Background

Dia Art Foundation was established in 1974 for the purpose of collecting, commissioning, and presenting major works of art made in the 1960s onward. Today it consists of eight permanent sites across the United States and Germany, as well as three changing exhibition spaces in New York State: Dia Chelsea in New York City, Dia Beacon in the Hudson Valley, and Dia Bridgehampton in Long Island. Dia is taken from the Greek word for “through” and conveys the foundation’s role as a facilitator of meaningful artistic experiences that can be encountered in single and repeated visits.

Summary

The starting salary for this position is $70,000 per year. Consideration of a starting salary above $70,000 per year, but not to exceed $87,500 per year, will be reviewed at time of offer based on level of experience and qualifications of the candidate.

Reporting to the Director of Publications, the Editor is responsible for administrative and editorial tasks associated with the production of print and digital projects, including books, interpretative materials for exhibitions and collection displays, and other major publishing initiatives. The Editor works closely with colleagues in the Publications Department and throughout the institution on the production of books and ephemera designed to advance Dia’s mission. The Editor is the keeper of Dia’s editorial style guide.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the Director of Publications, manages the production of Dia titles, from concept development stage to receipt of books on- site. Work includes conducting developmental, line, and copy editing and proofreading of all texts in manuscript and layout; creating and updating style sheets; managing relations and corresponding with authors, designers, editors, and other external parties; participating in design reviews; and trafficking the manuscript and layouts for review
• Creates and enforces schedules for publications, edits texts to fulfill agreed-upon project specifications, updates ToCs and project tracking documents, manages regular project meetings, and works with relevant colleagues to communicate ongoing progress
• Crafts author contracts for department head review; drafts sales materials for Dia’s bookshop and distributors or copublishers; and supplies title information for internal communications, including universal formats
• Serves as lead editor for revising all exhibition interpretative materials, including laminates and brochures, in order to provide greater accessibility and understanding to a wide and diverse audience of gallery visitors and readers online
• Reviews work assigned to the Assistant Editor, issuing feedback and guidance on edits and proofreading the high volume of Dia’s print and digital materials
• Maintains and updates Dia’s editorial style guide, enforcing its accuracy across all materials and offering training to other departments
• Assists with book launches and submits information to Communications and Development to be considered for relevant publication opportunities

General/Other Responsibilities and Duties:

• Manages weekly editorial meetings to discuss style
• Attends Publications Department meetings
• Attends biweekly print and digital materials meetings with an interdepartmental group
• Participates in cross-departmental committees and working groups, as assigned

Education, Certifications, Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years of related experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Exceptional editing skills and knowledge of scholarly editorial protocols
• Ability to organize, conceptualize, and complete a variety of projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing responsibilities across projects
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with advanced Excel functions and comfort with complex financial/budgetary spreadsheets
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and InDesign is essential; Photoshop is preferred

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• This is a full time (40 hours per week) position; work is currently performed in a hybrid environment with no fewer than 3 days in the Chelsea office. Mondays through Fridays. Additional hours may be required based on business needs.
• Work is performed in an office environment; typically, prolonged periods of sitting, use of computers and standard office equipment is required to accomplish work objectives.

Please note that to provide a safe workplace free of recognized hazards and to take every possible step to reduce the transmission of COVID among our employees, Dia requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, except for those who obtain an exemption due to a medical condition, a religious belief, or pregnancy. 

Qualified candidates are invited to apply by completing the online job application, linked here, and attaching a resume and letter of interest. 

Dia provides a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package with significant employer contributions towards the cost of healthcare premiums. The 401(k) plan provides 100% employer match up to 4% of the employee’s deferral and immediate vesting. Paid time‐off benefits include three weeks of vacation, ten days of sick leave, thirteen holidays, and a generous parental leave program. Work-related travel expenses are fully covered. Additionally, staff ID badges gain reduced or free admission to most American museums and arts organizations.  

Dia Art Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, Dia will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and supports an equitable, inclusive, and neurodiverse workplace.