Project Manager: Open Access Publishing

Opportunity Review: Project Manager (0.60 FTE) - Open Access Publishing

This fixed-term, part-time Project Manager position offers a compelling opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to a high-impact initiative in the rapidly evolving field of Open Access (OA) academic publishing. If you are passionate about driving positive change in scholarly communication and possess strong project management acumen, this role warrants your careful consideration.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Impactful Contribution: You will be instrumental in the final delivery stages of the Copim Open Book Futures project, a significant international endeavour dedicated to building robust infrastructures and practices for the expansion of open access book publishing. This project builds on the success of its predecessor, COPIM, and has already launched groundbreaking initiatives like the Open Book Collective, Thoth Open Metadata, and the Opening the Future revenue model.
• Exposure to International Collaboration: This role offers the chance to collaborate with a diverse and international team, including colleagues from UK universities, non-academic partners such as OA book publishers, infrastructure providers, and advocacy groups, with partners located across the European Union, South Africa, and the USA. This broad network provides invaluable cross-cultural and interdisciplinary experience.
• Strategic Project Leadership: You will work closely with the Principal Investigator and the wider project team, taking the lead in ensuring the project remains on track, milestones are achieved, and funders are kept informed. This is a chance to demonstrate your leadership in guiding a project to successful completion.
• Career Development and Flexibility: The description highlights that this role offers "wide scope for personal and professional development." Furthermore, the commitment to family-friendly and flexible working policies, including the possibility of remote work, demonstrates a supportive environment for work-life balance. For current Lancaster University staff, the opportunity for a secondment is also a significant advantage for career progression within the institution.
• Valuable Experience in a Growing Sector: Open Access publishing is a critical and expanding area within academia. This role provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge developments and initiatives that are shaping the future of research dissemination.
• Mentorship and Handover: The possibility of shadowing and handover from the current Project Manager ensures a smooth transition and provides an excellent learning opportunity during the initial phase of your tenure.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Fixed-Term, Part-Time Nature: This is a fixed-term appointment covering a maternity leave period, lasting up to three months, with a part-time commitment (0.60 FTE). Candidates should be aware of the temporary nature of the role and its duration, with a potential start date of 1st February 2026, concluding by the end of April 2026.
• Specific Skillset Required: While broad project management experience is essential, the description specifically mentions the need for a relevant degree-level qualification, excellent communication, negotiation, and persuasion skills, with proven experience in writing for diverse audiences. Experience in financial and budget management is also highlighted as beneficial.
• Administrative and Managerial Background: The role requires experience in responsible administrative or managerial roles within complex organisations, such as a university.
• Collaborative Environment: The position involves joint appointment to a Department and Faculty, and close collaboration with colleagues within Lancaster University Library, the Principal Investigator, and a wide array of external partners. Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills are therefore paramount.
• Application Requirements: Candidates are asked to upload a cover letter with their application, so ensure you tailor this document to articulate your suitability for this specific role and project.

This position represents a unique chance to make a tangible contribution to the advancement of open access publishing. By leveraging your project management expertise and collaborative spirit, you can play a vital role in a project that is fundamentally reshaping how academic knowledge is shared globally.