Editor, IS-1082-09

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

16d•$70,623 - $82,396•Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art is seeking a keen-eyed and thorough Editor to join the Editorial Team embedded within our Brand Engagement and Communications Department. This role will support ensuring quality, consistency, accuracy, and sensitivity across all printed and digital text produced by the museum. This includes publications (both print and digital), in-gallery text, web copy, blog posts, signage, newsletters, brochures, flyers, advertisements, reports, internal communications, and digital media projects. The Editor will also work closely as part of core teams of stakeholders to develop and maintain platform- and project-specific voice and style guidelines. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and curious. They will be confident translating complex information (including academic research material) into clear and inviting copy for a variety of audiences, balancing cultural and political sensitivities, conducting independent research as needed, and reconciling the priorities of different stakeholders. They will be a team player who excels in a deadline-driven, collaborative team environment and who enjoys the challenge of working on multiple projects simultaneously.

Requirements

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the IS/GS-07 level in the Federal service, or comparable experience, that demonstrates the ability to perform the work of the position. Specialized experience includes experience assisting with editorial processes, such as reviewing manuscripts or written materials for grammar, clarity, style, consistency, and accuracy; proofreading or copyediting publications, reports, web content, or other written materials; coordinating editorial workflows, deadlines, or author/reviewer communications; preparing or maintaining publication files; and supporting production of print or digital content.
Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree, or a master’s or equivalent graduate degree, in a field related to the position, such as English, journalism, communications, publishing, art history, museum studies, humanities, or another field that provided the writing, editing, research, and communication skills needed to perform the work.
Exceptional English-language writing and editing skills, including a strong grasp of style and grammar
Fluency with the principles of editing and proofreading, including proofreader’s marks, commenting, and track changes functions
Understanding of the different types of editorial work (e.g. copyediting, content editing, proofreading, etc.)
Familiarity with Chicago Manual of Style standards
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
Attention to detail
Strong research skills
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
Ability to interact with stakeholders tactfully, persuasively, and productively
Ability to respond to constructive criticism and incorporate feedback
Professional demeanor and collegiality

Nice To Haves

Experience editing art historical content, whether through formal education or professional experience
Experience working for a large non-profit organization and/or in the cultural sector
General understanding of AP and MLA style standards
Familiarity with accessibility best practices
Familiarity with collaborative task management software (i.e. Asana, Trello, Basecamp)
Passion for art and culture, particularly as related to the collections of the National Museum of Asian Art
Reading and writing proficiency in one or more foreign languages

Responsibilities

Reviewing, proof-reading, and/or substantively editing all written content in support of the museum’s various activities and initiatives
Conducting subject matter research as needed to ensure error-free content
Identifying opportunities to adjust existing content for different platforms, formats, and audiences as needed
Developing and maintaining institutional and project-specific style guides
Other duties as assigned
Work closely with other editors, writers, designers, content strategists, curators, and other key stakeholders around the museum
Contribute to establishing and maintaining guidelines to promote consistency and coherence across all of our printed and digital content
Identify opportunities for content improvements
Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues across the NMAA and at central Smithsonian
Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices in editing and museum interpretation