Publishing Director Job at Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. in New York

Overview

Join to apply for the Publishing Director role at Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Founded in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services (AAWS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving a large, international fellowship. The General Service Office (GSO) in New York City provides services to AA members and literature publishing and distribution.

Job Summary

The Publishing Director provides strategic and visionary leadership to the AAWS Publishing Department, leading strategic planning, operations, and the professional direction of AAWS publications across print, digital, and audiovisual formats. The role drives innovation in publishing formats, production, and distribution while aligning with the mission of the General Service Conference of A.A. and the General Service Board.

Please note that a minimum of eight years of continuous sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous and knowledge of the 12 Steps, Traditions, and Concepts and familiarity with A.A. literature is a requirement for this position.

Requirements

• Direct the development, revision, and production of all AAWS publications across print, digital, and audiovisual formats.
• Oversee the application of consistent editorial style, formatting, and graphic design across all published material.
• Ensure compliance with copyright and licensing agreements for digital distribution across e-book and audiobook platforms.
• Oversee the operations of the AAWS Webstore, including product availability, pricing strategies, and promotional initiatives.
• Ensure that A.A. publications are accessible across multiple formats, languages, and platforms (print, digital, audio, braille, large print, etc.) to reach diverse and underserved populations.
• Drive innovation in formats and distribution, exploring partnerships, digital platforms, and accessibility technologies.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a key member of the GSO Senior Management Team, contributing to organization-wide strategic planning and policy decisions.
• Collaborate with internal teams including Editorial, Finance, Language Services, Staff Members, Operations, and Tech Services to streamline editorial, production, and distribution processes.
• Participate in and provide guidance to committees such as ERP Steering, Website and aa.org Steering, and other project-related committees and working groups to ensure publishing alignment with Conference-approved initiatives.
• Act as a publishing and distribution resource for the AAWS Board, General Service Board, and the General Service Conference.
• Responsible for managing relationships with vendors, printers, distributors, and digital platform partners to ensure cost-effectiveness, quality, and mission alignment.

Leadership & Department Oversight

• Manage and mentor a team of seven publishing professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Lead performance evaluations, coaching, professional development initiatives, and collaborate with the General Manager and Director of Human Resources on talent acquisition and compensation decisions.
• Set strategic goals, assess workflows, and implement best practices to optimize editorial, production, and digital distribution processes.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational objectives.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership abilities with a servant leadership mindset and experience managing editorial, production, and distribution teams.
• Expertise in publishing industry trends including print and digital production, e-commerce, and digital distribution.
• Ability to lead through organizational change, technology adoption, and evolving publishing practices.
• Financial and business acumen including budget management and the ability to balance fiscal stewardship with expanding publishing revenue streams in alignment with the organization’s goals and values.
• Ability to develop and execute publishing strategies that balance nonprofit objectives with market competitiveness using data analytics and performance reporting.
• Thorough knowledge of AA literature and principles; understanding of the AA service structure.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills to oversee multiple large-scale initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in publishing, communications, business, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in editorial, production, or publishing leadership, preferably in a mission-driven organization.
• Experience with multilingual and/or international publishing.
• Proven track record of leading publishing teams in both creative and operational capacities.
• Experience with digital publishing platforms, content licensing, and e-commerce strategies.
• Minimum 8 years of continuous sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous is required.

Physical Requirements

• Availability to work in person a minimum of three days per week.
• Some weekend or evening work may be required during busy times, General Service Board weekends, or Conference.
• Travel may be required 10% of the time.
• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to use a computer including tasks such as typing and using software and the ability to read and interpret data on a computer screen for extended periods.
• Ability to work in an indoor office setting with controlled climate conditions.
• Tolerance to moderate noise levels typical of an office setting.

Location

This position is in New York City. We operate a hybrid schedule of 3 days in office and 2 days remote with occasional additional in-office days and are not able to accommodate a fully remote schedule.

Compensation & Benefits

Exempt position with an annual pay range of $200,000 - $215,000. AAWS offers health benefits including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision, a health reimbursement account, disability and life insurance at no cost, generous paid time off, 403(b) plan with up to 7.5% employer contribution, tuition reimbursement, and salary continuation after 12 months of employment.

Applying

Please include a cover letter telling us about your interest in this position. Click the “Apply” button below to complete our application. We look forward to hearing from you.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AAWS is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applications will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, age, or veteran status.