The ASA invites expressions of interest for Editor-in-Chief of the ASA’s journal, African Studies Review (ASR), published by Cambridge University Press, for the 2027-2031 editorial term. Please read the full description below. The ASA is particularly interested in receiving applications from established scholars with editorial experience and proven leadership capacity including responsible budgeting and financial stewardship.
All questions and Statements of Interest must be sent to the Executive Director, Alix Saba.
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The African Studies Association Publications Committee announces a Call for Statements of Interest for Editor-in-Chief of the ASA’s journal, African Studies Review (ASR), published by Cambridge University Press, for the 2027-2031 editorial term. Finalists will be notified in July 2026 and the selected editor will begin onboarding in August 2026.
ASA welcomes expressions of interest from individual editors. Select finalists will be invited to interview in July. The ASA is looking for individuals with creative ideas about the future of African Studies Review. It seeks an Editor-in-Chief actively committed to the following strategic priorities for the journal:
1. Interdisciplinary, topical, and geographic diversity of articles
2. Inclusion of work from established and emerging scholars
3. Expansion of submissions, readership, and access from Africa
4. Continued promotion of ASR’s bilingual initiative, and pursuance of articles in French
5. Capitalizing on digital capabilities with respect to the editorial process, content dissemination, and engagement.
6. Use of journal as a significant teaching resource
7. On-going development of book and film review section.
The responsibilities of the Editor-in-Chief include the following:
– Maintain and enhance ASR’s stellar reputation in the field by soliciting and enhancing cutting edge articles.
– Receive, manage, and select manuscripts year-round. Select multiple reviewers for accepted submissions and ensure articles are reviewed in a timely fashion. Work with authors to ensure timely revisions.
– Assemble accepted articles into issues, including working with CUP production team and authors directly.
– Maintain a database of reviewers and continually recruit and identify new reviewers.
– Work closely with the ASA Publications Committee, Executive Director, and 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 and attend the ASA Annual Meeting.
– Engage with and recommend appointments to the Editorial Review Board.
– Work with the ASA Executive Director to manage the ASR 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 ASR Distinguished Lecture and three journal prizes.
The ASA provides both financial and in-kind support including:
– Travel funds to support 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:
PhD. 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.
– Past journal editing experience strongly preferred.
To Apply:
Questions and Statements of Interest must be sent to the Executive Director, Alix Saba at asaed@africanstudies.org with the subject line ASR Editor-in-Chief Statement by May 31, 2026 and must include the following:
– Copy of professional CV.
– A 250-500-word summary of the Editor’s evaluation of ASR’s current state and proposed future direction.
– A 250-500-word proposal to most strategically utilize limited funding to accomplish strategic priorities.
– A description of any institutional support that might be available to the Editor.
