The Head of Publications sets and implements the strategic direction of the YCBA’s award-winning publications program, aligning it with the museum’s mission and foregrounding its collections, exhibitions and architecture. Reporting to the Deputy Director and Chief Curator, the Head of Publications plays a key role in advancing YCBA’s publishing profile, working across printed and digital formats, including books, catalogues, brochures, exhibition materials, and a variety of related scholarly and interpretative content. Working with authors across the museum and around the globe, the Head of Publications develops innovative new titles and publishing initiatives while providing a framework for consistency and excellence across YCBA’s written outputs.

The Head of Publications manages the staff and activities of the Publications Department in YCBA’s Curatorial Division. The role combines oversight and development of the overall publishing program with the coordination and project management of individual publications. Scholarly rigor, impeccable editorial and writing skills, and a strong understanding of art history and museum publishing are essential. The Head of Publications maintains a strong working partnership with Yale University Press.

Essential Duties:
Sets and implements the strategic direction and development of the YCBA’s publishing program across printed and digital formats. Oversees the implementation, production, and project management of all publications, including books, exhibition catalogues, brochures, exhibition texts and related materials, online essays and features, and other scholarly and interpretative content. Sets budgets and pricing. Responsible for ensuring timely and on-budget delivery.

Leads the development and assessment of new titles. Develops content strategy and oversees long-range publications schedule in close partnership with the Director and the Deputy Director and Chief Curator. Represents YCBA’s interests in all contracts and with exhibition partners. Reviews and assesses all book proposals, outlines, manuscripts, and related content. Is responsible for ensuring highest editorial and scholarly standards across all publishing outputs. Ensures consistency and cohesion of related content that appears in different forms, such as gallery texts, brochures, and catalogues, and website descriptions. Maintains excellent working partnership with Yale University Press. Initiates and oversees the YCBA’s co-publication and distribution agreements. Establishes and manages publication meetings with internal and external parties. Manages the operations and staff of the Publications Department. Manages staff growth and development to accomplish the goals and priorities of the department. Completes annual performance evaluation processes. Promotes a productive and congenial working environment driven by collaboration, open communication, and continuous improvement. Works collaboratively across the YCBA’s departments (particularly Curatorial, Design, Communications, Advancement, and Education). Promotes fluid communication with all parties involved in publishing projects to achieve a consistent style for all print and digital materials. Identifies, hires, and oversees external publishing contractors, printers, vendors, and external editors, distributors, designers, etc.

Creates strategies for national and international book distribution and promotion. Serves as the public face of the YCBA’s publications program. Actively promotes the YCBA’s 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 YCBA’s publications. Represents YCBA as necessary in external meetings and functions, as well as the outside community of scholars, artists, and other individuals involved in YCBA’s publications.

Reviews and determines staffing needs, job posting requirements, salary guidelines, and labor agreement interpretations for exempt and non-exempt staff in one or more functional department of the University.  Manages the administrative support needs for exempt and nonexempt staff and provides recommendations, improvements, solutions and assistance as needed.  Manages and monitors technology needs, conducts inventory, and system requirements for the assigned departments.  Develops and prepares budgets, financial forecasts, and financial analyses and the actual vs. budgeted performance reports for the departments.  Manages the use of facilities in one or more departments including office space, work stations, equipment, and office supplies.  Manages administrative support for activities of one or more departments to ensure timely completion of projects. Manages and coordinates training sessions for assigned departments when new policies or practices are adopted.  Ensures compliance with University and federal regulations as they apply to the assigned departments.  Identifies, plans, and develops administrative policies for the assigned departments.  Assists in reviewing and implements University and departmental policies as they pertain to the administrative functions of the assigned department.  Assesses and makes recommendations regarding staff development and staffing levels.  Monitors, develops, plans, and executes systematic research on user requirements through such mechanisms as surveys, interviews, focus groups and competitive analysis. Manages a staff of exempt and non-exempt employees.  May perform other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience:  Bachelor’s Degree in related field and 5 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Qualifications:
• Must have proven direct experience in book production and strong project management skills.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills; detailed-oriented working methods; knowledge of and experience with scholarly editorial protocols.
• Highly effective communication and collaboration skills; ability to manage but also work collaboratively with authors, artists, designers, editors, and publishers.
• Broad-ranging knowledge of museum publishing.
Preferred Education and Experience: MA preferred, in English, art history, or related field. Knowledge of British art preferred. Five years of experience as editor/publisher in an art museum or other cultural institution. Strong knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style
Experience reviewing graphic design and typography in layout. Experience in online publishing.

Application: For more information and immediate consideration, please apply online at Head of Publications . Pease be sure to reference this website when applying for this position.

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