The United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) based in Palm Springs is seeking a Director of Journals.

The Director of Journals oversees the successful publication of the USCAP scholarly journals, Modern Pathology (ModPath), and Laboratory Investigation (LI). The successful candidate will bring high-level skills in publication and scientific communication to their role, which include, implementing publishing strategies and editorial initiatives to sustain and enhance the journals’ standing within the global pathology field. The Director of Journals works closely with the Editors in Chief of ModPath and LI and oversees the USCAP Publications Committee, as well as all relevant contractual relationships. The Director of Journals reports to the Chief Education and Program Officer and supervises the Managing Editor.

About USCAP

USCAP is a dynamic and innovative medical association dedicated to servicing pathologists in the United States and Canada. Pathologists are both medical doctors as well as scientific researchers who study and develop knowledge on all forms of human disease including cancer, infectious and hereditary diseases. USCAP is a thriving non-profit 501(c)(3) association with more than 8000 members that focuses strictly on its educational mandate. USCAP’s state of the art headquarters and interactive conference center are located in downtown Palm Springs, CA – a beautiful oasis in the warm deserts of Southern California. USCAP is a welcoming place for energetic self-starters who believe in serving the best interests of its members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Leads, develops and executes a comprehensive publications strategy aligned with USCAP's mission, strategic priorities, and financial goals.
• Provides managerial, editorial and production expertise and oversight for the journals.
• Oversees the journals’ daily operations, ensuring that all regular and special issues, supplements, approved initiatives, and online ancillaries are carried out, deadlines are met, and journal quality requirements are fulfilled.
• Serves as primary staff contact for the Editors in Chief (EIC).
• Plans and prepares reports on journal metrics, achievements, and new initiatives for LI and ModPath Editors, USCAP leadership, board, and publications committee.
• Evaluates emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), automation, platform enhancements, and industry best practices, and recommend solutions that improves processes and productivity.
• In coordination with the Executive Vice President and Chief Programs and Education Officer, sets annual budget, metrics, and performance. indicators, and is accountable for managing the department budget and achieving targets.
• Facilitates search for new EICs as needed and conducts the onboarding training.
• Develops and implements editorial strategies and standards.
• Recommends and maintains editorial policies and procedures.
• Maintains an effective, efficient, and ethical peer review process.
• Engages closely with editors and authors to offer guidance and help improve manuscripts.
• Helps recruit reviewers, editorial board members, and senior editors, under direction of EIC.
• Develops strategies to promote inclusion, diversity, access, and equity in submissions.
• Manages relationship, production quality, and costs of publishing vendor.
• Works with marketing staff to showcase the journal and their content.
• Serves as primary staff liaison to the Publications Committee.
• Conducts outreach on behalf of the journals and USCAP in the form of staffing booths at meetings and giving presentations at national and international meetings.
• Prepares progress and budget reports for leadership.
• Completes corporate training on a timely basis.
• Provides and models excellent customer service, following up on complaints, questions, and concerns; responds to internal/external customer needs in a friendly, timely and efficient manner.
• Fosters an inclusive environment marked by personal visibility, open communication, relationship building, teamwork, and empowerment.
• Oversees and complies with all established safe work practices and attends to all safety-related training provided or made available by USCAP.
• Other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• MS or equivalent in life sciences, or related fields(s) preferred; PhD is considered a plus
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience working in a journal editorial office or similar environment, with at least one year of supervisory experience.
• Experience managing online journal submission systems.
• Previous experience working within a biomedical professional society would be considered a plus

Required Technical / Other Skills and Abilities

• Impeccable verbal and written communication skills; excellent presentation skills.
• Excellent editing skills.
• Familiarity with medical terminology generally, pathology terminology preferred.
• Experienced in project management, vendor management.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to engage collaboratively with stakeholders.
• Firm understanding of electronic publishing processes
• Understands and adheres to publishing schedule deadlines.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service skills.
• Proficient and knowledgeable with technological tools like Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, Outlook, and familiarity with content management systems (CMS).
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks, exercise sound judgment, problem solve and use discretion and initiative in performing complex work.
• Must excel in a fast- but paced, team-oriented environment. This person must have integrity and earn credibility with leaders, members, vendors, and staff.
• Ability to think independently, proactively, and creatively.
• Demonstrated leadership approach that includes a high level of integrity, mutual respect, accountability, and collaboration.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.

About United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology

USCAP, based in Palm Springs, CA, is the world’s premier provider of post-graduate pathology education. Its diverse educational offerings include several in-person meetings per year in various locations; a wide variety of digital offerings; and a state-of-the-art interactive microscopy center complete with professional filming capabilities in Palm Springs. In addition, the USCAP Foundation supports educational efforts for pathologists in under-resourced countries. USCAP’s eLearning Hub of 61 recorded courses is available on demand to learners worldwide, and new recorded courses are added every year. Annually, USCAP provides educational activities to over 20,000 learners, including more than 15 course offerings in the US and other countries. USCAP also collaborates with other professional pathology organizations to provide educational activities in other venues. USCAP’s highly successful annual meeting provides education, presentations of recent research findings and an opportunity to interact with groups from industry whose activities or products support pathology education and practice.

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