Download and distribute this call as a PDF here.
The African Studies Association Publications Committee announces a Call for Statements of Interest for Editor-in-Chief of the ASA’s journal, History in Africa (HIA), published by Cambridge University Press, for the 2026-2030 editorial term. Statements will be reviewed, and finalists will be notified in October 2024.
The ASA is looking for individuals with creative ideas about the future of History in Africa. It seeks an Editor-in-Chief actively committed to the following strategic priorities for the journal:
-Interdisciplinary, topical, and geographic diversity of articles
-Inclusion of work from established and emerging scholars
-Expansion of submissions, readership, and access from Africa
-Continued promotion of HiA’s bilingual initiative, and pursuance of articles in French
-Capitalizing on digital capabilities with respect to the editorial process, content dissemination, and engagement.
-Use of journal as a significant teaching resource
The responsibilities of the Editor-in-Chief include the following:
-Maintain and enhance HIA’s stellar reputation in the field by soliciting and enhancing cutting edge articles.
-Receive and manage new manuscripts year-round. Select multiple reviewers for each submission once a manuscript is received, and follow-up with reviewers to ensure articles are blind-reviewed in a timely fashion.
-Assemble accepted pieces into issues, including working directly with authors to ensure that revisions are done in a timely manner.
-Maintain a database of reviewers and continually recruit and identify new reviewers.
-Work in close collaboration with the ASA Publications Committee, the ASA Secretariat, and the CUP team on all aspects of the journal’s production.
-Compile an Annual Report to circulate ahead of the Fall and Spring ASA Board Meetings.
-Participate as an ex-officio member of the ASA Publications Committee throughout tenure.
-Present an annual report to the Board of Directors, attend the ASA Annual Meeting, and meet with the -Publications Committee to discuss the journal.
-Engage with and recommend appointments to the Editorial Review Board.
-Work with the ASA Executive Director to manage the HiA budget.
-Utilize ASA systems to streamline communication, support management, and maintain institutional history.
-Support and/or grow the journal’s social media presence.
-Oversee the administration of the Paul Hair Prize (awarded in odd years) with ASA Secretariat and Board.
The ASA provides both financial and in-kind support including:
-Travel funds for the editorial team to attend the ASA Annual Meeting
-Funds to subsidize copy-editing expenses, translations, and management support
-A project fund to support international and domestic conference attendance to promote the journal and/or other initiatives identified by the Editorial Team to increase outreach and encourage submissions.
Qualifications:
PhDs in African History. Successful applicants will be respected scholars with
-Demonstrated ability to think creatively, explore innovation, and implement new initiatives.
-Demonstrated ability to work proactively, under tight deadlines, and with close attention to detail.
-Strong leadership, interpersonal and teamwork skills, with an ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
Questions and Statements of Interest must be sent to the Executive Director, Alix Saba at alix@africanstudies.org with the subject line HiA Editor-in-Chief Statement by September 15, 2024 and must include the following:
- Copy of professional CV.
- A 400-700-word proposal including the Editor’s evaluation of the current state and proposed future direction of the journal.
- A description of any institutional support that might be available to the Editor.
