Associate Editor, Discover Journals (Humanities and Social Science)

About Springer Nature

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Role Overview

The Discover Journals Series supports researchers in rapidly and transparently sharing discoveries, data, and scientific narratives with integrity and author-centered service. The Associate Editor will manage a portfolio of inclusive journals, focusing on the publication process's integrity, review speed, and author experience, reporting to an Executive Publisher. This role entails launching new journals, developing content strategies, overseeing editorial processes, and engaging with internal teams, external editors, and scientific communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the timely launch of new journals, ensuring they meet board and content standards through collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Develop strategic proposals for new journal launches within humanities and social sciences, assessing global opportunities with scientific insight.
• Create and implement tailored development plans for each journal, aligned with individual performance and Discover Series goals.
• Collaborate across Springer Nature's journal groups to support subject-specific strategies and coordinate with content acquisition teams.
• Engage proactively with potential authors and editorial boards to attract submissions and further journal growth.
• Oversee the peer review process, advise editorial board members, and occasionally handle submissions directly to maintain high editorial standards.
• Address publishing ethics and research integrity issues pre- and post-publication, liaising with the Research Integrity Group as needed.
• Support policy development and editorial workflow resolution, prioritizing author service and standards.
• Foster strong working relationships with Editorial Board members, maximize engagement, and contribute to board member recruitment and training.
• Organize regular board meetings in person or virtually, ensuring clear communication of journal values and policies.
• Collaborate with marketing to enhance journal visibility through strategic insight and community engagement.
• Enhance journal websites with relevant features and manage promotion activities including conference attendance, blogging, and social media participation.
• Participate in cross-departmental projects and represent the Discover team in collaborative initiatives across Production, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Editorial departments.

Candidate Profile

• PhD or equivalent in a humanities or social sciences discipline.
• Strong interest in open access publishing and scientific research within relevant fields.
• Understanding of editorial processes and excellent communication skills.
• Customer-focused with analytical and critical evaluation capabilities.
• Willing to travel occasionally for external representation.
• Effective time management and able to balance immediate deadlines with longer-term goals.
• Self-motivated with a proactive problem-solving attitude and adaptability to change.
• Collaborative team player skilled at working with colleagues at all organizational levels.
• Previous editorial experience is highly desirable.

Inclusion and Diversity

Springer Nature is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all perspectives and ideas thrive. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities, neurodivergence, or chronic conditions upon request.