Managing Editor
Los Angeles
External Affairs – Editorial and Publications /
Full-time /
Hybrid
ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART
As the first museum to focus exclusively on storytelling through images, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes that visual storytelling can connect us and help shape a more just society. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the Lucas Museum will explore narrative art’s potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world.
Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson and led by director and CEO Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeles’s Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museum’s 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events. www.lucasmuseum.org.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Director, Editorial & Publications, the Managing Editor is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing the production of editorial and publication materials for the museum, including in-gallery copy, exhibition ephemera, publications, and other written content. This role requires exceptional project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lead both internal teams and external contributors. The Managing Editor supports the day-to-day administration of the department, overseeing editorial calendars, budgets, and production schedules while ensuring all materials are produced to the highest standards of quality.
This position is a two-year term position.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan and implement editorial calendars and production schedules for all editorial and publication projects, including in-gallery copy, exhibition ephemera, and other publications, from initial conception to final distribution
- Assist in the concept development, editing, and production requirements of all editorial and publication output, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with the museum’s mission and branding
- Liaise with writers, translators, publishers, and distributors to manage project timelines, tender and commission materials, and prepare and negotiate necessary agreements
- Oversee the final proofreading and editing of all printed materials to ensure they meet the museum’s editorial standards
- Prepare texts and written materials for design and layout, liaising with graphic designers (both the internal Design Studio and external) to ensure materials are production-ready
- Manage the translation and editing of materials as necessary, ensuring high-quality translations and working with appropriate partners to achieve the best results
- Oversee development, design, printing, binding, shipping, and distribution processes for museum publications alongside external publishers, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met
- Establish team norms and expectations and hold regular check-ins
- Manage day-to-day operations of the Editorial & Publications department, including devising and managing project budgets and ensuring effective use of resources, and supervise largely freelance vendors but also full-time staff
- Work closely with other departments to develop written guidelines, including briefing documents for both internal and external stakeholders
- Help control future inventory, storage, sales to the museum store, and internal distribution of museum publications, as necessary
- Organize, archive, and maintain the editorial and publishing output of the museum, ensuring that all materials are easily accessible and well-documented for future reference
$84,000 - $95,000 a year
CORE COMPETENCIES
Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.
Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.
Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders.
Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.
Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of training and work experience
Minimum of five years of experience in managing, scheduling, and budgeting long-term editorial and publication projects. Proven experience overseeing both full-time and freelance contributors. Experience working within a cultural or museum context is preferred
Exceptional copyediting skills with a sharp eye for detail and accuracy
Knowledge of off- and online content strategy and creation is beneficial
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with an ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
Proactive, adaptable, and capable of working in a dynamic and evolving environment
Knowledge of Spanish and/ or another language is an advantage
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.
The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.
MISSION AND VISION
We are a museum dedicated to the art of storytelling. Through visual storytelling the Lucas Museum expands the role of art and museums for society. The Museum inspires thought provoking ideas and conversations that are relevant within and beyond geographic boundaries. Our work radiates to catalyze more connected and empathetic spaces. The art of storytelling connects us to shape a more just society.
VALUES
Our internal and external practice is shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.
PEOPLE FIRST
We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what people find meaningful, to works of art and the work of our organization.
INSPIRED
We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.
COLLABORATIVE
We believe that nimble thinking and working together yields exponential results.
BRAVE
We approach our work and learning with courage, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.
4 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
ART
Amplify the social impact of Narrative Art through an approach that bridges the academic and the popular.
COMMUNITY
Connect to a broad and diverse public by create an institution rooted in impactful, respectful, sustainable relationships.
INCLUSION
Practice diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging in all operational and programmatic aspects of our work.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Create a healthy and durable institution equipped to fulfill its vision and public mandate.
All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.
Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates’ education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).
Pursuant to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the museum requires all new hires to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical and/or religious exemption. Upon hire, all new hires will receive detailed instructions on complying with this policy. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
