Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, part of the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, seeks a Head of Publications. Founded in 1881, the Kemper Art Museum is a nationally accredited university art museum that serves as a center of cultural and intellectual life on campus and in St. Louis. With some 8,700 artworks in its collection, the Museum has especially strong holdings in 19th-, 20th-, and 21st-century American and European art and a growing collection of global art. Its mission is to collect significant modern and contemporary art and preserve its collection for current and future generations; provide excellence in art historical research, exhibition, and object-based learning; and engage the campus population, its visitors and alumni, the St. Louis region, and the global art community.

The Head of Publications is a senior position that provides the strategic vision for the department of Museum Publications including developing and realizing initiatives in art historical scholarship, interdisciplinarity and educational access. This role is responsible for the development, management, and implementation of Museum publications in support of the mission of the Museum. The Head of Publications works with curatorial staff and outside contributors to produce scholarly publications in conjunction with the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and related programs. The Head of Publications establishes, promotes, and ensures standards of excellence in all printed materials related to museum communication. They also write and edit government and foundation grants as well as institutional documents. This position plays a key role in the formation and implementation of short and long-range institutional goals. The successful candidate will bring in-depth expertise with museum publications and a demonstrated interest in advancing scholarship and the educational mission of university museums. Oversees the departments of Publications and Marketing & Communications, supervises the Production Editor and Manager of Marketing & Communications.

Job Description

• Acts as project manager and editor for all exhibition catalogs and other scholarly museum publications, at least one major book per year.
• Edits and manages all print materials representing the Museum, including exhibition and permanent collection didactics, marketing and promotion materials, and institutional documents. The Museum presents at least four exhibitions and two permanent collection rotations per year.
• Oversees the marketing department comprised two full time marketing staff. Oversees Marketing and Communications materials to ensure they adhere with museum standards and voice.
• Writes and edits local, national, and international grant applications to foundations, corporations, and federal agencies; contributes to documents in support of University Advancement fundraising efforts including annual progress reports.
• Oversees and plans publications budgets and develops and implements production schedules; negotiates scholarly exhibition catalogue and book contracts with authors, publishers, distributors, designers, and freelance editors.
• Edits, manages, and collaborates with faculty and senior administrators on the development and implementation of Sam Fox School/ Museum publications including annual and fundraising reports.
• Provides administrative leadership in relation to national accreditation and coordinates department job searches.
• Strengthens networking partnerships with peer editors, publishers, and university museums.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

​Working Conditions

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Normal office environment

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at desk or table.
• Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement.

Equipment

• Office equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Publications Editing, Writing, Production Or A Related Field (3 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications

• The Head of Museum Publications should posses diplomacy in working with others, including university faculty and administration and outside scholars and professionals.
• Familiarity with museum professional standards and Chicago Manual of Style guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree, PhD or terminal degree or combination of education and experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

Managing Complex Publications Projects For External Audiences (7 Years)

Skills:

Administrative Process, Chicago Manual of Style, Communication, Copy Editing, Editing Process, Interpersonal Communication, Leadership, Leadership Management, Publishing, Supervision, Writing

Grade

G12

Salary Range

$58,400.00 - $99,700.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.