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 arts 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 Angeless Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museums 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

The Director, Editorial and Publications (DEP) will set and implement the strategic direction of the Lucas Museums publications program, aligning it with the museums mission, vision, and values. Working across printed and digital formats, this position directs the planning, preparation, production, and publication of the museums books, catalogues, exhibition materials, and other educational and interpretive content, in addition to collaborating cross-departmentally on other editorial content. The role combines oversight and development of the overall publishing program with the coordination and project management of individual publications. The DEP actively sources and initiates discussions with publishers and distributors for museum publications and represents the museum nationally and internationally in such endeavors.

Collaborating with internal teams in curatorial, communications and marketing, development, learning and engagement, social impact, retail, special events, and design, the DEP will also provide a framework for consistency and excellence across all museum written materials, serving as the central editorial eyes to ensure museum-created content is consistent, true to the museums brand, voice, messaging, and style guides, and conforms to the highest editorial standards. The DEP partners with departments across the museum to develop a strategic approach to editorial content that serves a wide range of audience needs.

The DEP supervises a staff that manages the museums publications and editorial initiatives as well as image rights and reproductions for the institution. The DEP contributes to museum-wide planning processes and a variety of initiatives that achieve the museums strategic objectives.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of External Affairs, the Director, Editorial and Publications serves as a key strategic thought partner who works closely with museum colleagues and external collaborators to assess goals and requirements of all editorial content, establishes budgets and schedules, and monitors and coordinates progress from concept through writing and production phases. The DEP identifies, coordinates, and directs independent contractors and vendors, including designers, printers, photographers, editors, copyeditors, writers, and translators to ensure that books and other printed and digital materials meet the museums scholarly, inclusive, and aesthetic standards, and that production/delivery schedules remain on track and within budget parameters.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Publications

• Oversees all phases of conceptualization, editing, image procurement, and production for all museum catalogs and publications
• Works closely with the Chief Curator and Deputy Director of Curatorial and Collections, the Deputy Director of Programs and Impact, and the Deputy Director of External Affairs, as well as other internal and external constituents, as appropriate, on the development of the long- and short- term publication strategy and concept and development for each publication
• Establishes and oversees budgets and timelines for each publication, working in close collaboration with the Deputy Director of External Affairs
• Negotiates and manages contracts for publications with authors, editors, designers, printers, and others, as needed
• Works closely with internal staff, internal and external designers, as well as with publishers, authors, and printers on museum publications
• Oversees research and procurement of photographs and rights and reproduction matters related to publications
• Edits, copyedits, and proofreads manuscripts
• Manages design, printing, binding, shipping, and distribution of publications
• Researches and maintains relationships with appropriate publishers, printers, designers, suppliers, and others relevant to publication needs
• Works with communications and marketing team to identify opportunities to amplify publications and content created for publications through other museum channels and initiatives
• Oversees inventory, storage, sales to museum store, and internal distribution of museum publications
• Creates strategies for national and international book distribution and promotion
• Serves as the public face of the museums publications program. Actively promotes the museums publications in public contexts such as books fairs and book launches. Maintains an active presence in the field of museum publishing in order to advance the reputation of the Lucas Museums publications.

Editorial

• Oversees editing processes for the museums printed and digital materials
• Serves as the museums central editorial eyes to ensure museum-created content is consistent, true to the museums brand, voice, messaging, and style guides, and conforms to the highest editorial standards
• Provides substantive editing, copyediting, fact-checking, and proofreading for a range of museum produced materials
• Oversees multilingual translation and editing of materials as needed, and works with internal and external translators and editors to ensure the best translations are used
• Works closely with communications and marketing, learning and engagement, and social impact teams to think strategically about the production of editorial content
• Works with internal departments to gather research, data analytics, and audience insight on the museums written materials to adapt editorial voice to respond to and better serve the museums diverse audiences
• Achieves the highest technical quality possible for each project within budget and time constraints
• Ensures smooth, collegial, and efficient communication and workflow between the editorial team and other museum departments
• With the Director of Communications and Marketing, updates and maintains museum style guides as needed

Rights and Reproductions

• Oversees rights and reproduction matters for the museum as a whole, including the supervision of rights and reproduction staff specialists
• Provides colleagues with guidance on securing image assets and rights, including image preparation, logging, clearance, naming, and sizing
• With team, performs image research and secures image assets and rights for selected projects
• Manages the team who responds to all correspondence related to intellectual property rights and reproductions and copyright approval
• In partnership with museum colleagues, collaborates on the development and maintenance of a rights data management system based on The Museum System (TMS) and the museums Digital Asset Management system (DAMS);
• Oversees the development and documentation of best practices to protect the museum from liability and maintain expertise in copyright law
• Guides the museum on copyright basics and standards across the institution, consulting with legal counsel on issues that require escalation

Staff and Team Management

• Recruits and manages a diverse and excellent team to support the development and execution of the publications and editorial plan
• Promotes a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality
• Mentors and develops staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis
• Establishes and monitors staff performance and development goals, assigns accountabilities, sets objectives, establishes priorities, and conducts annual performance reviews

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Writing and Reporting - Writes clearly, succinctly, and correctly; writes convincingly in an engaging and expressive manner; avoids the unnecessary use of jargon or complicated language; writes in a well-structured and logical way; structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the intended audience; writes for inclusion and considers how to produce materials for diverse audiences
• Planning and Organizing - Sets clearly defined objectives; plans activities and projects well in advance and takes account of possible changing circumstances; manages time effectively; identifies and organizes resources needed to accomplish tasks; monitors performance against deadlines and milestones; strong project management knowledge and skills

• Leading and Supervising - Highly effective communication and collaboration skills; provides others with a clear direction; sets appropriate standards of behavior delegates work appropriately and fairly; motivates and empowers others; provides staff with development opportunities and coaching; recruits staff of a high caliber; builds team among direct reports and colleagues; effective relationship management skills to build and sustain publisher relationships; ability to work cooperatively across departments and with a range of personalities and individuals; strong project management knowledge and skills

• Deciding and Initiating Action - Makes prompt, clear decisions which may involve tough choices or considered risks; takes responsibility for actions, projects and people; takes initiative, acts with confidence, and works under own direction; initiates and generates activity
• Relating and Networking - Establishes good relationships with stakeholders and staff; builds wide and effective networks of contacts inside and outside the organization; relates well to people at all levels; manages conflict

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree required, Masters degree strongly preferred, ideally in art, art history, English, or a related field
• Minimum five (5) years of experience working with major publishers as well as editors, designers, printers, and other vendors relevant for publication needs
• Minimum five (5) years of experience editing and overseeing production of a wide range of museum publications, brochures, and single- and multi- author catalogs
• Proven ability to perform all aspects of the editorial process independently and manage complex projects

• Knowledge of museum and trade publications fields
• Excellent knowledge of copyright regulations and policies
• Knowledge of relevant intellectual property issues
• Knowledge of and experience with scholarly editorial protocols
• Experience reviewing graphic design and typography in layout
• Experience in online publishing
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook; along with electronic editing using pdfs
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and experience in digital publications and publishing art-related content online

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 talented 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 Arts 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.