Working at De Gruyter
For the Love of Science. As a scholarly publisher, we support researchers so they can give their best to the world, and we have been doing this successfully since 1749. Our long publishing tradition, combined with our curiosity, is the starting point for progress. We are pleased to say that we do this in an atmosphere of security since we are family-owned and proudly independent.
Annually, we publish approximately 1,300 books as well as journals, databases and other scientific products, both in print and digitally. We are also one of the major open access publishers. We are ambitious and help to create change by seizing the technological opportunities of our time. This is how we expand access to knowledge – continuously – while paying close attention to quality.
Our publishing program is found, made, produced and marketed by over 350 dedicated employees who are spread across the world in Basle, Beijing, Berlin, Boston, Munich, Vienna and Warsaw. Our content is distributed all over the world – 29 publishing areas covered by 8 imprints by people who never stop learning. Because we want to know.
Do you want to know?
An overview of our benefits
Our people give it their all every day and we appreciate this dedication by offering them excellent working conditions and attractive benefits. These benefits are slightly different at each of our seven locations since they are adapted to the cultural and legal framework in the various regions.
De Gruyter in numbers
ca. 350 Employees worldwide
22 Nationalities
ca. 1300 New publications per year
Discover De Gruyter - Employee Stories
Have a chat with Sorana Radulescu, Senior Manager Marketing Arts & Architecture in Berlin
What’s your first impression of De Gruyter?
De Gruyter drew my attention firstly because of the published content. Its professional appearance and pleasant encounters with the first contact persons delineated my first impression. Last but not least, I was thrilled by the open-minded attitude towards a lateral entrant profile, such as mine. It convinced me that my skills and strengths were appreciated.
Why do you do what you do?
I intend to generate enthusiasm for architecture and art topics.
Describe De Gruyter in 3 words!
Opportunity, reinvention, complexity.
Have a chat with Lervinia Swee, Marketing Manager APAC in Singapore
What is your responsibility at De Gruyter?
I cover the marketing for Asia-Pacific, working closely with sales team, distributors and agents to develop targeted and personalized strategies suitable for each market in the region. Getting the word out about De Gruyter and drive qualified traffic to our front door. Along the way, I get to experiment with a variety of organic and paid acquisition channels like content creation, content curation, event management, social media, lead generation campaigns, copywriting, and performance analysis.
What’s your first impression of De Gruyter
My team and line manager were not only ready for me to start but they made sure I understood that I was valued, welcomed and a significant part of the organization. The working culture is fun, people are warm, and doors are always open to anyone with questions. It was far from the stuffy European image that one would associate, especially with a brand that has 270-year legacy!
Why do you do what you do?
This profession is getting more creative and more technical at the same time. Each customer is unique. Each stakeholder has different goals. Each pushes me to use all my knowledge and skills to make an impact to drive results. It can start with a cool idea, inform it with up-to-the-minute data, and share it with the world, all without leaving my desk. I get paid to write, create, and build relationships. It’s not totally stress-free but when the job is done right, I can have fun and actually, genuinely help people at the same time.
Have a chat with Robert Forke, Acquisitions Editor in Berlin
What is your responsibility at De Gruyter?
I am an Acquisitions Editor in the field of Medieval and Early Modern Studies. I reach out to scholars in the field to discuss their research and potential options for the publication of their work. That means I have to know about current research trends, the standards and developments in the field, and also our press’ program in order to find out whether a potential publication may be a good fit and in what ways the program should grow and evolve.
What’s your first impression of De Gruyter?
I think the first and second floor of the Berlin office really represent a key feature of the company and that is its combination of tradition and innovation. On the first floor, which also houses the press archive, you will find wood-paneled walls and an atmosphere that reminds one of the early 20th century. The second floor instead, with lots of shared space and glass walls, communicates a desire to be in the now.
If you could switch a role at De Gruyter, what would it be?
I think I just wouldn’t, even if I could (at least for now). For me, what I do in this position entails a very good combination of what I’d like to do and what I am good at.
What is your responsibility at De Gruyter?
Establish and maintain professional relationship with possible publishing partners in APAC. Editorial director for DG China responsible for content development including journals, books and other products.
What’s your first impression of De Gruyter?
International but with a strict German temperament. Fascinating history with talented people from all over the world full of energetic. Embracing change and exciting things are possible.
Why do you do what you do?
I want to lead business development in my region and to contribute to the evolution of a new era for company. DG provides me this platform. I have brilliant colleagues globally, in APAC and here in China. I switch between being a team leader and a team member with an proactive and positive attitude, we will achieve what we plan to!
Have a chat with Rabea Rittgerodt, Acquisitions Editor in Berlin
What is your responsibility at De Gruyter?
I am responsible for developing the portfolio/growing our list in the area of global history, basically ranking from the 19th century until today. This includes commissioning authors/projects/cooperations in the area of social/cultural history, intellectual history, public history, African/European/Asian history, and migration studies. It also means representing De Gruyter (HIS) at conferences, talks, and webinars, while also advocating on behalf of the academic community within the company.
What’s your first impression of De Gruyter?
A traditional yet independent publisher with much experience & an excellent reputation, a global understanding of how the publishing world works and very open to new digital developments. Also very international!
If you could switch a role at De Gruyter, what would it be?
No! Please, I beg you, don’t make me take on a different role. I never want to do anything else in my life! (Although, CEO, I mean..^^)
How do you distract yourself from distractions?
Work is the only distraction I need ;)
Have a chat with Ann Varghese, Marketing Manager, Publishing Partners in Boston
What is your responsibility at De Gruyter?
I am the Marketing Manager for the Partner Program at De Gruyter. The Partner Program is a collaboration with 18 University Presses and 9 subject specific presses. A crucial part of my job is to offer individual representation for each of our partners, including the University Press Library which is the latest, sustainable business model by the Partner Program. I am responsible for marketing collateral, conference material, and online and print marketing for the partners.
What’s your first impression of De Gruyter?
Global. De Gruyter has offices all around the world including America, Germany, UK, China, and thousands of employees working remotely from the rest of the world. The best part about working for a global company is the kind of people you encounter. Your professional and personal perspectives broaden and you start to welcome foreign cultures, languages, and work ethics as your friend. You learn to slowly step out of your comfort zone.
If you could switch a role at De Gruyter, what would it be?
Nothing. The role of a marketing manager can sometimes be lethargic, sometimes chaotic, but I always welcome an unexpected challenge. Marketing can be very fluctuating depending on the trends in the market and the audience. You are constantly looking for innovative outreach programs and strategies to best reach your target audience. People don’t want another boring email about how you have the best product in the market.
What they need to know is how it benefits them?
My job always keeps me on my toes and allows me to continually think outside the box for fresh ideas.
How do you distract yourself from distractions?
Coffee. Plenty of coffee.
