Senior Editor, Publications

Overview

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 - it's 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 purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.

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

Reporting to the Director of Publications, the Senior Editor, Publications, is responsible for overseeing and implementing the planning, editing, and production of Museum publications, including large‑scale exhibition catalogues, permanent collection books, and digital publications.

Ensure timely completion of projects and maintain high standards for content, editing, design, and print‑production quality across books, catalogues, and digital publications that provide context for exhibitions and the museum’s collection, showcase the scholarship of our curators, and aim to reach a wide range of readers.

Work closely with museum curators to conceptualize book projects. Project manage the production of books and other publications as assigned, coordinating schedules and teams with Publications staff, Exhibitions, Program Management, and external partners such as book designers, authors, print production vendors, artists, foundations, and other publishing partners.

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

• By 30 days: establish understanding of key Publications projects, roles, and procedures and contribute to ongoing projects and 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 projects, taking the lead as project manager for select projects while continuing to develop a collaborative approach to projects.
• By one year: work independently and problem‑solve proactively on multiple simultaneous ongoing projects as well as those in development; take the lead in refining departmental and cross‑departmental workflows; expand knowledge of publishing and production best practices; and deepen key professional collaborations while providing mentorship to other Publications staff members.

• Plan and project‑manage select book‑length publications (both analog and digital) to successfully meet the Museum’s 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 Editor’s 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…