Editor-in-Chief [The J. Paul Getty Trust]

Getty Publications produces award-winning books that result from or complement the work of the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Research Institute, and the Getty Foundation. This wide variety of titles–approximately 35 a year–covers the fields of art, photography, archaeology, architecture, conservation, and the humanities for both the general public and specialists. Publications include illustrated works on artists and art history, exhibition catalogues, works on cultural history, research on the conservation of materials and archaeological sites, scholarly monographs, critical editions of translated works, comprehensive studies of the Getty’s collections, and educational books on art to interest children of all ages. The majority of Getty Publications are produced in print but we are developing an increasing number of digital publications as well. Reporting to the Publisher and working in collaboration with Getty program staff members, the Editor in Chief plays a key role in developing and shaping the editorial content of Getty Publications.

Work in close collaboration with the Publisher and Getty programs to develop print and digital publications to meet institutional goals.

• Generate book ideas and solicit ideas from internal and external authors and/or contributors. Based on a broad understanding of the activities of the Getty, actively seek out new subjects of interest and work in tandem with the Publisher to bring them to the attention of the appropriate review committees for consideration.

• Work closely with authors, Getty program colleagues, and Getty publications staff to evaluate and develop editorial content of publication proposals—both over-the-transom proposals and those generated internally—for suitability and viability within the framework established by the Publisher and approved by the Getty Publications Editorial Committee.

• Guide proposals through the approval process, including peer review, and collaborate with colleagues on the development of project specifications, budgets, and schedules. Support the Publisher in presenting proposals to the appropriate editorial review committees.

• When a project is approved, work in concert with the author(s) to develop editorial content and to shepherd it through the editorial process.

Manage day-to-day operations of the Getty Publications Editorial Department. Assign projects, manage workload, monitor individual projects, and identify and contract with vendors for freelance assignments, including writers, peer reviewers, translators, editors, proofreaders, and indexers.

Supervise staff editors and the departmental assistant. Oversee their work, guide them in resolving issues and trouble-shooting problems, and monitor and evaluate their performance. Develop and manage departmental budget.

Work closely with Getty Publications staff and colleagues around the Getty Trust to manage editorial workflow, to shape procedures and standards regarding editorial style and process, and to ensure that publications are produced on time and on budget.

Serve as a member of the management team for Getty Publications that addresses issues affecting the department and the publishing program as a whole.

• Candidate must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of ten years of relevant publishing experience, preferably including 5 to 7 years as an editor working on illustrated books at either a museum or scholarly press. An advanced degree in art history, literature, or a related field is preferred. The ideal candidate will have a passion for art and publishing, a deep understanding of the editorial process, and broad knowledge of the entire publishing cycle. Must have proven editing, leadership and project management skills and the ability to create a positive and productive team environment. Candidate should be able to collaborate effectively with a wide range of colleagues and must possess excellent communication and presentation skills. The position also requires a candidate who is organized, detail oriented, and able to set priorities and juggle competing demands. Some travel is required.

• Ability to foster productive working relationships with peers, staff, authors and other stakeholders
• General knowledge of the field of art history and the publishing environment for illustrated books
• Experience with the editorial process and knowledge to evaluate copyediting and proofreading skills
• Microsoft Office
• Reading knowledge or familiarity with one or more European languages