Director
Minnesota Historical Society Press

The Minnesota Historical Society seeks an experienced and energetic Director of its Press, the largest historical society press in America, the oldest publisher in Minnesota, and a national leader in regional publishing. The Press is an integral component of the Society and a key participant in the Society’s mission. The Director must have a commitment to innovation and excellence in regional publishing, demonstrated experience in trade and scholarly book publishing, financial and management skills, and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face publishing programs in the twenty-first century.

Position Summary

The Director of the Press serves as the publisher for the Minnesota Historical Society Press and its trade imprint, Borealis Books. The Director supervises a staff of 10 in the books program and one in the journal program. In 2007, the Press published 29 new titles and the Society’s member journal, Minnesota History. The Director has ultimate responsibility for all the Press’s activities in acquisitions, editorial, production, marketing, sales, and fulfillment. The Society’s books are distributed by the University of Chicago Press. The Director provides leadership to maintain the distinction and intellectual integrity of the Press by overseeing all aspects of editorial direction, planning, budgeting, staffing, and management. The Director also has overall fiscal responsibility for the Press, whose annual revenues in FY2007 were $1.6 million. The Director reports to the Society’s Director for Library, Publications, and Collections.

The major responsibilities of this position are to 1) acquire and develop titles; 2) build the Press’s reputation as a national leader in regional publishing; 3) maintain the distinction and intellectual integrity of the Press; 4) promote editorial, production, marketing, and sales excellence; 5) investigate and direct the application of digital technologies; 6) explore new business ventures; 7) manage an efficient, creative, and high-functioning staff; 8) support the publication of the Society’s scholarly journal; 9) ensure the overall fiscal health of the Press; 10) articulate the Press’s needs externally and within the Society; and 11) serve the members of the Minnesota Historical Society.

Qualifications:  Minimum qualifications include: 1) understanding of the editorial, marketing, and financial aspects of running a institutional nonprofit press; 2) experience with effective management of a staff; 3) knowledge of trade and academic publishing, including relevant technology trends; 4) ability to establish rapport with authors, partners, vendors, and other MHS programs and to support staff in their working relationships with these groups; 5) demonstrated commitment to the support of a diverse array of communities and constituencies; 6) excellent communication and diplomatic skills.  Desirable qualifications include: 1) success in managing a press or publishing unit; 2) experience with digital publishing and the use of new technologies; 3) marketing and promotion skills; and 4) experience in the development of new business ventures.

Salary:  $ 4,712  monthly minimum

To apply: Candidates wishing to be considered for this position should submit a cover letter, resume, contact information for three professional references and MHS application form (available at www.mnhs.org/about/jobs/mhsapp.pdf) to: Minnesota Historical Society, Human Resources Department, Director of MHS Press position, 345 Kellogg Blvd. West, St. Paul, MN  55102-1906.   Position will remain open until filled; applications received by February 29, 2008 will be considered first.