• Job Description

  Req#: WDR-00056976

  Established in 1869 as the first American university press, shortly after the founding of Cornell, the press embodies and advances the university’s core values by disseminating fundamental and practical knowledge, while commanding its own distinct editorial profile. Works published under its imprints reflect a commitment to excellence through rigorous evaluation, skillful editing, thoughtful design, strategic marketing, and global outreach.

  The Director of Editorial, Production, and Design leads a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of eight responsible for shaping the quality and visual identity of Cornell University Press’s published books and journals. This senior role ensures that all monographs, trade books, and edited volumes, and journals meet the highest editorial and production standards—delivered on schedule and within budget.

  As a key member of the management team, the Director brings strategic thinking, cross-departmental collaboration, and innovation to support the Press’s scholarly mission and operational goals. The ideal candidate combines deep publishing expertise with a commitment to inclusive publishing practices, technological evolution, and publishing excellence.

  KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead, integrate, and manage the editorial, design, and production teams with a focus on continuous improvement, innovation, operational excellence, and workflow efficiencies. This includes staff hiring, development, and performance oversight.

  • Optimize and streamline workflows, style guidelines, and quality standards across manuscript editing, typesetting, proofreading, cover/interior design, and file production.

  • Partner closely with acquisitions, marketing, digital publishing colleagues, and external partners to improve handoffs, and foster efficient, collaborative communication across all stages of the publishing lifecycle.

  • Design and maintain production schedules that support timely, cost-effective delivery of approximately 150 titles annually, while identifying opportunities to reduce cycle times and improve responsiveness.

  • Cultivate and manage relationships with a diverse network of freelancers, vendors, and production partners. Lead contract negotiations and performance management to ensure value, quality, and service alignment.

  • Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging tools and technologies (e.g., XML-first workflows, automated proofing, accessibility-compliant outputs, DAM systems) to drive productivity and future-ready capabilities.

  • Participate in budgeting, financial tracking, and resource planning, with a keen eye toward efficiency and sustainability.

  • Represent the Press in internal and external settings—including university initiatives, industry forums, and association committees—advocating for best practices in editorial and production operations.

  REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree and 7–10 years of experience in scholarly or trade publishing, with progressive responsibility in editorial and/or production, or equivalent experience.

  • Demonstrated leadership and management experience, with the ability to mentor and grow teams.

  • Deep understanding of editorial standards (Chicago Manual of Style), composition/typesetting processes, book design, and file preparation for print and digital formats.

  • Familiarity with Digital Asset Management and other industry tools such as InDesign, Acrobat, Firebrand Title Management, and other production management systems.

  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.

  PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience in university press publishing.

  • Knowledge of accessible publishing standards and digital workflows.

  APPLYING FOR THE POSITION:

  Submit a cover letter and résumé using Cornell's applicant portal, preferably as one document, by 11:59 PM Eastern time on February 28, 2026 to be considered for this position.

  University Job Title:

  Managing Editor

  Job Family:

  Communications/Marketing

  Level:

  H

  Pay Rate Type:

  Salary

  Pay Range:

  $109,353.00 - $133,653.00

  Remote Option Availability:

  Remote

  Company:

  Endowed

  Contact Name:

  Jose Delgado

  Contact Email:

  jad25@cornell.edu

  Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

  Non-Union Positions

  Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

  • Prior relevant work or industry experience

  • Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

  • Unique applicable skills

  • Academic Discipline

  To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

  Union Positions

  The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

  Current Employees:

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  Online Submission Guidelines:

  Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

  Employment Assistance:

  For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

  If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu .

  Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

  Notice to Applicants:

  Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

  EEO Statement:

  Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

  Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

  2026-02-04

• About the company

  Cornell University is a private Ivy League and statutory land-grant research university, based in Ithaca, New York.

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