Publisher- National Consumer Law Center

The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), the country’s preeminent advocate for low-income consumers, seeks an experienced professional to join the NCLC management team as the Publisher. The organization is looking for a creative, forward-thinking, and collaborative leader who is motivated to promote economic justice through NCLC’s extensive catalog of authoritative print and digital publications.

This is an exciting opportunity to work for a leading national advocacy organization that is fighting to level the economic playing field and ensure greater economic fairness and security, especially as it relates to advancing racial justice. This position will report to the Executive Director and will play an important leadership role in the organization.

The Publisher is responsible for enhancing the reach and reputation of NCLC publications and ensuring the continued success of the full range of offerings. The position oversees the financial management and e-commerce of the publications and makes key strategic decisions about the direction and focus of the publications program. The Publisher will be responsible for keeping staff informed about current trends in publishing and helping the organization navigate a rapidly changing digital environment. In addition, the Publisher will be responsible for fostering key working relationships with staff at NCLC as well as with select outside partners.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Publisher is a member of the senior management team. The Publisher has two direct reports and oversees a fully remote unit that includes a total of eight staff positions: six editorial staff and two customer service/sales and marketing staff. 

This is a full-time management-level position. Candidates who can work from Boston and come to the office at least three days a week are highly preferred. Candidates based outside of the Boston area must commit to come to the Boston office at least two consecutive days per month. The majority of NCLC’s office-based staff currently work a hybrid schedule. Periodic travel is required for meetings and conferences. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Vision and Leadership

• Develop the overall vision and direction for the publications program. Set goals for the unit and develop a strategy that furthers NCLC’s ability to educate and support consumer law practitioners.

• Establish priorities for the unit and coordinate activities with other groups at NCLC to the extent feasible.

• Develop and oversee systems for ensuring the excellence, relevance, and integrity of the publications.   

• Engage with consumer law practitioners through conferences and other events to better understand their needs and challenges. 

• Provide strong financial management of the publications program by evaluating expenses and revenue to increase the bottom line.

Publications Operations

• Oversee the creation and production of all print and electronic materials, including legal treatises and books for advocates.

• Oversee additions to the digital library and other content, such as submissions from past conferences.

• Help establish and monitor publication deadlines and assignments. 

• Help develop and oversee sales and marketing strategies.

• Oversee relationships with key vendors and contractors.

• Oversee relations with other organizations that publish on the NCLC platform.

• Ensure compliance with a broad range of intellectual property and privacy issues.

Management of Publications Unit

• Foster a positive and collaborative working environment, promote staff professional development, and provide performance feedback and coaching as appropriate.

• Establish goals, objectives, and operational plans for the unit.

• Supervise the Publications Operations Manager and the Director of Editorial and Production. 

Member of Senior Management 

• Work collaboratively across the organization to ensure alignment with the Center’s strategic goals.

• Identify organizational challenges and help develop constructive and effective solutions.

• Provide regular reports to NCLC staff, management, and Board of Directors.

• Promote a diverse, inclusive, and equal opportunity work environment.

Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of professional experience and at least five years of supervisory experience in either publishing and/or law is required. 

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.

• Excellent writing and analytical skills.

• Creative and innovative thinking, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output.

• Flexible, collaborative, and proactive; able to influence and engage staff throughout the organization.

• Experience overseeing complicated budgets and demonstrated success in financial planning is preferred.

• A demonstrated commitment to advocating for equity for low-income and other economically disadvantaged people, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color. 

• Knowledge of copyright law, rights, and permissions, and content licensing is helpful but not required. 

• Demonstrated understanding of the challenges facing publishing today, and the ability to think creatively and strategically about solutions.

• A talent for identifying and responding to both challenges and opportunities brought about by outside developments that affect the publications.

• Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A legal degree is helpful but not required.

NCLC offers an outstanding benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as pre-tax savings plans, a retirement savings opportunity, and generous paid time off, including holidays, sick time, personal time, paid parental leave, and 4 weeks of vacation per year. 

Lindauer, a global search and talent firm, has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of National Consumer Law Center. Consideration of candidates will continue until the position is filled. 

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a resume through the Lindauer website. 

If you have any questions or would like to nominate someone for this position, please contact Terri Rutter, Assistant Vice President.

Prior to submitting your resume for this position, please read it over for accuracy. Lindauer does verify academic credentials for its candidates, and our clients frequently conduct background checks prior to finalizing an offer.