The American Ornithological Society (AOS, or Society) seeks a new editor-in-chief (EIC) for the journal Ornithology. Ornithology is an international, peer-reviewed journal with a 147-year history of publishing original research that advances fundamental, scientific knowledge of living and extinct bird species. Ornithology is published by Oxford University Press (OUP) on a quarterly basis. The journal receives more than 200 submissions per year and demonstrates editorial efficiency, with fast decision times and rapid online publication of manuscripts upon final acceptance. Ornithology enjoys the third-highest 5-year-average Journal Impact Factor score among 29 ornithological journals worldwide.
The EIC of Ornithology serves as the chief scientific authority and is solely responsible for selecting and approving scientific content for the journal. To achieve this, the EIC assembles and oversees a diverse editorial board to work effectively with the Society’s professional publication staff. In addition, the EIC aids the Society in developing new policies responsive to changing publishing needs. The successful applicant will be a mid- or late-career academic or research scientist, with a body of published accomplishments in ornithology, and with five or more years of cumulative hands-on editorial experience (as associate editor or above) at one or more peer-reviewed journals drawing international audiences. We seek applicants who have demonstrated not only their ability to lead and mentor teams of fellow scientists but also their commitment to supporting diversity and inclusivity in our field.
The term of the initial appointment is one year with annual reappointment subject to the AOS governing Council’s approval. The EIC is generally expected to serve five consecutive one-year terms. We aim to select the new EIC by October 2023 to allow a ~3 month overlap and transition period prior to the end of the current EIC’s term in December 2023.
A search committee co-chaired by Dan Mennill and Phil Stouffer will conduct the search on behalf of the AOS’s governing Council. The search committee welcomes both direct applications and nominations for the position. All nominees will be contacted by the search committee. Additional information, including a full position profile, may be found at this link: https://americanornithology.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Full-Position-Description_-Editor-in-Chief-Ornithology-2023.pdf. If you would like to contact the committee directly, please email jobs@americanornithology.org.
Formal applications, consisting of a letter of interest and curriculum vitae, should be sent electronically to Dr. Dan Mennill, Chair, Ornithology Editorial Search Committee, at jobs@americanornithology.org. Your letter of interest should include:
- Relevant information about your background and qualifications for the position, including editorial experience and ability to meet the annual time demands of the position
- Statement of your vision for the journal’s future positive trajectory, and your primary goals and proposed actions that would allow the journal to achieve that vision
Applicants should be current members of the AOS at the time of their application.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 15 July 2023.
About the American Ornithological Society
The American Ornithological Society (AOS) is the largest international member-based society devoted to advancing the scientific understanding of birds, enriching ornithology as a profession, and promoting a rigorous scientific basis for the conservation of birds. The AOS currently publishes two international journals—Ornithology and Ornithological Applications—and has published the book series Studies in Avian Biology and other serial publications in the past. The Society’s Checklists serve as the accepted authority for scientific nomenclature and English names of birds in North, Middle, and South America. The AOS is also a founding partner in the online publication of The Birds of the World with the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. For more information, see www.americanornithology.org. The AOS is an equal opportunity employer. We seek and welcome a diverse pool of candidates in this search. Applications received by 15 July 2023 will be assured full consideration.