensuring all regular and special issues, supplements, approved initiatives, and online ancillaries are carried out, deadlines are met, and journal quality requirements are fulfilled.
• Serves as primary staff contact for the Editors in Chief (EIC).
• Plans and prepares reports on journal metrics, achievements, and new initiatives for LI and ModPath Editors, USCAP leadership, board, and publications committee.
• Evaluates emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), automation, platform enhancements, and industry best practices, and recommends solutions that improve processes and productivity.
• In coordination with the Executive Vice President and Chief Programs and Education Officer, sets annual budget, metrics, and performance indicators, and is accountable for managing the department budget and achieving targets.
• Facilitates search for new EICs as needed and conducts onboarding training.
• Develops and implements editorial strategies and standards.
• Recommends and maintains editorial policies and procedures.
• Maintains an effective, efficient, and ethical peer review process.
• Engages closely with editors and authors to offer guidance and help improve manuscripts.
• Helps recruit reviewers, editorial board members, and senior editors, under direction of EIC.
• Develops strategies to promote inclusion, diversity, access, and equity in submissions.
• Manages relationship, production quality, and costs of publishing vendor.
• Works with marketing staff to showcase the journal and their content.
• Serves as primary staff liaison to the Publications Committee.
• Conducts outreach on behalf of the journals and USCAP, including staffing booths at meetings and giving presentations at national and international meetings.
• Prepares progress and budget reports for leadership.
• Fosters an inclusive environment marked by personal visibility, open communication, relationship building, teamwork, and empowerment.
• Oversees and complies with all established safe work practices and attends to all safety-related training.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• MS or equivalent in life sciences or related field(s) preferred; PhD is considered a plus.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience working in a journal editorial office or similar environment, with at least one year of supervisory experience.
• Experience managing online journal submission systems.
• Previous experience working within a biomedical professional society is a plus.

Skills

• Impeccable verbal and written communication skills; excellent presentation skills.
• Excellent editing skills.
• Familiarity with medical terminology generally; pathology terminology preferred.
• Experienced in project management and vendor management.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to engage collaboratively with stakeholders.
• Firm understanding of electronic publishing processes.
• Understands and adheres to publishing schedule deadlines.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service skills.
• Proficient with technological tools like Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, Outlook, and familiarity with content management systems (CMS).
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks, exercise sound judgment, problem solve, and use discretion and initiative in performing complex work.
• Must excel in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and have integrity to earn credibility with leaders, members, vendors, and staff.
• Ability to think independently, proactively, and creatively.
• Demonstrated leadership approach that includes a high level of integrity, mutual respect, accountability, and collaboration.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.

Schedule

This is an exempt position. The ideal candidate will work out of the Palm Springs office, but a hybrid schedule or fully remote work from a location within the United States will be considered.

Pay

Salary range is $155,000 – $170,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401K match.
• HRA and FSA.