Description
Job Summary:
The Editor of Museum Publications plays a critical role in maintaining the institutional voice and editorial integrity of the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA). This position ensures excellence across all public-facing communications, publications, and digital content. Collaborating with multiple departments, the Editor of Museum Publications leads the creation, review, and editing of content to align with the museum's brand guidelines and strategic vision, fostering public engagement and organizational success.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Editorial Leadership and Content Development:
In close collaboration with the executive director, write and edit original content for public speeches, presentations, and high-profile appearances across multiple channels and audience segments.
Ensure all written materials align with CMA’s brand, messaging, and style guidelines.
Edit and proofread curatorial and exhibition texts, including object labels, gallery panels, exhibition catalogues, and program brochures.
Lead editorial planning and storyline development for grant applications, newsletters, donor communications and reports, including the quarterly Experience Guide and annual Impact Report.
Lead editorial planning for publications produced by the learning and engagement department and the director’s office.
Support editorial planning and production for publications produced by the curatorial department.
Develop and oversee editorial processes for press releases (in concert with strategic communications agency of record), social media posts, member communications, program scripting, and other materials for advancement and marketing teams.
Quality Assurance and Oversight:
Provide substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading for all museum materials, ensuring clarity, consistency, and factual accuracy.
Fact-check all public-facing content, including press releases, marketing materials, and exhibition text.
Develop, implement, and enforce CMA’s editorial standards and style guide for both print and digital communications.
Project Management and Collaboration:
Coordinate editorial processes and project timelines, ensuring seamless collaboration across departments, including administration, curatorial, learning & engagement, and marketing and communications teams.
Work with the social media and marketing team to maintain and enhance CMA’s digital presence, including editing website content updates and other improvements.
Requirements
Required competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities:
BA in English, Art History, or a related field is required; MA in Art History, Museum Studies, or English is preferred.
A strong interest in the visual arts is essential.
Minimum of five years of professional editorial experience, ideally within a museum, publishing house, or related institution or publication.
Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with proficiency across audiences.
In-depth knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style and other editorial principles.
Strong aesthetic sensibilities and attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, WordPress, and PDF editing tools.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, public-facing team.
Comfort in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and tight deadlines.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
Performance Standards:
Exhibit professionalism, diplomacy, and utmost discretion in all duties.
Demonstrate efficiency, accuracy, and a proactive approach to additional responsibilities.
Be a team player who collaborates effectively with staff, artists, and others.
Maintain excellent communication and organizational skills to ensure smooth project execution.
Show evidence of continued professional development and growth.
Work Environment:
This is a full-time, in office position, working 40 hours per week, generally Monday-Friday, 9AM-5:30PM.
This position may require attendance at after-hour events, receptions.
