Publishing Director

Key responsibilities and activities include the following:

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Leading the strategic development and growth of Wits University Press.
• Driving business sustainability and financial performance.
• Managing and expanding the scholarly publishing programme.
• Building and maintaining relationships with authors, publishers, distributors, academic institutions and industry stakeholders.
• Overseeing publishing operations, including editorial, production, marketing and digital publishing activities.
• Managing and developing staff while fostering a high-performance culture.
• Representing WUP and the University at local and international conferences, book fairs and industry forums.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant university policies, legal requirements and publishing standards.

Required Academic Qualification/s, competences, and experience.

• Master's Degree (NQF Level 9).
• At least 7 years' relevant work experience.
• Extensive experience in scholarly or academic publishing.
• Strong business, financial and leadership experience.
• Excellent writing, editorial and communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical capabilities.
• Proven interpersonal, networking and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable requirements:

• PhD (NQF Level 10).
• Publishing degree or diploma.
• Diploma or equivalent training in financial management.
• At least 10 years' relevant experience in publishing and leadership roles.
• Knowledge of emerging publishing technologies and trends in academia.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership
• Scholarly publishing expertise
• Financial and business acumen
• Editorial judgement and critical thinking
• Relationship management and networking
• Staff leadership and development
• Presentation and reporting skills
• Negotiation and contract management

Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Additional Details

How To Apply

Submit a detailed CV with names, email addresses and contact details of 3 referees, certified copies of degrees and diplomas, and covering letter.

External applicants are invited to apply, by registering your profile on the Wits i-recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting your application. Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits /Self Service application/” Apply for a job”

Closing date: 13 September 2026

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

Currency

Amount of Travel

Work At Home