Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Revise Museum style guide and ensure best practices are applied thereafter; offer guidance for common grammar and editorial mistakes to Museum staff

• Copyedit all content across departments for grammar, spelling, usage, consistency, tone, accuracy, brand, and style

• Coordinate between multiple departments to ensure the successful movement and timely delivery of edited materials

• Understand and consistently reflect the brand voice of the Museum in editing and writing style. Distill complex ideas into clear and effective brand communications

• Keep abreast of trends in content and style reflected on public platforms and across social media channels

• Draft, edit, and proof press releases and media alerts. Assist in responses to press outlets for forward-facing Museum staff

• Edit remarks for the Director’s Office around special events and programs

• Working closely with curatorial staff, participate in the editing and revision of exhibition didactics and other gallery text and signage

• Assist the Digital Communications Manager in keeping web copy up-to-date and constant across multiple pages on the Museum website

• Manage the online version of Studio and lead in generating a department editorial calendar

• Manage the Communications Intern

Key Stakeholders (who this position will interact with regularly):

• Internal: The Communications Editor will work across multiple departments at the Museum, including but not limited to Education, Development, Curatorial, Public Programs, and the Director’s Office.

• External: Contributing writers and designers to Museum publications and Studio magazine. Contractors producing various media assets.

Education/Qualifications & Work Experience

Required (items listed as “required” MUST be met for a candidate to qualify for this role):

• 3–5+ years of copyeditor experience in an editorial role, preferably at a cultural institution

• BA Degree or higher in Communications, English, Art History or similar concentrations

• Proficiency with applying the principles of style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style and The Elements of Style, to different types of writing

• Outstanding writing, proofreading, and grammatical skills

• Great attention to detail; the ability to turn around clean, concise, and error-free copy quickly

• Demonstrated experience in project management

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud

• An interest in contemporary art

Desirable:

• Knowledge of HTML

• Capability and fluency with digital media (social networks, video channels)

• Fluency in Spanish and other foreign languages

• Strong background in contemporary art by artists of African descent

Competencies (Key Behaviors & Essential Abilities)

Required (items listed as “required” MUST be met for a candidate to qualify for this role):

• Commitment (Core Value) - to the mission and values of Studio Museum in Harlem.

• Collaborative (Core Value) – works well with others at all levels of the organization as well as with key external stakeholders

• Initiative (Core Value) - takes self-directed, appropriate action to influence outcomes and / or drive progress and positive change.

Salary

Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit. The Studio Museum in Harlem provides a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.