Assistant Editor II, Interpretation

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. Schedule : Full Time, 35 hours / week, at least three days working onsiteReporting to the Manager of Interpretation, the Assistant Editor II, Interpretation, edits and project manages in-gallery interpretive texts and object labels for collection rotations and other small-scale exhibitions, as well as digital content on the museum’s collection. This role requires creative and critical thinking combined with strong editing skills and an understanding of how to manage projects to deliver interpretive text that centers the museum’s audience and meets department goals. The Assistant Editor II plays a crucial role in shaping and enhancing visitor experience by supporting the production of compelling, accurate, and engaging in-gallery texts. They bolster the Interpretation team's efforts to provide context for exhibitions and the museum’s collection, showcase the scholarship of our curators, and aim to reach a wide range of readers.This position represents Interpretation at interdepartmental project meetings and works closely with other Interpretation staff as well as curators, graphic designers, and colleagues in Exhibitions and Project Management to ensure that institutional standards for content, editing, and design are maintained within in-gallery materials. The Assistant Editor II develops and circulates schedules as assigned and ensures that the signage process, from editing through production, stays on track. They troubleshoot and implement solutions in consultation with other Interpretation staff and colleagues in the Design Studio and Exhibition and Project Management as needed.In the first year of work in this position, key milestones will be : o By 30 days : establish understanding of key Interpretation / interpretive text projects, roles, and procedures and contribute to projects as assigned; begin developing departmental, cross-departmental, and cross-divisional relationships necessary for collaborative work. o By the first quarter : contribute to an increased number, scale, and variety of projects with increased project-management responsibility while continuing to develop collaborative approach to projects. o By one year : demonstrate increasing acumen with editorial and project-management skills, including increased ability to work independently and problem-solve proactively on multiple simultaneous projects; contribute to refining departmental and cross-departmental workflows; and deepen key professional collaborations.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Undertake the editing of in-gallery interpretive materials as assigned, and with primary responsibility in the department for managing collection rotations. This includes brochures, handouts, text panels, object labels, and interactive media. Schedule, copyedit, and proofread manuscript and galleys.
• Undertake the development, editing, and proofreading of interpretive text content to be published via various digital platforms.
• Assume primary responsibility for maintaining house editorial style guide and other guidelines, coordinating annual updates with staff in Publications, Curatorial, Conservation, and Collections Information and Access.
• Provide a wide range of production and editorial support for gallery text and signage for collection rotations and / or exhibitions, helping department managers to meet schedule, budget, quality, and content requirements.
• Obtain reproductions and permissions for inclusion in museum interpretive and didactic displays : researching and contacting copyright holders and image providers, maintaining related spreadsheets and paperwork, and processing invoices.
• Working within established editorial and production schedules, help coordinate the work of contractors hired to work on a given project, including designers, editors, translators, and other consultants.
• Provide editorial support by fact-checking and formatting texts, proofreading texts in layout, ensuring alignment with interpretive information hierarchies, and other duties as assigned.
• Package and prepare texts, images, and other relevant materials for accessibility partners, supporting the creation and formatting of visual descriptions for gallery content.
• Organize the routing of materials for approval as necessary, alerting appropriate staff members and obtaining approvals in a timely fashion.
• Obtain final design files, create master archive and set of PDFs for each exhibition. Extract and reformat text from files as needed.
• Participate in interpretive planning discussions for projects as assigned, ensuring cohesion across modes of interpretation and multimedia in-gallery affordances.
• Provide general organizational and administrative support for the gallery signage workflows as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

an hour$ (starting); $ (position)This is a union position subject to the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Job posting open date :  8 / 20 / 25All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.