Presentation of the division
The Preservation and Digital Division is one of MCA’s four divisions. The purpose of the Curatorial and Digital Division is to initiate, develop and provide the presentation and care of works of art and the ideas they generate, respecting the centrality of artists and art. in these processes. Members of the Curatorial and Digital Division collaborate to design, research, and deliver all MCA exhibitions, offsite projects, commissions, presentations, exhibition and collection publications, and digital programs, as well as to care for, maintain and developing the collection that is at the heart of MCA’s offering. Within Curatorial and Digital, there are four groups: Collections and Exhibitions Management, Curatorial, Publications and Digital.
Job Overview
Reporting to and working closely with the Director, Curatorial and Digital, the Editor-in-Chief (Head of Publications) plays an important role in contributing to and supporting MCA’s intellectual and creative leadership. The Senior Editor (Publications Manager) leads the development, planning and delivery of the MCA’s publications program and works with the Director, Curator and Digital and Senior Curators to ensure its full integration into the Museum’s arts programs.
The Editor-in-Chief (Head of Publications) manages publishing budgets and a direct report.
Direct Reports: Editor (Publications Coordinator).
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Play a role in the senior team within the curatorial and digital division.
- Work with the MCA Director and Director, Conservatory and Digital and other colleagues in the development of MCA publishing strategy and policy – online, in gallery and in print.
- Contribute to the development and planning of preservation and digital programs, including the development of annual publishing plans for the MCA.
- Take the lead in developing and implementing MCA’s publications program, including:
- manage production schedules and implementation of all aspects of the publications program, including briefing, commissioning editorial content, design, editing, proofing, print production, copyright clearance authorship, negotiating publication partnerships, distribution agreements, and contributing to the marketing and promotion of publications
- ensure that all MCA publications are produced on time and within budget and that all necessary approvals are obtained
- ensure that all MCA publications, including online texts, meet the highest standards of scholarship and reach both an academic and general market
- edit and supervise others in the production of interpretative and critical material related to the artistic program, including exhibition labels and texts
- collaborate with colleagues in digital media, marketing and design to ensure exhibitions are communicated and promoted appropriately in print and online
- collaborate with colleagues in the field of sponsorship and philanthropy to raise funds for the publications program
- work with the finance team and MCA Retail Manager to establish business cases for all publications
- manage relationships with contributors and publishing partners
- ensure that all legal filings are made in a timely manner
- ensure proper evaluation and documentation of publication projects once they are completed
- ensure that MCA publications are listed for all appropriate prizes and awards.
- Write for a popular and scholarly readership if necessary.
- Identify and manage opportunities to syndicate content, cross-promote with other entities, and provide content to partner organizations’ websites.
- Manage publishing budgets.
Main selection criteria
Essential criteria
Candidates must be able to demonstrate that they have:
- comprehensive experience in the Australian publishing industry, including knowledge of creative and printing processes
- experience in online editorial environment related to arts, culture or education
- a thorough understanding of Australian copyright law and practice
- proven ability to successfully manage all stages of the publication process, from the initial concept phase through to commissioning, publishing, marketing, promotion and distribution of the publication
- excellent research, writing and editing skills, including producing texts for a wide range of audiences, as well as writing, editing and proofreading
- experience in motivating and managing staff to meet agreed deadlines and manage budgets
- a commitment to the Museum’s goal of promoting the work of living artists to a wide audience through the imaginative and creative publication and interpretation of contemporary works
- higher education degrees in a relevant field.
COVID-19 vaccination requirements
Please note that it is currently required under MCA’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy that all employees be fully vaccinated. You will need to provide proof of your COVID-19 vaccination if you are successful. Please note that full vaccination under current NSW government guidelines means two doses of COVID-19 vaccine for adults and any future approved vaccination boosters. The MCA continues to review this policy regularly and may change the vaccination mandate requirements in the future.
Apps
To learn more about working with the MCA and how to apply, please visit our website.
Working for the MCA
The MCA is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. MCA promotes a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where individuals are treated with fairness, equality and dignity. Learn more about MCA.
