The American Academy of Dermatology is seeking a Director, Medical Journals located in our Rosemont office responsible for spearheading the strategic management of the Academy’s flagship scholarly, peer-reviewed journals under the umbrella brand of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. This position will set the tone for the journals’ business, collaborate with editors, publisher, and Academy to help establish the journals’ strategic objectives, and strategize to reach all goals. Additionally, the role will establish and uphold the journal and Academy policies. This role will keep current with the changing needs of peer-reviewed publishing.

• Direct editorial operations and provide publisher oversight for the JAAD medical journals portfolio to ensure all objectives are met, including content quality and innovation, editorial and design excellence, production speed, timeliness, and profitability.

• Work with the Editors, Editorial Office Staff, Publisher, Academy Staff and Leadership to leverage the value of the JAAD brand throughout the Academy and the specialty of dermatology. Serve as Staff Liaison to the JAAD Publications Committee; support work of this group as a communications conduit between AAD and JAAD editors.

• Recruit, develop, motivate, and manage editors, staff and outsourced services for the JAAD journals, ensuring that all duties are properly executed to achieve the goals and objectives assigned. Conduct performance appraisals, develop annual goals and objectives, as well as individual development plans for the journals’ editorial office staff.

• Work with the Communications, Marketing, and Member Relations and Engagement departments to facilitate and support efforts to increase the value of the JAAD brand to members. Review, provide feedback on, and suggest new opportunities for various programs related to the journals and journal-based education. Provide input on journal social engagement strategies (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn). Develop, report on, and oversee journal Inclusion initiatives.

• Direct the administrative management of the journal, including developing and presenting all related budgets, expense approvals, and establishment of policies and procedures, assuring that contractual terms are met.

• Conduct periodic searches/Request For Proposals for editors and publisher. Negotiate multi-year contracts for the journal portfolio.

• Recommend staffing, as well as the hardware and software needed to support the journals’ editorial office operations. Interface with Publisher on software needed to produce the journals and execute on digital publishing initiatives.

• Identify new growth areas for editorial initiatives and new or expanded publishing business opportunities for society consideration. Develop cohesive business plans, strategies, and metrics to track, evaluate, and report journal success as required.