Associate Director of Editorial and Publishing (ADEP)

About Perspectiva Press

Perspectiva Press is the publishing arm of the UK-based charity Perspectiva (https://systems-souls-society.com). Perspectiva’s charitable project crosses disciplines in its aim to improve the relationships between systems, souls, and society in theory and practice. We believe the world’s major challenges stem from a crisis of perception and imagination, and the failure of political culture to honour the fullness of reality. Through an applied philosophy of education, we seek to address immunity to change, helping individuals and communities move beyond entrenched patterns and psychological resistance that block the transformation needed to confront the metacrisis and create a society that is ecologically sound, technologically wise, and meaningful for all.

Our publishing arm, Perspectiva Press, plays a central role in this mission by bringing interdisciplinary, visionary, ‘H2+’ ideas and insights into conversation, creating a dynamic interplay that redefines and enriches all fields involved. We seek to inspire and challenge readers with 'edge-walking' ideas that address the pressing questions of our time, including ecological sustainability, societal transformation, and spiritual renewal. Flagship examples of our publishing ethos include Iain McGilchrist’s, The Matter with Things, and the Perspectiva Associate anthology, Dispatches From a Time Between Worlds, both of which exemplify the depth and breadth of our ambition. We currently have two exceptional books in production, scheduled for publication later this year, and at least two more equally compelling titles anticipated for release in the following year.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in a nascent publishing house, helping to shape its trajectory and offering. 

*Note to Potential Applicants: If you are intrigued by our vision but don’t see yourself fitting the role description exactly, we encourage you to keep reading—your unique skills and perspectives might be just what we need. We recognize that strong candidates bring different strengths, and we are open to shaping this role accordingly, including considering job share possibilities to ensure we find the right next team member(s).

Role Overview

The Associate Director, Editorial and Publishing (ADEP) will bridge creative and business functions within Perspectiva Press, playing a key role in its strategic, operational, and editorial growth. In concert with senior leadership, the ADEP will manage and grow the publishing program, develop innovative offerings, and build a unique, author-focused ecosystem that includes books, podcasts, courses and more.

This role is ideal for someone with 'start-up' experience, a passion for meaningful content, and a commitment to fostering transformative ideas. The successful candidate will thrive in an entrepreneurial environment, adeptly balancing strategic vision, day-to-day operations, and creative innovation.

This role, as currently conceived, is a part-time (3-days a week), fully remote position. As the publishing arm develops, we hope to bring this role to full time alongside a small, press-specific team. 

Key Responsibilities

Publishing Strategy and Editorial Leadership

• Shape and execute the strategic vision for Perspectiva Press, aligning it with the broader organizational mission.
• Commission and acquire manuscripts, with a focus on innovative, interdisciplinary non-fiction that reflects the 'H2+' ethos and/or embodies the call of the third horizon.
• Oversee editorial processes, ensuring high-quality output and alignment with the press’s vision, including managing the editorial workflow for long-form essays and Substack publications as integral parts of the program.
• Work closely with authors to develop compelling manuscripts and curate unique, interconnected offerings.
• Build and maintain a robust backlist program, balancing marketability with charitable mission.

Creative Development and Cross-Pollination

• Lead the creation of complementary offerings, including podcasts, video series, and book-related courses.
• Develop and propose fresh ideas to enhance author and audience engagement.
• Collaborate with authors to amplify their work across media and formats, fostering collaborative inquiry among contributors.

Operational and Business Management

• Oversee budgets, contracts, and schedules to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of all publishing projects.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including authors, agents, designers, and printers.
• Establish and manage effective sales and marketing strategies, including innovative campaigns that reach niche and broad audiences.
• Represent Perspectiva Press at book fairs, industry events, and other opportunities for external engagement.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Mentor and manage junior staff, freelance editors, and external collaborators, including our publishing partner.
• Foster a collaborative and creative culture that encourages innovation and adaptability.
• Work with Perspectiva’s leadership team to integrate publishing efforts with broader organizational initiatives.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in editorial and publishing roles, ideally within a boutique or start-up publishing environment.
• Strong strategic vision and commercial acumen, with a track record of building publishing programs.
• Proven track record of successfully managing budgets, timelines, and teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an eye for detail and a passion for compelling storytelling.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a creative flair for developing innovative offerings and strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including authors, agents, collaborators, and external partners, fostering long-term engagement and mutual growth.
• Deep interest in and alignment with Perspectiva’s mission and niche subject matter.

Desirable

• Experience in interdisciplinary or specialised publishing fields.
• Familiarity with podcast production, online courses, or other multi-media content creation.
• Established network within the publishing and creative industries.
• Experience working with thought leaders and authors to refine and amplify their ideas.
• Knowledge of emerging trends in publishing, including digital and community-driven approaches.

Of Note for Applicants

As mentioned above, we approach recruitment as an art rather than a science, prioritizing the right individuals over rigidly defined roles. We seek team members with complementary capacities, dispositions, and networks to collectively achieve our mission, enabling each person to focus on their strengths. This approach may result in adjustments to job titles or role specifications during the hiring process. For example, we’re very open to this role evolving into a job share, depending on the strengths and interests of applicants. Are you passionate about the business and operational side of publishing, with expertise in refining business models and industry partnerships, but less interested in curating writers for our Substack? Apply! Are you a digital content strategist with ideas on how to enhance the reach of our author publicity, or our essay and podcast offerings? Apply! We are open to shaping this role to fit the right candidates.

Perspectiva values flexibility and operates as a work-from-anywhere organization. While we are technically based in London, our employees are typically UK-based and occasionally meet in person for gatherings and events. That said, we are open to considering non-UK-based candidates who align closely with our mission and ethos. We offer competitive benefits, flexible leave, and a salary for this position of c£50k pro-rata, depending on experience and fit.

NB: Applicants must be able to accommodate UK working hours

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following:

1. Your CV detailing relevant experience and achievements.
2. A cover letter (no more than 2 pages) addressing:

• Why your experience and passions align with Perspectiva and this role.
• Your creative vision for Perspectiva Press and why the books we aim to publish are vital in today’s world.
• Three inspiring potential authors for Perspectiva Press books, long-form essays, or our Substack platform. You may also propose individuals who are not primarily writers but could be profiled or interviewed in multimedia formats. Notable initiatives are also welcome as subjects for profiling and exploration.

Applications should be sent by clicking Apply by midnight, 2 May 2025. Please insert the following as your subject line: [ADEP Applicant: [Insert Name]].

We look forward to hearing from you.