Publications Manager

Candidates should take the time to read all the elements of this job advert carefully Please make your application promptly.

University Job Title

Publications Manager, YCBA

Position Focus :

The Yale Center for British Art (YCBA) is a well-established and award-winning publisher of scholarly books, with a focus on producing high-quality, deeply-researched, and fully illustrated publications to accompany its special exhibitions.

The Exhibitions and Publications Department is seeking an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and experienced editor to serve as project manager for three to four major museum publications per year.

This individual will report directly to the Head of Publications, and function as a liaison between the YCBA and our distributor, Yale University Press (YUP), collaborating institutions, in-house and guest curators, and contracted book designers.

The Publications Manager will work most closely with the Publications Assistant, whose purview is the collection of images and image rights for individual publications.

This position will supervise freelance editors and manage projects through manuscript and proof stages along with editing manuscripts.

The candidate must have a strong command of print book production and manufacturing and a solid understanding of typography and layout.

Organizational, planning, and communication skills are essential, with the ability to demonstrate agility under tight deadlines and in changing publishing environments.

The ideal candidate will be able to juggle multiple projects and communicate clearly and tactfully with diverse stakeholders.

The YCBA publishes jointly a digital journal (British Art Studies) with the Paul Mellon Centre in London, and is increasingly entering the world of electronic publishing.

Demonstrated interest in digital / electronic publications is therefore also desirable.

Most of the YCBA’s publications are fashioned alongside its exhibitions the two grow up in a symbiotic relationship. While the position is primarily focused on the development of publications, the candidate will also be involved in aspects of exhibition planning and the production of associated interpretive and press materials.

This is a unique opportunity for a candidate seasoned in the skills of book production to gain experience in the exhibition logistics.

Essential Duties

• Oversees manuscript development from start to finish, acting as the YCBA’s lead liaison to contracted editors and authors as well as YUP-UK and collaborating institutions.
• Responsible for assessing requirements for each project; plans and schedules delivery of publication materials accordingly.
• Responsible for assemblage of publication materials including all texts and images in line with the requirements of the project.
• Determines book specifications and is responsible for ensuring design and production requirements are addressed at an appropriate stage, including image quality, sample spreads, covers and jackets, full layouts, choice of materials, and bindings.
• Manages all editorial processes and ensures editorial rigor (including branding guidelines, house style, copyediting, proofreading, and design approvals);

oversees image corrections; responsible for delivery of print-ready files; checks printer plotter proofs and provides press oversight.

• Responsible for setting and overseeing budgets.
• Oversees the work of outside vendors and contractors.
• Ensures compliance with Yale Procurement policies, co-publishing agreements, and copyright permissions, including those from collaborating and lending institutions.
• Creates copy and provides materials in line with publishing requirements for YUP-UK, including sales, marketing, trade catalogue and book fairs for both New Haven and London.
• Represents the YCBA at YUP meetings for museum publishing partners.
• Responsible for ensuring consistency in the production of interpretative materials (text panels, labels, and applicable digital elements).
• Creates and edits written materials for the department, such as loan letters, author contracts, and calendar copy.
• Participates in programming and research endeavors associated with exhibitions.
• Promotes exhibitions and their associated publications by providing content for press releases and reviews.
• Coordinates with Education staff on the presentation of exhibitions to the public by providing exhibition and publication-related materials.
• Contributes to institutional grant-seeking efforts in association with Advancement and External Affairs staff.
• Implements digital exhibition and publication features.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and five years of book publishing experience (most or all in a manuscript editing department) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skill / Ability 1 :

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively across the department, institution and with outside partners.

Required Skill / Ability 2 :

Demonstrable mastery of English grammar, syntax, and diction. Firm grasp of "The Chicago Manual of Style". Excellent proficiency using MS Word and Excel.

Working knowledge and ability using Adobe Creative Suite and HTML.

Required Skill / Ability 3 :

Self-directed and pro-active. Ability to be highly organized with ability to prioritize effectively using initiative and working to deadlines.

Ability to work independently.

Required Skill / Ability 4 :

Proven record of successful project management; administrative and logistical experience (for example-organizing major conferences or serving as principal investigator on large research projects).

Required Skill / Ability 5 :

Demonstrated ability (at least 5 years) working in scholarly environment such as university, research center or museum.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills :

Masters or PhD in the History of British Art or closely related field. Experience working in major publishing house or museum publishing department.

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