Editor-In-Chief, Sage Open

Sage Publishing is seeking an Editor-in-Chief for our HSS Open Access megajournal, Sage Open . Sage Open publishes peer-reviewed, original research and review articles in an open access format. Accepted articles span the full extent of the social and behavioral sciences and the humanities. The journal evaluates the research methods of each article for validity and accepts articles solely on the basis of the research. Likewise, by not restricting papers to a narrow discipline, SAGE Open facilitates the discovery of the connections between papers, whether within or between disciplines.

The Editor-in-Chief (EiC) will provide strategic, intellectual, and operational leadership for the journal. Working closely with the editorial board, the EiC will shape the journal’s direction, uphold its academic standards, and ensure a diverse and inclusive scholarly environment. The role includes oversight of the peer review process, curating high-impact content, and driving engagement within the global social science community.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Define and implement the journal’s editorial vision and strategy in alignment with open science principles and the journals growth and profitability targets.
• Lead and coordinate the work of associate editors, section editors, and the editorial board. May manage internal staff.
• Build relationships with authors, reviewers, academic institutions, and professional associations. Represent the journal at relevant industry meetings and conferences.
• Solicit high-quality submissions and special issues in emerging and critical areas of the social sciences.
• Work closely with Editorial Operations to oversee the peer review process to ensure rigorous, fair, and timely review of submissions.
• Maintain oversight and final responsibility for editorial decisions and published content, ensuring all decisions align with journal standards and policies, whether made directly or through delegation
• Monitor publication metrics and maintain the journal’s reputation for excellence and impact.
• Explore new formats and opportunities to expand our broad scope social science journal program
• Promote diversity in authorship, peer review, and editorial practices.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• A Ph.D. or equivalent in a social science discipline.
• Distinguished record of scholarship and publication.
• Ability to review and evaluate research from diverse subfields of the social sciences.
• Demonstrated, strong networking abilities with academics across fields.
• Previous editorial or peer review experience with academic journals.
• Deep understanding of the open access publishing landscape.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Commitment to research integrity, transparency, and open science.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in an international setting.
• Digital fluency in editorial management systems (e.g., ScholarOne, Editorial Manager

Join us and be part of a mission-driven, independent publisher. You’ll work with a diverse group of people who share a passion for empowering researchers, educators, and institutions to shape the future.

About Sage:

Sage is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, Sara Miller McCune founded Sage in 1965. Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely. 

Our guaranteed independence means we’re free to:

• Do more  – supporting an equitable academic future, furthering disciplines that drive social change, and helping social and behavioural science make an impact
• Work together  – building lasting relationships, championing diverse perspectives, and co-creating resources to transform teaching and learning

• Think long-term  – experimenting, taking risks, and investing in new ideas

Overview of benefits:

• 25 days holiday excluding bank holidays full-time/pro-rated for part-time roles
• 2 additional ’floating days’ of personal leave, in recognition that each of us has cultural, religious, or family commitments that fall at times when the company is not closed.
• Life assurance
• Income protection
• Access to Sage books and journals
• Tuition scheme and support for pursuing professional qualifications
• Hybrid working arrangements - In office 20% of contracted hours. We work flexibly and most staff can choose to work from home for up to 80% of their contracted hours.

Other benefits, which may change include:

• Variety of snacks and beverages available in the office
• Home working allowance
• Travel insurance
• Healthy lifestyle reimbursement
• Access to the Company doctor
• Access to Company loans (season ticket loan, rental deposit loan, cycle loan)
• Anniversary trip

If you have a disability and need any support during the application process, please contact [email protected] We will respond to any requests for support in a timely manner. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

A cover letter is important to us but is not essential for your application.  It   offers the hiring manager valuable insights into how your skill set aligns with the role, what unique contributions you can bring to the team and why you are interested in this position. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Sage we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that is representative of all sections of society and to sustaining a culture that celebrates difference, encourages authenticity, and creates a deep sense of belonging. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, disability, sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief as creating value through diversity is what makes us strong.  As a business and as an organisation with an increasingly agile workforce, we're open to flexible working arrangements where appropriate.