Executive Director of Columbia University Press
Society for Scholarly Publishing, New York, New York, us, 10261
Columbia University has exclusively retained Jack Farrell & Associates (www.jackfarrell.com) to find the next Executive Director of Columbia University Press. Interested candidates should provide a resume and 2-page cover letter to Amy Morse (amy@jackfarrell.com). The prompts for the cover letter can be found at the end of this document. The deadline for applicants is March 13, 2026. Thank you.
Background and Mission Founded in 1893, Columbia University Press is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected university presses. The Press publishes nearly 190 books each year and has a backlist of over 5,500 active titles. Through rigorous curation, production, and global distribution, the Press advances the University’s mission by bringing influential scholarship and ideas to readers worldwide. Its distinguished lists span climate science, critical theory, East Asian studies, film, world history and politics, literature, sociology, social work, and business, earning a leading reputation among scholars, general readers, and industry professionals. The Press is a proud publisher of works that have helped define their respective fields or inspired new ways of thinking on a global scale. Some of these groundbreaking titles through its history include the Columbia Encyclopedia, Sources of Chinese Tradition, Molecular Gastronomy, The Dark Delight of Being Strange, and Investing in the Era of Climate Change.
From its historic commitment to translating Asian classics and European critical thought to its expanding programs in climate science and its new partnership with Howard University – Black Lives in the Diaspora – the Press continues to champion diverse perspectives and maintain a leading reputation among scholars, general readers, public intellectuals, librarians, booksellers, reviewers, critics, and other university presses. As a vital extension of the University, Columbia University Press amplifies its strengths, values, and vision in confronting urgent issues.
For more than 130 years, the Press’s widely reviewed and award‑winning books have brought new ideas and foundational understanding to students, academics across different disciplines, policy makers, and general readers. Through its publishing program, the Press is an outward‑facing expression of Columbia University’s educational and research mission as well as its international reputation.
The Role of the Executive Director The Executive Director will provide visionary, innovative leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of the publishing program. The Executive Director oversees daily operations, fosters strong relationships across the University and with external partners, and ensures that the Press remains true to its mission of advancing knowledge about the world through essential writing and research. The Executive Director will build on the Press’s tradition of excellence while shaping its publishing strategy, exploring new opportunities for reach and impact, and strengthening the connection between scholarly purpose and financial sustainability.
The Press is situated in New York City, and runs a sales operation for its own books and for those of other publishers, primarily other university presses. In addition, it markets and sells books in North America for various international publishers. With Princeton University Press and the University of California Press, Columbia University owns and runs a sales group based in the UK which is responsible for selling and distributing books of all three presses in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Revenue for the Press is approximately $10.5M, and there are 49 employees. Direct reports to the Executive Director are an administrative assistant, Chief Operations Officer, Editorial Director, and Directors of Editing, Design & Production, Human Resources, Development, and Rights & Contracts. The Press resides as a unit within Columbia University’s Office of the Provost, and the Executive Director of the Press is appointed by the Provost of the University, reporting to the Vice Provost and University Librarian. The position is located in the Press’s New York City office, and relocation assistance is available.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and execute a long‑term vision and direction for the Press; establish publishing priorities, and identify emerging trends and market opportunities.
Editorial Strategy
Partner with the Editorial Director, acquisitions team, and faculty publication committee to maintain a high‑quality, respected publishing list across fields while thoughtfully exploring new areas of emphasis for the Press.
Financial Sustainability and Advancement
Balance mission‑driven publishing with fiscal responsibility; oversee budgets and revenue projections in collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget of the University; work closely with the University’s Office of Alumni and Development and a development advisory committee to identify, cultivate, and steward donors and funding partners aligned with the Press’s scholarly and public mission.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
Manage relationships across the University and the broader publishing ecosystem, including the Association of University Presses, the Press’s sales consortium, and international sales alliances; build partnerships that leverage the University’s research strengths.
Technological Innovation & Digital Publishing
Define and advance the Press’s digital strategy, ensuring innovation in formats, platforms, and technologies; lead the ethical and intentional integration of AI technologies in support of scholarly quality, accessibility, and the university’s public mission.
Team Leadership
Lead, motivate, and develop a highly engaged staff; encourage collaboration, professional growth, and informed decision‑making.
Operational Improvement
Oversee design, production, marketing, publicity, and sales to ensure excellence across the full publishing lifecycle. Collaborate with senior staff to evolve business processes, strengthen efficiency, and enhance competitiveness.
Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will be an accomplished publishing executive with at least 10 years of leadership experience who brings a unique blend of commercial insight and editorial expertise. A dynamic and inspiring leader, the candidate must be able to motivate staff while also commanding the respect of authors, industry peers, and university affiliates, including alumni and donors. A proven track record of at least five years of successfully leading a team is required. Strong strategic thinking is essential, with the ability to navigate a constantly evolving competitive landscape and adapt to changing customer and market needs. Additionally, the candidate will be a results‑oriented administrator, capable of executing plans effectively and driving operational success. Experience in academic publishing is expected, as is the organizational and emotional intelligence required to navigate complex, multi‑stakeholder relationships and work effectively within the broader academic and publishing ecosystem. The winning candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree, and a Master’s level degree is preferred.
Key Competencies and Professional Experience Knowledge and Experience
Proven leadership in academic publishing : A successful track record in managing complex publishing operations with an academic focus, working with prestigious authors, and adapting to industry changes.
Editorial excellence with a forward‑thinking mindset : A deep editorial sensibility paired with a passion for innovation, committed to advancing knowledge while ensuring the Press stays at the forefront of industry trends.
Digital fluency and adaptive leadership : Strong expertise in digital transformation, with a capacity to anticipate and respond to the impacts of AI and other emerging technologies on scholarly communication, ensuring that initiatives align with academic standards and trust.
Operational expertise : An experienced administrator who can leverage the university’s unique position to drive progress, balancing tradition with forward‑looking strategies.
Creative partnership development : Skilled in identifying and cultivating new, non‑traditional publishing partnerships, fostering collaboration across disciplines to extend the Press’s worldwide impact.
Understanding of academic environments : Familiarity with university structures and shared governance, combined with the ability to navigate these dynamics while championing progressive changes in academic publishing.
Financial acumen : Experienced in managing budgets and financial plans in support of sustainability, while advancing new revenue opportunities, including fundraising.
Exceptional communication and donor cultivation : A compelling communicator with the ability to articulate the mission and impact of the Press to diverse audiences and translate a vision into philanthropic and external funding support.
Inspirational leadership with a focus on the future : A future‑oriented leader aligned with the Press’s mission, capable of motivating teams and advancing a culture of academic excellence, creativity, and continuous evolution.
Setting Strategy
Visionary leadership : The ability to develop and communicate an inspiring vision for the Press, steering the organization through change while upholding its academic standards and mission.
Data‑driven decision‑making : A strategic thinker who uses data and emerging industry insights to anticipate trends, make informed decisions, and steer the Press toward new and exciting opportunities.
Entrepreneurial mindset : Brings thoughtful innovation to the Press’s work, with attentiveness to emerging directions in the field and anticipating future opportunities in scholarly publishing.
Executing for Results
Goal‑setting and focus on impact : A leader who sets ambitious, creative goals and drives the Press toward high performance, consistently achieving new levels of impact.
Agile leadership : Adaptable and resilient, able to lead teams through the complexities of an evolving industry and pivot approaches in response to emerging challenges.
Integrity and transparency : A principled leader who approaches decision‑making with integrity and foresight, ensuring the Press evolves while adhering to its core mission and values.
Leading Teams
Talent development : A leader who attracts talented people with diverse skills and perspectives, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Self‑aware and growth‑oriented : Open to feedback, reflective about personal growth, and committed to leading by example, inspiring others to develop capabilities alongside the organization.
Building Relationships and Influence
Emotional intelligence and collaboration : Builds strong, authentic relationships with key people inside and outside the organization, expressing empathy and using clear communication to influence and inspire.
Building trust through performance and results : Inspires trust through ethical behavior and a commitment to deliver on strategic goals.
Celebrating success and supporting new practices : Actively encourages and celebrates the success of staff and partners, creating a culture of recognition, experimentation, and shared progress.
Required application materials Jack Farrell & Associates (www.jackfarrell.com) is assisting Columbia University with this search. Well‑Qualified and Interested Candidates should forward a resume and 2‑page cover letter to Amy Morse (amy@jackfarrell.com). The cover letter should address: 1) why am I interested?, 2) how am I qualified?, and 3) what is my vision for the Press going forward? Applications submitted without both documents will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.
The deadline date for submission of materials by candidates is March 13, 2026.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Background and Mission Founded in 1893, Columbia University Press is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected university presses. The Press publishes nearly 190 books each year and has a backlist of over 5,500 active titles. Through rigorous curation, production, and global distribution, the Press advances the University’s mission by bringing influential scholarship and ideas to readers worldwide. Its distinguished lists span climate science, critical theory, East Asian studies, film, world history and politics, literature, sociology, social work, and business, earning a leading reputation among scholars, general readers, and industry professionals. The Press is a proud publisher of works that have helped define their respective fields or inspired new ways of thinking on a global scale. Some of these groundbreaking titles through its history include the Columbia Encyclopedia, Sources of Chinese Tradition, Molecular Gastronomy, The Dark Delight of Being Strange, and Investing in the Era of Climate Change.
From its historic commitment to translating Asian classics and European critical thought to its expanding programs in climate science and its new partnership with Howard University – Black Lives in the Diaspora – the Press continues to champion diverse perspectives and maintain a leading reputation among scholars, general readers, public intellectuals, librarians, booksellers, reviewers, critics, and other university presses. As a vital extension of the University, Columbia University Press amplifies its strengths, values, and vision in confronting urgent issues.
For more than 130 years, the Press’s widely reviewed and award‑winning books have brought new ideas and foundational understanding to students, academics across different disciplines, policy makers, and general readers. Through its publishing program, the Press is an outward‑facing expression of Columbia University’s educational and research mission as well as its international reputation.
The Role of the Executive Director The Executive Director will provide visionary, innovative leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of the publishing program. The Executive Director oversees daily operations, fosters strong relationships across the University and with external partners, and ensures that the Press remains true to its mission of advancing knowledge about the world through essential writing and research. The Executive Director will build on the Press’s tradition of excellence while shaping its publishing strategy, exploring new opportunities for reach and impact, and strengthening the connection between scholarly purpose and financial sustainability.
The Press is situated in New York City, and runs a sales operation for its own books and for those of other publishers, primarily other university presses. In addition, it markets and sells books in North America for various international publishers. With Princeton University Press and the University of California Press, Columbia University owns and runs a sales group based in the UK which is responsible for selling and distributing books of all three presses in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Revenue for the Press is approximately $10.5M, and there are 49 employees. Direct reports to the Executive Director are an administrative assistant, Chief Operations Officer, Editorial Director, and Directors of Editing, Design & Production, Human Resources, Development, and Rights & Contracts. The Press resides as a unit within Columbia University’s Office of the Provost, and the Executive Director of the Press is appointed by the Provost of the University, reporting to the Vice Provost and University Librarian. The position is located in the Press’s New York City office, and relocation assistance is available.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and execute a long‑term vision and direction for the Press; establish publishing priorities, and identify emerging trends and market opportunities.
Editorial Strategy
Partner with the Editorial Director, acquisitions team, and faculty publication committee to maintain a high‑quality, respected publishing list across fields while thoughtfully exploring new areas of emphasis for the Press.
Financial Sustainability and Advancement
Balance mission‑driven publishing with fiscal responsibility; oversee budgets and revenue projections in collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget of the University; work closely with the University’s Office of Alumni and Development and a development advisory committee to identify, cultivate, and steward donors and funding partners aligned with the Press’s scholarly and public mission.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
Manage relationships across the University and the broader publishing ecosystem, including the Association of University Presses, the Press’s sales consortium, and international sales alliances; build partnerships that leverage the University’s research strengths.
Technological Innovation & Digital Publishing
Define and advance the Press’s digital strategy, ensuring innovation in formats, platforms, and technologies; lead the ethical and intentional integration of AI technologies in support of scholarly quality, accessibility, and the university’s public mission.
Team Leadership
Lead, motivate, and develop a highly engaged staff; encourage collaboration, professional growth, and informed decision‑making.
Operational Improvement
Oversee design, production, marketing, publicity, and sales to ensure excellence across the full publishing lifecycle. Collaborate with senior staff to evolve business processes, strengthen efficiency, and enhance competitiveness.
Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will be an accomplished publishing executive with at least 10 years of leadership experience who brings a unique blend of commercial insight and editorial expertise. A dynamic and inspiring leader, the candidate must be able to motivate staff while also commanding the respect of authors, industry peers, and university affiliates, including alumni and donors. A proven track record of at least five years of successfully leading a team is required. Strong strategic thinking is essential, with the ability to navigate a constantly evolving competitive landscape and adapt to changing customer and market needs. Additionally, the candidate will be a results‑oriented administrator, capable of executing plans effectively and driving operational success. Experience in academic publishing is expected, as is the organizational and emotional intelligence required to navigate complex, multi‑stakeholder relationships and work effectively within the broader academic and publishing ecosystem. The winning candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree, and a Master’s level degree is preferred.
Key Competencies and Professional Experience Knowledge and Experience
Proven leadership in academic publishing : A successful track record in managing complex publishing operations with an academic focus, working with prestigious authors, and adapting to industry changes.
Editorial excellence with a forward‑thinking mindset : A deep editorial sensibility paired with a passion for innovation, committed to advancing knowledge while ensuring the Press stays at the forefront of industry trends.
Digital fluency and adaptive leadership : Strong expertise in digital transformation, with a capacity to anticipate and respond to the impacts of AI and other emerging technologies on scholarly communication, ensuring that initiatives align with academic standards and trust.
Operational expertise : An experienced administrator who can leverage the university’s unique position to drive progress, balancing tradition with forward‑looking strategies.
Creative partnership development : Skilled in identifying and cultivating new, non‑traditional publishing partnerships, fostering collaboration across disciplines to extend the Press’s worldwide impact.
Understanding of academic environments : Familiarity with university structures and shared governance, combined with the ability to navigate these dynamics while championing progressive changes in academic publishing.
Financial acumen : Experienced in managing budgets and financial plans in support of sustainability, while advancing new revenue opportunities, including fundraising.
Exceptional communication and donor cultivation : A compelling communicator with the ability to articulate the mission and impact of the Press to diverse audiences and translate a vision into philanthropic and external funding support.
Inspirational leadership with a focus on the future : A future‑oriented leader aligned with the Press’s mission, capable of motivating teams and advancing a culture of academic excellence, creativity, and continuous evolution.
Setting Strategy
Visionary leadership : The ability to develop and communicate an inspiring vision for the Press, steering the organization through change while upholding its academic standards and mission.
Data‑driven decision‑making : A strategic thinker who uses data and emerging industry insights to anticipate trends, make informed decisions, and steer the Press toward new and exciting opportunities.
Entrepreneurial mindset : Brings thoughtful innovation to the Press’s work, with attentiveness to emerging directions in the field and anticipating future opportunities in scholarly publishing.
Executing for Results
Goal‑setting and focus on impact : A leader who sets ambitious, creative goals and drives the Press toward high performance, consistently achieving new levels of impact.
Agile leadership : Adaptable and resilient, able to lead teams through the complexities of an evolving industry and pivot approaches in response to emerging challenges.
Integrity and transparency : A principled leader who approaches decision‑making with integrity and foresight, ensuring the Press evolves while adhering to its core mission and values.
Leading Teams
Talent development : A leader who attracts talented people with diverse skills and perspectives, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Self‑aware and growth‑oriented : Open to feedback, reflective about personal growth, and committed to leading by example, inspiring others to develop capabilities alongside the organization.
Building Relationships and Influence
Emotional intelligence and collaboration : Builds strong, authentic relationships with key people inside and outside the organization, expressing empathy and using clear communication to influence and inspire.
Building trust through performance and results : Inspires trust through ethical behavior and a commitment to deliver on strategic goals.
Celebrating success and supporting new practices : Actively encourages and celebrates the success of staff and partners, creating a culture of recognition, experimentation, and shared progress.
Required application materials Jack Farrell & Associates (www.jackfarrell.com) is assisting Columbia University with this search. Well‑Qualified and Interested Candidates should forward a resume and 2‑page cover letter to Amy Morse (amy@jackfarrell.com). The cover letter should address: 1) why am I interested?, 2) how am I qualified?, and 3) what is my vision for the Press going forward? Applications submitted without both documents will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.
The deadline date for submission of materials by candidates is March 13, 2026.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
#J-18808-Ljbffr