Museum Publication Supervisor

Position Overview

The Museum Publication Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the development, production, and distribution of all museum publications, both print and digital. This role ensures the highest editorial standards are met and that all materials align with the museum’s mission and brand. The supervisor collaborates with curators, educators, designers, and external vendors to produce exhibition catalogs, brochures, newsletters, educational materials, and other content that supports the museum’s programming and outreach efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the editorial workflow for museum publications, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating production timelines.
• Supervise and mentor publication staff, freelance writers, editors, and designers.
• Work closely with curatorial, education, and marketing teams to ensure content accuracy and consistency.
• Oversee the editing, proofreading, and fact-checking of all materials to maintain high editorial standards.
• Source and manage relationships with external vendors such as printers and graphic designers.
• Develop and monitor publication budgets, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within financial parameters.
• Contribute to the museum’s digital strategy by coordinating the production of online publications and digital content.
• Ensure all publications are accessible and inclusive, following best practices for design and language.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies or processes to improve publication quality and efficiency.
• Maintain archives of past publications and manage rights and permissions for images and texts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Art History, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in publishing, editorial management, or a related role, preferably in a museum, cultural institution, or academic setting.
• Strong editorial, writing, and proofreading skills with attention to detail.
• Experience managing publication projects from conception to completion.
• Proficiency in desktop publishing software (e.g., Adobe InDesign, Photoshop) and familiarity with digital content management systems.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of copyright, permissions, and publishing best practices.
• Interest in art, history, and museum education is a plus.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings or weekends for special events or deadlines.
• Office setting within the museum; some remote or hybrid work may be possible depending on institutional policies.
• Some lifting of print materials and travel to printing facilities or conferences may be required.