Weather Co Editor-in-Chief

Weather is seeking a new Co Editor-in-Chief. Weather, published monthly since May 1946, is a full-colour, peer-reviewed journal publishing a range of articles written for a broad audience, including those having a professional and a general interest in the weather, as well as those working in related fields such as climate science, oceanography, hydrometeorology and other related atmospheric and environmental sciences. Weather is the 'house journal' of the Society, meaning that it is a free publication for our members, is one of the main membership benefits, and acts as a communication channel between the Society and its members. It is also widely read outside of our membership and has a diverse readership ranging from scientists and practitioners in both academia and industry, to students, teachers, and interested amateurs.

The Royal Meteorological Society is looking for a Co Editor-in-Chief to share the responsibilities of the role with another Co Editor-in-Chief. They will work closely with the Society, Publisher and Editorial Board to be responsible for the development and implementation of the journal’s future strategy, providing leadership to the Editorial Board, and overseeing articles through peer review and publication. In addition, they will work closely with the Society’s Head of Publishing to determine new avenues for content which will support the memberships changing demographic and the Society’s membership development plans.

This is a voluntary role and provides an opportunity to have a significant influence on the success of the journal and recognising those who contribute to the journal, which can be very rewarding.

The successful candidate will:

• Embrace a flexible and collaborative approach, working closely with the Society, Publisher and Editorial Office staff at Wiley.
• Maintain an excellent, up-to-date knowledge of meteorology, climate science and related fields.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all editorial practices.
• Ensure that the journal's policies and workflows promote inclusivity and reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.
• Foster an equitable publishing environment by actively countering biases in the peer review process and editorial decisions.

Main Responsibilities to be shared between Co Editors-in-Chief:

• Ensure ongoing processing and publication of papers that are currently in the journal’s review and production workflow, and that papers accepted for publication meet expectations for quality.
• Overseeing the review process handled by the journal’s Associate Editors.
• Planning and proof-checking issues each month.
• Work with Society and Publisher to translate outcomes from reader surveys and focus groups into short-term and long-term strategies for journal development.
• Provide leadership to the Editorial Board ensuring they are working towards a common goal, communicating regularly and encouraging existing members to share the vision around any new journal initiatives.
• Identify suitable new Editorial Board members as required to support editorial processes and provide expertise in areas important to the journal’s readers and membership. This may include individuals with specific roles, such as Feature Editors or Associate Editors.
• Support the Society’s Head of Publishing and Editorial Board members by inviting and/or suggesting suitable subjects for commissioned content which provides interest to a diverse member audience.
• Support the Society in the achievement of the annual publishing targets for the Journal and work closely with the Society’s Head of Memberships to ensure Society initiatives for membership growth are reflected in Journal content.
• Actively promote the Journal through contacts and when undertaking other professional activities – developing ideas for subject coverage which could assist expansion of an international membership.

Essential Requirements

The successful candidate must be a member of the Royal Meteorological Society and will ideally have:

• extensive knowledge of meteorology and/or climate science
• experience of reviewing peer-reviewed articles
• experience in research and publishing in academic journals, or experience working in applied meteorology
• an appreciation of different levels of understanding and interest in meteorology and climate science
• excellent communication skills
• ability to work to tight deadlines
• experience in leading teams
• ideally reads Weather each month with an avid interest

Please send your applications (cover letter and CV) to Dr Alison Brown ([email protected]).