The Open Book Collective is looking to appoint an Open Access Engagement Lead to support our outreach with diverse stakeholders, including academic libraries. This work is supported by the Open Book Futures project, funded by Arcadia and the Research England Development Fund.
The successful candidate can start from 1st September, or as soon practicable thereafter, with the position funded until the end of April 2026.
We are looking for someone to support engagement work both in person and remotely in UK/EU locations/timezones.
Closing date: 9th July 2023
About the role
We are looking for someone who understands what is at stake in the futures of Open Access publishing, ideally with a high level of experience in scholarly publishing and/or scholarly communication, who is passionate about supporting the work that the Open Book Collective is involved in.
You will take a leading role in our engagement work with diverse stakeholders. This includes leading outreach meetings and presenting at relevant events. You will engage our communities in your wider advocacy work, including in written outputs. You will also contribute to the ongoing development of OBC’s outreach strategy.
Duties include:
Publicly advocating for a fairer, more sustainable future for Open Access book publishing
Representing the OBC at outreach meetings, conferences, webinars
Building and sustaining relationships with library supporters and other stakeholders
Working with OBC colleagues to develop OBC outreach strategy
Generating income for the OBC by confirming support from stakeholders for OBC’s subscription offers
Contributing to reports to be sent to funders, project partners and other stakeholders, in collaboration with colleagues.
Assisting with project administrative duties, including collaborations with the Open Book Futures project Principal Investigator and other Work Package leads.
Working on other ad hoc tasks relating to OBC’s work, as necessary.
Essential experience/skills
Demonstrable understanding of the changing environment for scholarly communications and open access publishing models
Evidence of an ability to work both independently and collaboratively to maintain relationships with stakeholders in a complex and rapidly changing scholarly environment
Excellent presentation skills, including a track record of delivering engaging presentations to diverse stakeholders
Excellent interpersonal and team working skills, including an ability to work successfully in a collaborative environment with colleagues from culturally diverse backgrounds
Evidence of an ability to write well and confidently for different audiences
Fluency in English, both spoken and written
Willingness to travel
Willingness to support outreach work both in person and remotely in UK/EU locations/timezones
Desirable experience/skills
A track record of engaging in public settings (e.g. in writing, on social media, at events) in debates about open access publishing
Extensive experience (two years or more) working in scholarly libraries/scholarly communications
Experience in developing customer relationship management and/or social media strategies
The Open Book Collective is committed to building diverse teams, with people from a range of backgrounds. Equity, inclusion and diversity are core values for us and the communities we support. We strive to ensure that our team reflects these values.
The Open Book Collective is UK-based organisation, however many colleagues work remotely.
Salary, term & benefits
£35,000 – £42,000 per year, depending on experience and country of residence
Start date: 1st September 2023, or as soon as practicable thereafter
End date: 30th April 2026
Full time
Some flexibility as to country of residence
25 days annual leave per year, plus national holidays
Flexible and remote working opportunities
About the application process
Applicants are invited to send a cover letter (no more than 3 pages) and CV to Joe Deville (joe[at]openbookcollective[dot]org).
Closing Date: 11pm GMT on Sunday 9th July 2023
