Senior Editor, Publications

San Francisco, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 10 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever these connections matter and are aligned with our values.

Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.

Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - its a way of life.

Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure always ready to explore new perspectives.

Empathic: We aim to act like a person not an institution.

SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore support and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think view the world and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy nurtures a sense of belonging and purposewhere difference is seen as a strength and every one is appreciated for their whole self.

Schedule: Full Time 35 hours/week at least three days working onsite

Reporting to the Director of Publications theSeniorEditor Publicationsis responsible foroverseeing and implementing the planning editing and production of Museum publications including but not limited to large-scale exhibition catalogues permanent collection booksanddigital publications.

Ensurestimely completionof projectsandhigh standards for content editing design and print-production quality across the range of materials the Publications Department producesincluding books catalogues and digital publications that provide context for exhibitions and the museums collection showcase the scholarship of our curators and aim to reach a wide range of readers.

Works closely with museum curators to conceptualizebook managesthe production ofbooks and other publicationsas assignedcoordinating project schedules and teams including Publications staff and colleagues in Exhibitions andProgramManagement as well as external teamsincluding book designers authors print production vendorsartistsand their representatives or estates foundations and other publishing partners.

In the first year of work in this position key milestones will be:

By30 days:establishunderstanding of key Publications projects roles and procedures and contribute to ongoing projectsand to the planning of future projects; begin developing departmental cross-departmental and cross-divisional relationships necessary for collaborative work.

By the first quarter: contribute to an increased number scale and variety of projectstaking the lead as project manager for select projectswhile continuing to developcollaborativeapproach to projects.

By one year: workindependently and problem-solve proactively on multiple simultaneousongoing projects as well as those in development;take the lead inrefining departmental and cross-departmental workflows;expand knowledge of publishing and production best practices; and deepen key professional collaborationswhile providing mentorship to other Publications staff members.

Responsibilities & Duties

Plan and project-manage select book-length publications (both analog and digital) to successfully meet the Museums schedule budget quality and content requirements.
Coordinate with curators guest authors graphic designers production managers editors photographers printers and vendors; oversee the work of and ensure clear communication with contributors throughout the project.
Solicit bids and prepare contracts for freelance contributors.
Develop and maintain schedules. Develop detailed publication budgets manage expenses and maintain accurate records of all transactions.
Write promotional texts distribution bid proposals and assorted other materials necessary to secure and fulfill co-publishing/distribution agreements for titles in the Senior Editors purview.
Support Publications staff assigned to obtain reproductions and permissions for inclusion in museum publications helping arrange photo shoots both on- and off-site trafficking digital scans and transparencies compiling related paperwork and processing invoices for projects in the Senior Editors purview.
Check page proofs bluelines (or digital equivalent) and jacket proofs for correctness and compliance with design printing and binding specifications collaborating with Publications staff and trafficking these materials among other team members or outside partners as necessary and obtaining approvals in a timely fashion.
On all of the above and a variety of other projects edit for readability and style write and rewrite as necessary help maintain the Museums standards of for content editing design and print-production quality.
Supervise the work of any Publications staff assigned to the Senior Editors projects.

Qualifications & Skills

Bachelorsdegree in English journalism or related subject with major course work in art history (including twentieth-century art) desirable. Masters degree in a relevant field preferred.
Minimum of seven(7)years of related experience with at least fiveyearsediting and managing the production of complex illustrated books or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Previouscopyediting proofreading and publications-specific project management experiencerequired.
Demonstrated history of bringing complex projects to successful completion.
Strong organizational editorial and production skills.
Experience with an emphasisin attention todetail editorial consistency and accuracy infactual information spelling and grammar.
Working knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style.
Familiarity with twentieth-century art history and art terminology.
Proven competence as a publishing project manager with ability to set prioritiesmaintainbudgets and meet stringent deadlines for multiple simultaneous projects.
Proven ability to deal effectively and tactfully with writers Museum staff freelancers and vendors while undertaking a variety of simultaneous projects.
Understanding ofdesign pre-press and international manufacturing processes for illustrated books and experiencesolicitingand interpreting manufacturing estimates and negotiating terms.
Project management and leadership skills and the ability to create a positive and productive team environment.
Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of colleagues collaborators and vendors both inside and outside the with color management including imaging standards colorseparationand image proofing for complex art book projects.

$90000 - $95000 a year

Job posting open date:1/27/26

All jobs posted will remain open for at leastfivebusiness days.

We encourage both internal and external candidates to apply within theinitialopen posting period as the application close date may or may not be extended beyond will not be accepted afterapostinghas been closed.

Location: San Francisco 151 3rd Street.

Benefits: PTO Medical Dental Vision Flexible Spending Accounts Pet Insurance Life and AD&D Coverage Disability Insurance Mental Health and Wellness Benefits Discount Programs Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan SFMOMA Membership and more

At SFMOMA we do not believe that any applicant can or should meet every qualification listed in a job posting. We are committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and professional paths who are inspired to join a mission-driven community-oriented organization grounded in inclusivity passion bravery and empathy.

If this describes you we encourage you to apply.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity equity inclusion and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race color religion gender gender identity age genetic informationancestry/national origin marital status disability medical condition HIV status sexual orientation veteran/military status and any other category protected by federal of state law.

You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.

You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at emailprotected.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.

Required Experience:

Senior IC