Freelance Museum Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.
Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.
Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.
Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.
Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution.
SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose-where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.
Schedule: Full Time, 35 hours/week, at least three days working onsite
Reporting to the Director of Publications, the Senior Editor, Publications, is responsible for overseeing and implementing the planning, editing, and production of Museum publications, including but not limited to large-scale exhibition catalogues, permanent collection books, and digital publications.
• Ensures timely completion of projects and high standards for content, editing, design, and print-production quality across the range of materials the Publications Department produces, including books, catalogues, and digital publications that provide context for exhibitions and the museum's collection, showcase the scholarship of our curators, and aim to reach a wide range of readers.
• Works closely with museum curators to conceptualize book projects. Project manages the production of books and other publications as assigned, coordinating project schedules and teams including Publications staff and colleagues in Exhibitions and Program Management, as well as external teams including book designers, authors, print production vendors, artists and their representatives or estates, foundations, and other publishing partners.
In the first year of work in this position, key milestones will be:
• By 30 days: establish understanding of key Publications projects, roles, and procedures and contribute to ongoing projectsand to the planning of future projects; begin developing departmental, cross-departmental, and cross-divisional relationships necessary for collaborative work.
• By the first quarter: contribute to an increased number, scale, and variety of projects,taking the lead as project manager for select projectswhile continuing to develop collaborative approach to projects.
• By one year: work independently and problem-solve proactively on multiple simultaneousongoing projects as well as those in development;take the lead inrefining departmental and cross-departmental workflows;expand knowledge of publishing and production best practices; and deepen key professional collaborationswhile providing mentorship to other Publications staff members.
Responsibilities & Duties

• Plan and project-manage select book-length publications (both analog and digital) to successfully meet the Museum's schedule, budget, quality, and content requirements.
• Coordinate with curators, guest authors, graphic designers, production managers, editors, photographers, printers, and vendors; oversee the work of and ensure clear communication with contributors throughout the project.
• Solicit bids and prepare contracts for freelance contributors.
• Develop and maintain schedules. Develop detailed publication budgets, manage expenses, and maintain accurate records of all transactions.
• Write promotional texts, distribution bid proposals, and assorted other materials necessary to secure and fulfill co-publishing/distribution agreements for titles in the Senior Editor's purview.
• Support Publications staff assigned to obtain reproductions and permissions for inclusion in museum publications, helping arrange photo shoots both on- and off-site, trafficking digital scans and transparencies, compiling related paperwork, and processing invoices for projects in the Senior Editor's purview.
• Check page proofs, bluelines (or digital equivalent), and jacket proofs for correctness and compliance with design, printing, and binding specifications, collaborating with Publications staff and trafficking these materials among other team members or outside partners as necessary, and obtaining approvals in a timely fashion.
• On all of the above and a variety of other projects, edit for readability and style, write and rewrite as necessary, help maintain the Museum's standards of for content, editing, design, and print-production quality.
• Supervise the work of any Publications staff assigned to the Senior Editor's projects.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or related subject, with major course work in art history (including twentieth-century art) desirable. Master's degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of related experience, with at least five years editing and managing the production of complex illustrated books, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Previous copyediting, proofreading, and publications-specific project management experience required.
• Demonstrated history of bringing complex projects to successful completion.
• Strong organizational, editorial, and production skills.
• Experience with an emphasis in attention to detail, editorial consistency, and accuracy in factual information, spelling, and grammar.
• Working knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style.
• Familiarity with twentieth-century art history and art terminology.
• Proven competence as a publishing project manager with ability to set priorities, maintain budgets, and meet stringent deadlines for multiple simultaneous projects.
• Proven ability to deal effectively and tactfully with writers, Museum staff, freelancers, and vendors while undertaking a variety of simultaneous projects.
• Understanding of design, pre-press and international manufacturing processes for illustrated books and experience soliciting and interpreting manufacturing estimates and negotiating terms.
• Project management and leadership skills and the ability to create a positive and productive team environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of colleagues, collaborators, and vendors both inside and outside the organization. Experience with color management, including imaging standards, color separation and image proofing for complex art book projects.

$90,000 - $95,000 a year
Job posting open date: 5/18/26
All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.
We encourage both internal and external candidates to apply within the initial open posting period as the application close date may or may not be extended beyond that initial period. Applications will not be accepted after a posting has been closed.
Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street.
Benefits: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Pet Insurance, Life and AD&D Coverage, Disability Insurance, Mental Health and Wellness Benefits, Discount Programs, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, SFMOMA Membership, and more
At SFMOMA, we do not believe that any applicant can, or should, meet every qualification listed in a job posting. We are committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and professional paths who are inspired to join a mission-driven, community-oriented organization grounded in inclusivity, passion, bravery, and empathy.
If this describes you, we encourage you to apply.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal of state law.
You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.
You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at [email protected].