Editor

The Whitney Museum of American Art is seeking a full-time Editor to join its Publications Department. Reporting to the Director of Publications, the incumbent is responsible for printed and digital exhibition catalogues, books, and essays as well as exhibition graphics and selected exhibition-related ephemera. The Editor works closely with curators, artists, authors, and colleagues across the institution and serves as a key member of the Publications Department. The editor plays an essential role in advancing the scholarship of the institution and supporting the work of artists.

Responsibilities

Manage and edit approximately two to three exhibition catalogues per year, overseeing the project from manuscript to final files
Edit exhibition graphics for approximately six exhibitions per year
Edit online essays
Edit selected exhibition-related ephemera
Liaise with freelance production managers, editors, and designers
Provide tutorials to colleagues for assembling backup for footnotes, chronologies, bibliographies, and exhibition histories
Perform research and verify information
Work with editorial colleagues and the Director of Publications to set the editorial style for the institution
Field editorial questions from colleagues
Review sales materials for the Whitney's trade publishing partner if requested by the Director of Publications
Assist editorial colleagues as needed
Create and send author contracts if requested by the Director of Publications
Serve on institutional committees if requested by the Director of Publications
Attend press checks if requested by the Director of Publications
Represent the Whitney at selected industry events and conferences

Requirements

BA in English or Art History
Minimum of eight years of experience managing and editing illustrated scholarly publications
Excellent project management skills
Thorough understanding of all phases of book production
Knowledge of and interest in modern and contemporary American art
Adept at proofreading, fact-checking, and rewriting
Meticulous attention to detail
Knowledge of the seventeenth edition of the Chicago Manual of Style
Ability to excel under extreme deadline pressure
Diplomacy, collegiality, and the ability to work well as part of a team
Excellent communication skills
Understanding of rights and reproductions
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe programs
Familiarity with TMS (The Museum System) preferred
Foreign language a plus (Spanish strongly preferred)