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. 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. 

The Head of Publications reports to the Director and Chief Curator. 

Responsibilities include 

-Acts as project manager and editor for all exhibition catalogs and other scholarly museum publications, at least one major book per year. 

-Edit and manage 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. Oversee Marketing and Communications materials to ensure they adhere with museum standards and voice. 

-Write and edit local, national, and international grant applications to foundations, corporations, and federal agencies; contribute 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 

-Edit, manage, and collaborate with faculty and senior administrators on the development and implementation of Sam Fox School/ Museum publications including annual and fundraising reports 

-Provide administrative leadership in relation to national accreditation and coordinates department job searches 

-Strengthens networking partnerships with peer editors, publishers, and university museums 

-Perform other duties as assigned 

Requirements 

MA in English, art history, or equivalent experience 

Minimum of five years of editorial, publication, project management, and museum experience. 

Preferred Experience 

PhD 

Seven years of editorial and museum publication experience 

Application instructions 

Interested candidates should apply at this link: https://wustl.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/Head-of-Museum-P…

Institutional background 

The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, part of the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis was 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 Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis is a unique collaboration in interdisciplinary architecture, art, and design education, linking professional programs in art and architecture with the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum in the context of an internationally recognized research university. 

Washington University in St. Louis, a medium-sized, independent university, is dedicated to challenging its faculty and students alike to seek new knowledge and greater understanding of an ever-changing, multicultural world. The University is counted among the world’s leaders in teaching and research, and draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 120 nations. The University is highly regarded for its commitment to excellence in learning. Its programs, administration, facilities, resources, and activities combine to further its mission of teaching, research, and service to society.