Publisher, Columbia Global Reports

Posted: 26-Mar-26

Location: New York, New York

Type: Full-time

Categories: Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 556211

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Pulitzer Hall
• Salary Range: $140,000 - $160,000 annually

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Publisher of Columbia Global Reports is in charge of the business side of a small, high-quality, high-impact journalistic book publishing company at Columbia University. The publisher oversees all aspects of the design, production, distribution, publicity, marketing, and sales of our books, and has supervisory authority over our budget. We are a small house where everyone works together closely on all decisions, including editorial ones, which come under the direct authority of our director.

The Publisher has a multi-faceted role overseeing the many steps from manuscript to a published book, including negotiating author contracts, setting a publication schedule, making sure deadlines are met, and executing a strategy for publicity and promotion at publication.

Responsibilities

Maintain CGR’s high standards for editorial, design and promotion, both in-house and among our production and design teams.

Handle all revenue-producing decisions, including book pricing, negotiating terms with authors and working closely with our rights agency on audiobook and foreign rights sales, among others. The publisher, along with the Director, oversees the budget and an economic strategy for Columbia Global Reports. The publisher also tracks royalties and issues royalty statements yearly.

Work closely with CGR’s distributor, PGW/Ingram, to maximize sales, minimize returns, manage inventory and distribution. The publisher presents the CGR list at seasonal sales conferences.

Establish a good working relationship with each author, set expectations and goals for their role in promoting the book, and work closely with them to achieve these goals.

Arrange author events and publicity for each title, including book reviews, excerpts, media appearances, and journalistic coverage.

Oversee and work closely with our various partners and freelancers, including our designers, production team, rights agency, audiobook publisher, and freelance publicists when involved.

Attend bookselling conferences, such as Winter Institute and Regional shows. Meet regularly with independent booksellers around the country to build relationships.

Contribute to the achievement of annual revenue goals through strategic donor cultivation and engagement in partnership with CGR’s development team.

Work with CGR’s Development Director and Columbia University alumni/development to manage board and donor relationships. Act as a thought partner in designing and executing proposals, reports, and fundraising events, and accompany Development Director on prospect and donor visits when applicable to strengthen the case for support.

Generate ideas for how CGR can improve in all areas, including unique ways of reaching readers, supporters and booksellers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 7-9 years of related experience.
• Must bring imagination, flair, diligence and persistence to the task of publishing CGR titles and getting readers and media attention for each book. Must be a team leader and a team player in working with a small, but dedicated staff. Must have extensive publishing experience and contacts.
• Confidentiality and discretion are required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree desirable; with ten (plus) years of related experience.