Title: Assistant Editor and Publications Coordinator
State Role Title: VMFA Assistant
Hiring Range: $42,000 - $45,000 annually
Pay Band: UG
Agency: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Location: MAIN MUSEUM
Agency Website: vmfa.museum
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
About Virginia Museum of Fine Arts:
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond, Virginia, is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. VMFA, which opened in 1936, is a state agency and privately endowed educational institution. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret art, and to encourage the study of the arts.
VMFA is the only art museum in the United States open 365 days a year with free general admission.
About the position:
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Assistant Editor and Publications Coordinator to join our Museum Publications Editorial department. This position plays a critical role in supporting the Managing Editor for Publications and overseeing the administrative functions of the department, including scheduling, purchasing, and tracking contracts, budgets, and projects.
As the Assistant Editor, you will be the primary point of contact between Editorial and other departments, specifically Curatorial, Exhibition Planning and Graphic Design, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration. You will track and manage all editorial requests related to scholarly publications and exhibition materials, ensuring that deadlines are met and potential delays are identified in advance.
In addition to administrative duties, you will provide valuable editorial support for VMFA’s dynamic exhibition program. This includes tasks such as research, writing, editing, copyediting, and proofreading. You will manage the workflow for a variety of editorial and publication projects, contributing to the creation of exhibition catalogues and in-gallery materials. Your role will also involve managing the department’s budget by tracking expenditures and ensuring projects are completed within financial parameters.
Ideal candidates will have strong editorial skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Finalist candidates will be asked to complete an editorial test to evaluate level of editorial proficiency. Join us in helping elevate VMFA’s reputation for producing high-quality scholarly materials and publications.
Minimum Qualifications
• Experience managing projects, including using relevant software, preferably in a museum or publishing setting.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with a focus on error-free content and adherence to publication standards.
• A solid understanding of grammar, punctuation style and tone
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with various departments, collaborators on-site and outside of the museum, as well as museum leadership as required
• Knowledge in editorial practice, contract management, intellectual property, creating and managing budgets desired
• Ability to work well under pressure with multiple projects with varying deadlines
• Strong research, writing, editing, copyediting, and proofreading abilities
• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with budget tracking and management
• Familiarity with art history and museum practices preferred
Additional Considerations
Experience equivalent to a BA or BFA in English, Journalism, Art History, or related field.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
All applicants must submit an online application. This position will close at 11:55 pm on designated closing date.
Please provide three professional references, including their full name, phone number, and email address. References should be able to speak to your qualifications for the position and may be included in your resume or cover letter, or attached separately in the portal’s "other" field.
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources Services
Phone: please email
Email: recruitment@vmfa.museum
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.