Head of Publications Department and Executive Editor

We are seeking an Executive Editor who will serve as the head of our Publications Department. Their primary focus will be on the International Review of Social History (IRSH), alongside a coordinating role in the publication programme, which includes four open access journals, an open access Book Series with UCL Press and other key publications.

We are looking for a highly driven and experienced editor with a profound passion for social history, a keen eye for top-tier academic quality, and the strategic vision to elevate one of the most respected journals in the field as well as the publication activities of the International Institute of Social History (IISH) to new heights. 

As Head of the Publications Department and Executive Editor of IRSH, you will be the driving force behind and carry the final responsibility for the entire publication process of five journals, several book series and other publications, from initial acquisition to production and publication. You will combine substantive expertise with strategic foresight and strong coordination skills.

Your tasks:

• As Executive Editor, you oversee the entire editing process and publication planning of IRSH, including  coordinating Editorial Committee (EC) meetings and meetings with the book series editors. You hold final responsibility for the accepted versions of articles and book manuscripts and the make-up of journal issues and books.
• You direct the peer review process of IRSH and the book series: this involves conducting the initial assessment of incoming submissions, selecting and contacting relevant expert reviewers, and evaluating revisions to accepted articles.
• You monitor the impact of the five journals and the book series, devising editorial policy based on relevant theoretical and substantive developments in the field, and ensuring the reputation and sustainability of the journals and book series.
• You actively ensure a steady and healthy copy flow by engaging in relevant networks, scouting new themes, and commissioning new, high-quality materials.
• You coordinate the editorial, marketing, and commercial developments in close collaboration with national and international publishers  and publication platforms.
• You develop the Publications Department's policy in conjunction with the IISH's research, data, and communication strategies. You also advise Research Department members on editing, publication opportunities, Open Access, copyright, and more.

We are looking for applicants with : 

• A degree in history or the social sciences
• Demonstrable experience in academic editing and a thorough knowledge of the scholarly publishing landscape, preferably in history and/or the social sciences.
• Demonstrable leadership experience
• Strong organizational skills and the capacity to manage complex, parallel projects and workflows effectively.
• The ability to think strategically and position the IRSH, IISH book series and other publications, as well as the Publications Department, for future growth.
• Excellent communication and networking skills to build and maintain relationships with authors, reviewers, EC members, series and fellow editors, and publishers.

About the IISH
The International Institute of Social History (IISG-KNAW) is an Academy research institute. IISG is one of the most prestigious social history research institutes worldwide. It examines how work and labour relations have developed globally over time. To support its research, it collects archives and data from all over the world. The relationship between its research and its data and archive collections contributes substantially to the institute’s unique nature.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 4.728 and the maximum salary is €6.433 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 11 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

You can send your motivation letter and cv before the 8th of January 2026. A selection of candidates will be invited for an interview. A second round of interviews may be organized if needed.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

For more information:

Please contact: Karin Hofmeester, kho@iisg.nl 

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.