Vice President, Research Ecosystem Initiatives

Job Title: Vice President, Research Ecosystem Initiatives

Location: London, UK

Final date to receive applications: 10th July

This newly created Vice President role will provide strategic leadership for a portfolio of high-impact, multi‑publisher initiatives that shape the future of trusted research communication, strengthen the global research ecosystem, and reinforce Springer Nature’s reputation for driving progress in access, trust, and the responsible use of research.

You will define, mobilise and lead carefully targeted collective‑action programmes in partnership with publishers, standards bodies, research institutions, and funders. These initiatives aim to improve the value, transparency, and trustworthiness of academic publishing for the global research community.

The portfolio will evolve over time, requiring you to prioritise initiatives, establish governance frameworks, secure senior stakeholder alignment, and ensure delivery against key strategic milestones. You will work closely with Corporate Communications, Government Affairs, Academic Affairs and other senior stakeholders to ensure aligned messaging, strengthen external positioning, and maximise impact.

This is a hybrid role based in London. This location supports effective collaboration with the team and aligns with business needs.

• Lead and represent Springer Nature in multi‑publisher strategic initiatives, driving vision and purpose across programmes.
• Provide strategic leadership, governance, and external representation across industry steering committees and working groups.
• Balance stakeholders across publishers, standards bodies, research institutions, funders, and global partners to align competing priorities and deliver collective outcomes.
• Communicate effectively and apply strong storytelling to translate complex initiatives into clear, compelling narratives that engage internal and external audiences and drive adoption.
• Demonstrate courage in influencing cross‑industry decisions, advocating for shared standards, transparency, and long‑term ecosystem benefit.
• Apply a strong global perspective to shape initiatives that operate across international markets, research communities, and regulatory environments.
• Strengthen Springer Nature’s reputation through brand management, ensuring initiatives enhance trust in both the organisation and the wider research publishing ecosystem.
• Build trust and credibility with senior external stakeholders, fostering long‑term collaboration and sustained engagement across organisations.
• Leverage business insights to define and monitor programme KPIs, evaluate adoption and impact, and inform strategic decision‑making.
• Oversee delivery of key multi‑publisher initiatives.

• Significant experience in scholarly publishing, research ecosystems, or a closely related field.
• Proven ability to operate effectively at a senior level in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and relationship management skills.
• Strong organisational capability with the ability to lead multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously.
• Demonstrated resilience, judgement, and tenacity in delivering long‑term, collaborative outcomes.

• Experience working with industry standards bodies (e.g., NISO, ORCID, COUNTER, COPE).
• Familiarity with research integrity, AI in publishing, or open science initiatives.
• Established network and credibility within the global scholarly publishing and research community.

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.

Find out more about our DEI work here.