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Requisition ID:  116676

Director, Project Muse

Johns Hopkins University Press seeks a Director, Project MUSE who will be responsible for the overall financial and mission-oriented success of a massive database that includes 800 journals and 100,000 books across the humanities and social sciences from more than 400 publishers. The Director of Project MUSE will join a team of exceptional professionals committed to bringing the benefits of discovery to the world by providing global access, impact, and influence for the scholarship that we publish and distribute. This position will help to ensure that the Press is a leader in selecting and developing innovative ideas and scholarship, creating and embracing transformative technologies to enhance discovery and learning, and connecting people to the most trusted knowledge from global researchers, scholars, and educators.


The Director of Project MUSE will have a unique opportunity to shape the future of scholarly communication, ensuring that vast amounts of peer reviewed humanities work is discoverable and has the chance to impact lives worldwide. As the leader of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of 35 professionals, the director will oversee platform technology, sales, publisher relations, marketing, customer support, and production, ensuring that Project MUSE remains a global leader in providing trusted resources for libraries, scholars, researchers, and other readers from hundreds of publishers. This position reports to the Executive Director of Johns Hopkins University Press.


Founded in 1995 with a mission to provide community-owned, equitable access to high-quality scholarly content, Project MUSE partners with publishers and libraries to create an essential platform for digital research and learning. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to the dissemination of knowledge, the people of Project MUSE empower communities and individuals to thrive in a world shaped by discovery and understanding.


Project MUSE is one of four divisions of Hopkins Press, complemented by a book distribution business and a division each for book and journal publishing. The Director of Project MUSE will be part of the senior leadership team of the Press.


The Press is committed to honoring every person’s inherent dignity as human beings and making that the foundation of our organizational culture. We proactively find ways to ensure opportunities that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. We strive to publish courageously, giving voice to groundbreaking ideas. We support each other and our stakeholders and envision a future where knowledge enriches the lives of every person. The successful candidate will join a welcoming community that is inclusive and values the contributions and perspectives of individuals from all backgrounds.


At Project MUSE, you will have the chance to lead a mission-driven organization at the forefront of scholarly communication. This role offers an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of scholars, students, and communities worldwide by ensuring access to the knowledge that drives societal progress. If you are an inspiring leader who believes in the transformative power of knowledge and is ready to guide a talented team toward a bold future, we encourage you to apply.


Specific Duties & Responsibilities


Strategic Leadership

  • In conjunction with the Executive Director of Hopkins Press and the Chief Transformation Officer, develop and execute a bold vision for the future of Project MUSE, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of scholars, libraries, and publishers and in concert with the overall Hopkins Press strategic work.
  • In collaboration with Hopkins Press leadership, lead Project MUSE strategic planning initiatives, focusing on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
  • Represent Project MUSE on national and international platforms, advocating for sustainable, equitable access to knowledge.
  • Join the executive team in collaborative leadership of the entire Hopkins Press.


Operational Excellence

  • Direct the operations of technology, sales, publisher relations, marketing, customer support, and production teams, fostering collaboration and efficiency across departments.
  • Oversee the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and workflows to enhance user experience and platform performance, including the use of generative AI.
  • Ensure the delivery of high-quality content and services to meet the diverse and growing needs of global stakeholders.


Stakeholder Engagement

  • Cultivate and strengthen relationships with publishing partners, libraries, and academic institutions.
  • Lead efforts to expand Project MUSE’s network, fostering partnerships that align with its mission.
  • Champion and enhance digital marketing and outreach strategies that broaden the reach and impact of Project MUSE.


Team Development

  • Inspire and mentor a talented team of 35 professionals emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.
  • Foster the culture defined by all Press staff of learning, caring, and job fulfillment with a foundation of honoring the dignity of every person.
  • Weave diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in all aspects of the organization.


Financial Stewardship

  • In conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer, develop and manage budgets and resources effectively to ensure financial health and sustainability.
  • Identify and pursue new sustainable revenue streams and funding opportunities to support Project MUSE’s mission.
  • Develop new business models that are sustainable and equitable.


Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Knowledge of the technology landscape as it relates to content businesses and an ability to make judgments about its applications.
  • Extensive knowledge of the library market with demonstrated experience building projects and services for that market.
  • Deep understanding of the Open Access landscape.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with scholars, scientists, researchers, and others in the higher education community across the humanities and sciences.
  • Familiarity with the contractual aspects of engaging with publishers and selling to libraries.
  • Strong understanding of the digital publishing landscape, platform technologies, and trends in open access, generative AI (for operational efficiencies, potential products, and licensing opportunities) and scholarly communications.
  • Exceptional strategic thinking, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
  • Demonstrated success in managing interdisciplinary teams and fostering collaboration.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a track record of working effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in all aspects of work.
  • Excellent critical thinking and communication skills.
  • Outstanding problem-solving skills including using analytics to drive decisions.
  • Creative thinker, embracing new ideas, passionate about developing the potential of Hopkins Press.
  • Inclusive in decision-making and problem-solving.
  • Experience with cultivating a positive workplace environment and an understanding of the foundational principles of leading with dignity.
  • Excel in effective use of resources and keen self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • Ten years of proven leadership experience effectively managing financially sustainable, complex business models and fostering change, preferably in scholarly publishing, publishing technology and/or services, or a related field.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience, as permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

 

 

Classified Title: Director Project Muse 
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Director, Project Muse   
Role/Level/Range: L/05/LH  
Starting Salary Range: $127,300 - $223,000 Annually ($175,000 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: MON-FRI 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: ​​​​​​​Hybrid/Homewood Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​MUSE Administration  
Personnel area: Academic and Business Centers 

 

 

Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.

Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
Hybrid: On-site 3-4 days a week

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