Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. - Publishing Director bei Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

About Alcoholics Anonymous

Founded in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services (AAWS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and an international fellowship of people who have had a drinking problem. The Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. The General Service Office (GSO) in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of New York City employs approximately 95 people (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and serves over 2 million members in the US and Canada.  

Our mission at the GSO is to support carrying the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to the still-suffering alcoholic by providing services to A.A. members, groups, and others; publishing and distributing A.A. literature, preserving A.A. history, and sharing A.A.’s collective experience. Not only is our team incredibly mission-driven, but also tremendously supportive of each other as both colleagues and individuals. 

Job Summary
The Publishing Director provides strategic and visionary leadership to our business by leading the strategic planning, operations, and professional direction of the Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Publishing Department. This role ensures the highest quality standards in producing Conference-approved and other items of AAWS publications including print, digital, and audiovisual materials. The Publishing Director drives innovation in publishing formats, production, and distribution while aligning with the mission of the General Service Conference of A.A., and the General Service Board. 

Please note that a minimum of eight years of continuous sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous and knowlege of the 12 Steps, Traditions, and Concepts and familiarity with A.A. literature is a requirement for this position. 

Editorial, Production, & Distribution Strategy

• Direct the development, revision, and production of all AAWS publications across print, digital, and audiovisual formats. 
• Oversee the application of consistent editorial style, formatting, and graphic design across all published material.
• Ensures compliance with copyright and licensing agreements for digital distribution across e-book and audiobook platforms.
• Oversee the operations of the AAWS Webstore, including product availability, pricing strategies, and promotional initiatives.
• Ensure that A.A. publications are accessible across multiple formats, languages, and platforms (print, digital, audio, braille, large print, etc.) to reach diverse and underserved populations.
• Drive innovation, not only in formats, but also in distribution exploring partnerships, digital platforms, and accessibility technologies.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a key member of the GSO Senior Management Team, contributing to organization-wide strategic planning and policy decisions.
• Collaborate with internal teams including Editorial, Finance, Language Services, Staff Members, Operations, and Tech Services to streamline editorial, production, and distribution processes.
• Participate in and provide guidance to committees such as ERP Steering, Website and aa.org Steering, and other project-realted committees and working groups ensuring publishing alignment with Conference approved initiatives.
• Act as a publishing and distribution resource for the AAWS Board, General Service Board, and the General Service Conference.
• Responsible for managing relationships with vendors, printers, distributors, and digital platform partners to ensure cost-effectiveness, quality, and mission alignment.

Leadership & Department Oversight 

• Manage and mentor a team of seven publishing professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Lead performance evaluations, coaching, professional development initiatives and collaborate with the General Manager, and Director of Human Resources on talent acquisition and compensation decisions.
• Set strategic goals, assess workflows, and implement best practices to optimize editorial, production, and digital distribution processes.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational objectives.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership abilities with a servant leadership mindset and experience managing editorial, production, and distribution teams.
• Expertise in publishing industry trends including print and digital production, e-commerce, and digital distribution.
• Ability to lead through organizational change, technology adoption, and evolving publishing practices. 
• Financial and business acumen including budget management and ability to balance fiscal stewardship with expanding publishing revenue streams in alignment with our organization’s goals and values.
• Ability to develop and execute publishing strategies that balance nonprofit objectives with market competitiveness by using data analytics and sales/performance reporting.
• Thorough knowledge of A.A. literature and principles; and an understanding knowledge of the A.A. service structure
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills to oversee multiple large-scale initiatives. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in publishing, communications, business, or a related field, Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in editorial, production, or publishing leadership, preferably in a mission-driven organization.
• Experience with multilingual and/or international publishing.
• Proven track record of leading publishing teams in both creative and operational capacities.
• Experience with digital publishing platforms, content licensing, and e-commerce strategies.
• Strong emotional intelligence skills.
• Minimum 8 years of continuous sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous is required.

Physical Requirements

• Availability to work in person a minimum of three days per week. 
• Some weekend or evening work may be required during busy times, General Service Board weekends, or Conference.
• Travel may be required 10% of the time.
• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch. 
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. 
• Ability to use a computer including tasks such as typing and using software and the ability to read and interpret data on a computer screen for extended periods. 
• Ability to work in an indoor office setting with controlled climate conditions.
• Tolerance to moderate noise levels typical of an office setting.