Title: Director and Publisher, University of Hawaii Press
Position Number: 0089091
Hiring Unit: Office of the Provost, Manoa
Reports to: University Librarian
Date Posted: January 5, 2026
Closing Date: Continuous recruitment. For best consideration, please submit an application by April 13, 2026 as review of applications will begin on or about April 24, 2026.”
Employee Type: Executive/Managerial (EM)
I. INTRODUCTION
The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa) is the only R1 Doctoral University with Very High Research Activity in Hawaii. By virtue of its culture and geographic location, UH Manoa plays an important role in providing Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific perspectives on the higher education experience.
University of Hawai‘i Press supports the mission of the university through the publication of books and journals of exceptional merit, advancing knowledge through the dissemination of scholarship with a primary focus on Asian, Pacific, Hawaiian, Asian American, and global studies. It provides high-quality books and resource materials of educational value on topics related to Hawai‘i’s people, culture, and natural environment.
In addition, it is a place that is responsive to Native Hawaiian well-being (including NH students, employees, communities, and aina) and a place that is reflective of Hawaiian language, history, and culture for all people to learn, grow, connect, and heal.
II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct the Press’s operations, ensuring compatibility with the overall mission of the University by providing academic support through its publication of books, journals, and other materials that reflect the teaching and research strengths of the University.
Work with University faculty and administrators to further the Press’ role in expanding the University’s academic objectives and reputation.
Establish internal policies governing Press operations in conformance with federal and state regulations, and University policies and procedures.
Manage the administrative and financial affairs of the Press in a fiscally sound manner.
Advocate for and obtain financial resources, based on sound financial plans, to meet the needs of the UH Press and allocate and administer the UH Press’ budget.
Lead fundraising efforts to secure external funding and philanthropic support, diversify revenue streams, and develop strategic partnerships with industry, government agencies, and private foundations that will further advance the provision of programs and services in the long-term.
Oversee publishing contracts, including co-publishing agreements with overseas publishers; oversee the licensing of subsidiary rights and electronic editions; review arrangements for reprint editions; establish and maintain effective publishing relationships with UH Press authors, co-publishers, distributors, and visiting scholars and researchers.
Serve as the representative for UH Press to the University community, and local, national, and international constituents.
As senior executive of the Press and an ex-officio member of the faculty editorial board, determine the editorial direction of UH Press. Working in collaboration with the editorial board, the executive editor, and the acquisitions team, support ongoing development of an intellectually vibrant and diverse community publishing program.
Collaborate with Press department managers to develop a strategic plan that sets clear, achievable goals and objectives, creating a solid framework for both current and future operational plans. Adapt proactively to evolving industry trends and challenges.
Enhance the Press's operations by researching, planning, and implementing new publishing initiatives that take advantage of current and evolving technologies; apply available resources to publishing activities that impact positively on goals and objectives; and monitor publishing industry trends to ensure the Press remains a sustainable operation.
Lead an inclusive administrative, fiscal, and human resources staff.
Advance the publishing of works in olelo Hawaii.
Advance the Press’ development of electronic publishing. Participate in forums that explore the potential for digital initiatives to enrich the scholarly publishing ecosphere, including advances in accessibility and similar equity-based models.
Foster key strategic relationships within the university and in the broader academic publishing world.
III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in one of the Liberal Arts disciplines (or related field), or equivalent education and experience.
Five (5) years of professional experience in a senior management position with a scholarly or commercial publisher with substantial annual sales and including some experience in international publishing; or comparable professional experience.
Demonstrated experience in co-publishing, rights and permissions, and e-books, and working knowledge of intellectual property issues, including international copyright conventions.
Demonstrated experience in overseeing complicated budgets; demonstrated success in financial planning.
Strong interpersonal, communication and leadership skills and demonstrated commitment to consultative and collaborative processes.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with authors, faculty, University executives and staff, and external constituencies.
Demonstrated commitment to building consultative and collaborative working relationships with staff
Demonstrated experience creating and developing innovative programs/initiatives.
Demonstrated fundraising and resource development experience and results, including a record of securing external grants and donations for program development or research activities
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage organizational change initiatives.
Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical and academic standards.
Working knowledge of publishing databases and MS Office.
Understanding of the national and international landscape of academic publishing
IV. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Doctoral degree.
Expertise in a subject area published by the UH Press.
Demonstrated knowledge of the Hawaii, Pacific, and Asia publishing trade.
Experience with press operations of at least $2.5 million in annual sales.
A proven track record of engaging effectively with publishing stakeholders both within and outside the university.
Working knowledge of fulfillment and distribution channels.
Ability to work within the regulations or a public institution and a unionized environment.
Demonstrated experience supporting olelo Hawaii or other indigenous language/culture in their Press work.
Experience in acquisitions, editorial design and production, marketing, or journals.
To Apply: A NEOGOV account must be established, and then candidates may attach the following to the online application: (1) A cover letter summarizing their interest and how qualifications are met for the position (no more than 3 pages), (2) A current curriculum vitae, (3) Names and contact information of four (4) professional references.
Note: Original official transcripts are required at time of hire. References will not be contacted without prior notice to the candidate. Only the finalists will be publicly posted on the the Manoa Executive Search website. A background check will be made prior to employment.
Nomination and Inquiries: Linda Voong, Executive Search Coordinator at uhmexec@hawaii.edu.
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