Director, UQP

A visionary leader is required to maintain UQP’s position as a premier independent publisher.

• The University of Queensland Press (UQP)
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 5 years at HEW Level 10
• Based at our Long Pocket campus with free parking
• Shape the next chapter of Australian literature

About This Opportunity

The University of Queensland Press (UQP), established in 1948, is a leading independent publishing house known for producing high-quality and culturally significant books. A four-time winner (including 2025) of the ABIA Best Small Press award and proud publisher of the 2025 Miles Franklin Award-winning novel, UQP is recognised as one of Australia’s most dynamic and influential literary publishers. UQP has launched the careers of many acclaimed Australian writers and continues to publish across fiction, non-fiction, poetry, Indigenous writing, and youth literature, gaining national and international recognition.

The Director, UQP is responsible for leading the strategic direction of the Press in collaboration with the Publishing Director. The role involves:

• Strategic leadership to enhance UQP’s national and global profile.
• Financial planning and operational management to ensure fiscal sustainability.
• Marketing and stakeholder engagement, acting as a spokesperson for UQP, Australian university presses, and independent publishing.
• High-level interactions with senior university leadership and external industry figures.
• Compliance management, balancing university requirements with the commercial aspects of publishing.

Based at UQ’s Long Pocket, Brisbane Campus, the role requires a visionary leader with expertise in publishing, business strategy, and stakeholder engagement to maintain UQP’s position as a premier independent publisher. The successful candidate will act as an approachable and compelling advocate for UQP within the publishing industry and at national and international events. This is an opportunity to help shape the next chapter of Australian literature.

For more information about this opportunity, please view the complete appointment booklet.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

About You

The ideal candidate will have relevant tertiary qualifications and extensive senior management experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional expertise. They will have a strong passion for books, possess in-depth knowledge of both trade and scholarly publishing, along with a strong understanding of industry trends and best practices. A deep understanding of contemporary publishing challenges, along with a track record of innovation and the development of new business models, is highly desirable.

With proven strategic leadership skills, they will be adept at developing, implementing, and effectively communicating long-term visions and plans. A demonstrated ability to manage change, restructure operations, and adapt to a rapidly evolving publishing landscape is essential. Additionally, the candidate will have experience leading an organisation, fostering effective communication and collaboration with staff, facilitating a cohesive team environment, as well as engaging with key stakeholders including those in the academic and cultural sectors.

Strong financial acumen is required, including the ability to develop, monitor, and manage budgets to ensure financial sustainability. The candidate must also be proficient in interpreting and applying University policies and procedures within a complex institutional framework. Excellent administrative and organisational skills are essential, enabling them to manage competing priorities, work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines. Finally, they must demonstrate strong decision-making skills and the ability to independently manage and communicate information to clients, stakeholders, and media.

Enquiries

If you’d like to have a confidential discussion about this opportunity please contact Maddy Flaherty, Principal Advisor, Talent Acquisition via talent@uq.edu.au.

Want to Apply? 

When you’re ready to submit an application, we ask that you please create a profile via our UQ Careers portal and upload the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section

Applications close Wednesday, 1 October 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-48012).

Other Information

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia and a criminal check.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We’re dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We’re committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.