Associate Editorial Director – 2 Year FTC

PLOS

. Oversee PLOS Biology and PLOS Medicine, with line-management of their professional Editors-in-Chief .

Posted 10/23/2026contractRemote • United StatesLead💰 $145,000 - $163,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive editorial leadership in STM publishing, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Proven ability to develop strategic initiatives, manage high-performing teams, and optimize editorial workflows across multiple journals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In Relevant Subject AreaSubstantial Editorial ExperienceStrong Business AcumenExperienced People ManagerCommitment To Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Editorial OversightJournal Strategy DevelopmentPerformance Metrics ManagementWorkflow OptimizationBudget ManagementCross-Journal InitiativesQuality ControlPolicy DevelopmentCommunity EngagementMarket Trends Awareness

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsStrategic ThinkingInnovative Problem SolvingTeam LeadershipCollaboration

Industry Keywords

STM PublishingOpen ScienceDEI InitiativesEditorial PoliciesPeer-Review ProcessEditorial BoardsScientific CommunitiesEditorial WorkflowsCustomer ServiceContent Promotion

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee PLOS Biology and PLOS Medicine, with line-management of their professional Editors-in-Chief
Provide editorial oversight for a diverse set of journals across biology, human health and environmental health
Develop and deliver journal strategies aligned with PLOS commitments to Open Science, DEI, community engagement, trusted content and customer service
Identify opportunities to expand the journal portfolio in line with PLOS strategy
Develop and oversee multi-term performance metrics for individual journals
Partner with the Publishing Director to develop and manage annual budgets
Oversee optimization of editorial workflows, systems and reporting with Operations colleagues and vendors
Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to promote journal content and PLOS’ mission, drive submissions and increase Open Science practices
Ensure effective use of cross-journal Centers of Excellence
Maintain cohesive and consistent editorial policies and quality standards
Lead cross-journal initiatives and oversee systems and workflow development
Oversee Editorial participation in community initiatives, conferences and events
Lead and manage up to 4 direct reports across a cross-cultural team
Translate strategy into tactics, monitor progress and manage performance
Build partnerships with Editorial Boards
Address underperformance with the Line Manager and People & Culture team
Act as thought-partner to and deputize for the Editorial Director
Improve diversity among PLOS staff, Editorial Boards, peer-reviewers and authors
Help eliminate bias in manuscript processing and editorial decision-making
Oversee participation in internal and external DEI initiatives
Maintain industry knowledge and awareness of market trends, innovations and customer needs
Represent PLOS at approximately 1–2 industry events per year
Own ad hoc projects across the PLOS journals portfolio, including quality control, workflow optimization, cost efficiency, non-article research outputs, policy development and community engagement

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD and post-doctoral experience (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area
Substantial editorial experience (5+ years) with progressively increased managerial responsibility in STM publishing required
Track record in managing a group of successful journals and teams distributed internationally
Passionate interest in science and scientists
Proven commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in science and scholarly publication
Strong business acumen
Wide network of contacts within global scientific communities
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, to innovate and to implement creative solutions
Experienced people manager with a track record of managing high-performing teams through change
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Benefits

Comp & perks

401k with employer match
Employee sponsored health, dental and vision insurance (Dental and Vision 100% employer paid)
Paid Vacation, 11 public holidays and sick leave
Parental leave
Birthday and three winter holidays days off
Short term and long term disability insurance
2 days paid time off for volunteering per year
Fully remote work environment with stipend on joining for home office