The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is currently seeking nominations for candidates to fill three upcoming vacancies for editor-in-chief positions, with service starting January 1, 2024.

ASHA Journals is seeking editors-in-chief for the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (AJSLP); the Hearing section of the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research (JSLHR); and Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. Read on to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the position and what makes a great editor-in-chief.

What Does an Editor-in-Chief Do?

The editor-in-chief—or EIC—plays a key role in ensuring continued excellence in editorial performance and peer review for a journal. Over a term typically spanning 3 years, the EIC actively leads the journal’s editorial board, a body of committed volunteers called on to handle and render decisions on submitted manuscripts. This includes appointing new editors as needed each year and assembling the final roster of editorial board members.

The EIC brings a breadth of knowledge and expertise across the scope of the journal and brings to their role substantial knowledge of peer review and scholarly publishing practices. In working with their editors and editorial board, and through regular communication with authors and potential authors, the EIC is well-attuned to current research needs in the discipline. EICs for the ASHA journals—individually and in collaboration with each other—are deeply involved in efforts to strengthen the evidence base and maximize the impact of research in communications sciences and disorders.

This role offers an opportunity to help chart the strategic direction of the ASHA Journals Program. EICs are voting members of the ASHA Journals Board, which is charged with monitoring the performance of each journal, assessing their evolving needs amid a constantly changing scholarly publishing landscape, and helping to achieve strategic objectives for the journals and for the Association.

Are You a Future EIC?

The ideal EIC is an ambassador for their journal, working within—and extending their professional network to raise awareness of—the journal and of its strategic priorities. Service typically involves a 3-year term, with an honorarium of $5,000 provided each year to help recognize and support the EIC’s commitment. EICs are expected to attend regularly scheduled ASHA Journals Board meetings throughout the course of each year (virtually at present or hybrid in the future).

For a more detailed overview of the qualifications as well as the roles and responsibilities of this position and of others on editorial boards for the ASHA journals, please consult the ASHA Journals Academy.

About the Journals

The American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (AJSLP) covers the broad field of clinical speech-language pathology. Read more about the mission and scope of AJSLP.

The Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research (JSLHR) has three editors-in-chief (EICs), with one EIC each specializing in speech, language, or hearing. The forthcoming EIC position is for the Hearing section of the journal. Read more about the mission and scope of JSLHR.

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups (abbreviated to Perspectives) is ASHA’s newest scholarly review journal, primarily envisioned as a bridge between research and practice. Four EICs serve on Perspectives, with the upcoming position to cover the following areas of focus: neurogenic communication disorders, voice and upper airway disorders, swallowing and swallowing disorders (dysphagia), gerontology, and speech science. Read more about the aims and scope of Perspectives.

How to Apply

The application period for these positions is now open. If interested, please submit an online application and include your most recent CV and a brief (two- to three-paragraph) vision statement for the journal by April 25, 11:59 p.m., EST.

The ASHA Journals Board will review all applications that are submitted by the April 25 deadline and will make their decisions in May 2023.

Thank you for your interest. If you have any questions or need further information, please email Mike Cannon, Senior Director of Serial Publications and Editorial Services, at mcannon@asha.org.