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Senior Editor, Publications
San Francisco, CAPosted 3 months ago
Full-Timehybrid
Job Description
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 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 but not limited to large-scale exhibition catalogues, permanent collection books, and digital publications.
· Ensures timely completion of projects and high standards for content, editing, design, and print-production quality across the range of materials the Publications Department produces, including 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.
· Works closely with museum curators to conceptualize book projects. Project manages the production of books and other publications as assigned, coordinating project schedules and teams including Publications staff and colleagues in Exhibitions and Program Management, as well as external teams including book designers, authors, print production vendors, artists and their representatives or estates, 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 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.
Schedule: 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 but not limited to large-scale exhibition catalogues, permanent collection books, and digital publications.
· Ensures timely completion of projects and high standards for content, editing, design, and print-production quality across the range of materials the Publications Department produces, including 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.
· Works closely with museum curators to conceptualize book projects. Project manages the production of books and other publications as assigned, coordinating project schedules and teams including Publications staff and colleagues in Exhibitions and Program Management, as well as external teams including book designers, authors, print production vendors, artists and their representatives or estates, 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 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.
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.
Job posting open date: 5/18/26
All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.
We encourage both internal and external candidates to apply within the initial open posting period as the application close date may or may not be extended beyond that initial period. Applications will not be accepted after a posting has 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 information, ancestry/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 [email protected].