International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics
Editor-in-Chief required
Deadline 22 July 2026
About the role
International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics is seeking an Editor-in-Chief.
We welcome applications from academics with a strong track record in a related Sport discipline.
This is an excellent opportunity for leaders who will shape the journal’s editorial vision, drive the growth of high-quality submissions, and champion excellence within the research community.
In this role, you will:
- lead a group of supporting Editors
- make final editorial decisions on acceptance, revision, or rejection of submitted manuscripts
- direct the peer-review process, ensuring rigorous, fair, transparent, and timely evaluations
- lead and expand the wider Editorial team and Editorial Board, recruiting diverse experts to support emerging research areas
- set the strategic vision in partnership with the Publisher to increase citations, impact, and high-quality submissions
- commission high-impact content, including themed collections, expert perspectives, and review articles
- uphold research integrity, addressing ethical issues in line with COPE guidelines
- act as the public face of the journal at international conferences and within the academic community
Stepping into an editor role is a fulfilling journey that enables you to shape the future of your discipline. You will advance the latest research in your field, expand your professional network, and be recognized as a leading figure in the community.
The role offers:
- annual honorarium
- free access to 100 articles on tandfonline.com
- 30% discount on books at routledge.com
- access to Taylor & Francis editorial resources and training
- formal recognition on the journal’s Editorial Board page
The appointment will start from 1 September 2026. This appointment may be available as a dual Editor-in-Chief role. Depending on the outcome of this recruitment process, me may also be recruiting an additional supporting Editor role(s), and so encourage applications if you may also be interested in a supporting Editor role.
About the journal
The International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics has three inter-related aims:
- to stimulate scholarly debate about the role, significance and impact of public policy and contemporary politics on sport
- to encourage critical analysis of sport policy, the sport policy process and sport politics
- to publish articles that are theoretically rigorous and of interest to both scholars and practitioners
The International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics publishes articles that address all aspects of sport policy and politics irrespective of academic discipline. The Editorial Board is especially keen to encourage the submission of articles that relate to one or more of the following seven broad themes:
- theoretical contributions to analyses of the policy process for sport
- the development of robust, evidence-based empirical research on the impact of sport policy
- analyses of the political significance of sport and the significance of sport as a political resource
- the role and influence of national and sub-national government in relation to sport policy
- the significance of government, for example as regulator, resource provider and competitor, for the operation of the commercial, semi-commercial and not-for-profit sectors
- the role and significance of transnational government organisations and NGOs as political and policy actors and their impact on the international and domestic policy process for sport
Key Skills and Attributes
We seek candidates who demonstrate:
Editorial Excellence & Leadership
- recognized thought leadership and a strong professional reputation within your academic discipline
- ability to lead and energize the wider Editorial team and Editorial Board, including organizing and chairing meetings
- proven experience in academic publishing across the full editorial lifecycle
- expertise for attracting and commissioning high-impact submissions
- a clear vision and enthusiasm for the journal’s ongoing development
- skill in reading, synthesizing, and making sound editorial decisions based on reviewer reports
Operational Proficiency
- ability to commit time each week to the role and to undertake training as needed
- a track record of managing submitted manuscripts promptly, consistently, and professionally
- proficiency with online peer-review management systems, with the confidence to guide and support the editorial team in their use
- proactive engagement with Taylor & Francis staff and suppliers to implement processes and drive improvements
- knowledge of, and commitment to, the open access publishing environment
Integrity & Excellence
- experience collaborating effectively with independent peer reviewers
- consistently prompt, professional communication with authors throughout the peer-review process
- uncompromising ethical standards; knowledge of COPE guidelines and a commitment to always uphold them
- active growth of academic networks through conference participation and professional use of social media
Application instructions
Applications should include your CV, a Cover Letter and a Vision Statement.
Your Vision Statement should be no longer than 500 words and include how you would:
- structure and lead the wider Editorial team and editorial board, and set priorities for the journal’s content
- successfully manage the increasing number of submissions to the journal
- maintain high ethical standards and ensure compliance with Editorial policies
- direct the editorial vision and scope of the journal in collaboration with the publisher
- act as an ambassador for the journal at academic conferences and on social media
- drive sustainable and timely high-quality submissions, through commissioning and content development, in collaboration with the publisher
- work with the publisher to appoint additional Editorial and Editorial Board member
Early application is encouraged. For any questions, please contact Alejandra Black ([email protected]).
Apply for the role by filling in our formJournal pledge
The journal is committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion within its editorial team and decision making processes. All applications will be treated as strictly confidential, and each will be judged on its merits without bias for seniority of institutional affiliation. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or protected veteran status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics.
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