Director of Publications

Company Description

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is seeking a Director of Publications to join our Communications and Membership Division!

Are you a strategic publishing leader who is passionate about advancing social work education through high-quality, relevant, and impactful content? Do you thrive at the intersection of scholarly publishing, thought leadership, and mission-driven work? If so, we invite you to bring your expertise and vision to CSWE and help shape publications that inform, inspire, and support social work educators, practitioners, students, and the broader social work community.

As Director of Publications, you will play a key leadership role in advancing CSWE’s publishing strategy and expanding the reach and impact of CSWE Press and the Journal of Social Work Education. From scholarly works and professional development resources to practical handbooks, literary nonfiction, and emerging areas of thought leadership, you will help ensure CSWE continues to deliver timely, innovative, and meaningful publications that strengthen social work education and elevate the profession.

Join CSWE today and help shape the future of social work education through publishing, scholarship, and thought leadership.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive Base Salary: $110,000–$120,000, depending on experience

• Health, dental, and vision insurance; life/AD&D insurance; STD/LTD; FSA; 403(b) & more!

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

• Professional development opportunities*

• Company-sponsored events and conferences*

• Telework opportunities available!

*Terms & Conditions Apply

Job Description

The Director of Publications at CSWE will have the opportunity to continue to grow CSWE Press and publications, including the management, creation, and sales of print and digital publications, including books, reports, white papers, the Journal of Social Work Education (JSWE), and other resources that help to advance excellence in social work education. This position has direct influence on ensuring that our organization is seen as a thought leader, trusted partner, and resource for social work educators and students.

This position reports to the Vice President of Communications and Membership for production and promotion, and to the Vice President of Education for content expertise.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and administer the overall mission and operation of CSWE Press. Work with managers and staff to determine and implement Press systems, policies, and procedures.
• Lead and supervise assigned Publications staff, including establishing performance expectations, assigning and prioritizing work, providing coaching and professional development, conducting performance evaluations, and participating in hiring and other personnel decisions in coordination with Human Resources.
• Develop and maintain short-term and long-range strategic plans for CSWE Press books, JSWE, and other CSWE publications, and work with staff to meet the Press’s annual goals.
• Formulate, prepare, and oversee the annual publications’ budgets, and long- and short-range financial and programmatic planning.
• Serve as staff liaison to CSWE’s Council on Publications and collaborate with chair and member activities, including policy, acquisitions, and proposal reviews.
• Work to elevate the brand and reputation of CSWE Press among educators, administrators, and students in social work and related disciplines.
• Serve as spokesperson for the Press within and outside of the organization.
• Oversee and ensure the distribution of all metadata, including ISBN management through Bowker and Library of Congress CIP submissions.
• Manage relationships with fulfillment vendor as well as the distribution partnerships with Amazon and other distribution partners[KL1] ; Oversee policy with those vendors, including inventory management, complimentary copies, and shipping and mailing.
• Negotiate and/or sign contracts with authors, editors, distribution partners, and vendors.
• Analyze sales, determine print quantities, prepare print RFQs, review bids, and assign print projects to appropriate printers.
• Represent the Press at appropriate external meetings, conferences, and events to increase the visibility of CSWE publications, and to develop relationships with current and potential partners, authors, and reviewers. Plan and staff booth, manage inventory and shipping including books, literature, and other collateral.
• Manage the CSWE Press Bookstore at annual conference, including selecting and ordering inventory; organizing events; managing the bookstore on site; and reconciling inventory and sales after the event.
• With finance department, calculate annual author royalty payments and oversee creation and mailing of statements and payments.
• Edit and proofread manuscripts and pages as needed.
• Partner with Communications, Membership, Education, Finance, and other CSWE departments to align publication priorities with organizational goals, member needs, and educational initiatives.
• Oversee the administration of subsidiary rights and permission requests, including calculating fees and generating invoices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Arts degree required; Master’s degree in publishing or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of editorial leadership experience in scholarly, academic, and professional book publishing, or related knowledge‑based publishing.
• Proven leadership, management, and team building skills.
• Demonstrated experience creating and managing effective budgets. Prior work with nonprofit budgets preferred. General understanding of GAAP a bonus.
• Excellent communication skills, with demonstrated abilities to build relationships and navigate complex contract negotiations.
• Proficiency with the use and application of style required; expert knowledge of the Publications Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th edition preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing budgets, analyzing publication sales and financial performance, and making data-informed operational decisions. Experience with nonprofit financial management, royalty administration, or publishing revenue models preferred.
• Proven project management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and publications stakeholders.
• Expertise with Microsoft Office and related publishing and office software.
• Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences, as well as a commitment to antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to travel approximately 1–3 times annually and work occasional evenings or weekends in connection with conferences, meetings, or other scheduled programs.

Additional Information

ADA SPECIFICATIONS

This position is primarily sedentary and is performed in an office setting.  Position requires the ability to communicate effectively and the ability to use computers, telephones and other office equipment. Periodic out-of-town travel is also required.  May be required to use computer screen for extensive periods of time. 

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, and other applicable federal, state, and local laws.

CSWE will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities to ensure equal access to the application and interview process and to enable the performance of the essential functions of the position, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the organization.

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during any stage of the recruitment or selection process may contact the Human Resources Department. CSWE will engage in an individualized, interactive process to identify appropriate and effective accommodations. Information provided in connection with an accommodation request will be treated confidentially in accordance with applicable law.

EEO SPECIFICATIONS

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer CSWE is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building and supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce. CSWE provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.  Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.