University Press Director

Posting Details

Job Title University Press Director

Requisition Number RE55849

Working Title Director

Department Name 88400:

University Press

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 51

Salary Range $95,/year

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education MA

Required Related Experience 8 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification None

Physical Requirements Sitting and/or standing at a computer for long periods of time; performing repetitive motion tasks; occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds; effectively communicating with individuals from various backgrounds and varied professional levels; and intermittent job-related travel.

Shift Weekdays with occasional nights and weekends.

The University Press of Kentucky has a dual mission—the publication of academic books of high scholarly merit in a variety of fields and the publication of significant books about the history and culture of Kentucky, the Ohio Valley region, the Upper South, and Appalachia. The Press is the statewide nonprofit scholarly publisher for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, serving all Kentucky state-sponsored institutions of higher learning as well as nine private colleges and Kentucky’s two major historical societies.

The Press now seeks an innovative and mission-driven Director to lead a dedicated team of 15-17 and set the strategic path for the Press going forward. The position is based in Lexington, KY and reports to the Dean of Libraries. Relocation assistance is available. Lexington is a bustling and culturally rich city, which was ranked #15 by U.S. News and World Report among the Best Places to Live in America, while the University of Kentucky has been recognized as one of the nation’s Great Colleges to Work For.

Provide strategic and operational leadership for the University Press of Kentucky, ensuring that publishing programs, policies, operations, and priorities align with the missions of the University of Kentucky and the statewide consortium. Direct all publishing activities, including acquisitions, editorial, production, marketing, sales, and partnerships, while assessing program quality, financial performance, and emerging opportunities.

Develop and oversee the Press’s budget, financial strategy, and revenue streams to support publishing priorities and long-term sustainability. Monitor financial and operational performance, evaluate new business and partnership opportunities, oversee major contracts, and ensure compliance with university policies and financial controls.

Represent the Press and cultivate relationships with university, statewide, regional, and national partners, including authors, scholars, cultural organizations, donors, and publishing professionals. Advance fundraising, donor stewardship, and public support through collaboration with university and external stakeholders.

Lead and support Press personnel by supervising and evaluating direct reports, establishing clear expectations, and promoting accountability and collaboration across departments. Assess staffing needs and support recruitment, employee development, retention, succession planning, and a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.

Maintain knowledge of developments and best practices in scholarly and university publishing through ongoing professional development. Participate in professional organizations and serve on relevant university, consortium, and industry committees.

Graduate degree in a discipline related to the Press’s areas of publishing emphasis or to one of…