Director of BRIT Press

The Director of BRIT Press will manage the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) Press. This position is responsible for the preparation, manufacture, and distribution of botanical research and scientific discoveries. This will include overseeing operations, scientific editing, and publishing plant systematics, floristics, ecology, and conservation research. The Director interacts with publication authors, BRIT Press supporters, and departments across the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG), including Marketing and Communications, Research and Conservation, Learning and Engagement, and Advancement.

Key Responsibilities:

Accountability
1. Maintaining innovation and excellence in scientific publications
2. Coordinating and directing scientific editing, peer review, and dissemination of botanical information to scientists, educators, and the general public through publication of the periodical BRIT Journal, books, and other publications
3. Setting editorial policy and developing proposals, budgets, and schedules for publications
4. Working with fulfillment staff on the development, marketing, and sales of publications

People Management/Interactions
1. Communicating and collaborating with the BRIT Press Editorial Advisory Board
2. Supervising, developing, and effectively supporting the Press Sales and Fulfillment Coordinator
3. Supporting the Librarian when relevant to Press projects

Communication
1. Connecting with colleagues, libraries, the systematic botanical community, and the general public about BRIT Press activities and publications
2. Exhibiting professionalism with authors, reviewers, graphic designers, and printers
3. Fostering goodwill and generosity with subscribers and supporters

Qualifications

Competencies: Knowledge and Skills required:
1. Competence with editing and publishing in both print and digital media
2. Knowledgeable in science, botany, taxonomy, and the publishing world
3. Familiarity with online taxonomic and library resources
4. Proficiency using Microsoft Office programs and databases
5. Maintenance of focus and character under the pressure of deadlines
6. Knowledgeable in database management and digital publishing with Open Journal Systems

Additional Job Requirements:
1. Be adaptable and flexible to changing schedules including weekends and evenings in support of FWBG public events.
2. Occasional travel for professional development, networking, and industry conferences.

Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job

Hesler Visiting Researcher Fellowships

Visiting Researcher Fellowships provide opportunities for scientists to use the collections at the University of Tennessee Herbarium (TENN) in Knoxville, Tennessee to enhance and facilitate a biodiversity-focused research project. TENN houses over 649,000 specimens of vascular plants, bryophytes, fungi, and lichens. Our vascular plant collection is unique in having the largest collection of specimens from the state of Tennessee and the historical collections documenting the flora of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a World Biosphere Reserve. Our bryophyte collection houses 183,000 specimens from throughout the world, with a strong emphasis on species found in Tennessee (Appalachian Region), North America (particularly the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and the southeastern US), Mexico, and Asia. Our fungal collection houses nearly 73,000 specimens with searchable online records, including international and domestic collections with an emphasis on the southern Appalachians.

Graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, and independent researchers from any country are eligible to apply. Funds are for travel, housing, and other visit-related expenses while conducting research at the TENN Herbarium. A maximum of two awards will be given out annually. Please see the application for further information about requirements, how to apply, and deadlines.

● Application deadline: 4 February 2024

● Letter/s of support deadline: 4 February 2024

● Applicant awards announced: 4 March 2024

● Awardee accept/decline deadline: 18 March 2024