Updated March 4, 2025 

POSITION TITLE: American Anthropologist Editor-in-Chief 

REPORTS TO: AAA Executive Board, AAA Director of Publishing 

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES: Oversee the administrative and editorial processes to ensure AAA’s flagship journal publishes diverse, critical, and cutting-edge scholarship across the subdisciplines, working with AAA staff and AAA’s publishing partner (currently Wiley). 

SCOPE OF ORGANIZATIONAL/FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Select and develop manuscripts; manage reviewers, associate editors, editorial board members, and other editorial staff; oversee journal operations and finances; contribute to journal promotion and marketing; and cooperate with AAA staff and publishing partner. 

STRATEGIC VALUE: American Anthropologist is the flagship journal of the AAA and a leader in publishing anthropological research across its subdisciplines. It publishes research articles, essays, and reviews, as well the Distinguished Lectures and Presidential Addresses of the AAA and obituaries of noteworthy anthropologists. 

EDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  1. Oversee timely review and publication of original manuscripts (content not previously published nor under consideration at other journals); 
  1. Provide letters to authors in a prompt and courteous manner indicating acceptance, rejection, or request for revision, with editorial/developmental suggestions when appropriate, in addition to reviewer feedback;  
  1. Facilitate submissions across the subdisciplines, ideally through identifying influential associate editors, working collaboratively with sections from underrepresented scholarly areas, or inviting anthropologists from different subfields to participate in special sections or forums; 
  1. Maintain author guidelines, editorial guidelines, and/or public facing documents that support the policies of AAA and the publishing partner; 
  1. Encourage wide readership and scholarly debate by indicating to publishing partner high-profile forthcoming pieces or special sections, flagging possible manuscripts for AAA communications, or suggesting media coverage outlets and stakeholder organizations that may be interested in content;  
  1. Manage a supportive and diverse editorial board and maintain regular communication virtually and in-person at the AAA annual meeting; 
  1. Oversee work of managing editor and any other editorial staff defined in budget or required for the journal’s success; 
  1. Submit an annual budget of editorial office expenses and operate within approved budget; 
  1. Report annually on prior year’s performance to AAA Executive Board;  
  1. Uphold the provisions of the signed memorandum of understanding with AAA. 

AAA’S RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  1. Oversee journal and its performance and provide necessary guidance and support to Editor-in-Chief; 
  1. Respond courteously and promptly to Editor-in-Chief’s queries; 
  1. Approve an annual budget of editorial office expenses before the commencement of the next calendar year; 
  1. Report annually on usage, impact factor, and financials of the publication to the Editor-in-Chief; 
  1. Define Editor-in-Chief appointment and any in-kind institutional support from host institution with a memorandum of understanding. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  1. Education and membership: PhD in anthropology or subfield and current member of AAA during term of editorship. 
  1. Editorial experience: Previous editorial experience, including as editor or associate editor of another journal or as editor of a book series, is preferred but not required. However, candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge of journal publishing, including familiarity with submission and peer review software, as well as strong organizational and communication skills. 
  1. Values and skills: Commitment to anthropology as a four-field discipline, with demonstrated knowledge of journal publishing and editorial processes; strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills; familiarity with social media platforms, Microsoft Office and Adobe programs, and related technology; experience managing budgets, workflows, and personnel; ability to work collaboratively with AAA and editorial staff. 
  1. Term: American Anthropologist is seeking a four-year appointment with direct responsibilities starting January 1, 2027, and concluding December 31, 2030, with an additional year serving as Incoming Editor beginning January 1, 2026. If AAA Executive Board and Editor-in-Chief mutually agree, extensions are possible.