Communications Editorial Manager for Williams College Museum of Art

The Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA) seeks an exceptional writer and skilled editor to join our team as the Communications Editorial Manager.

Part of a two-person Communications unit nested within the collaborative Curatorial Engagement and Communications division, this role serves as the primary voice for the museum, ensuring that all external written and visual content, including press releases, exhibition texts, scholarly catalogs, digital long-form features, and social media, is cohesive, accessible, and aligned with our mission.

As WCMA transitions to a dynamic new facility, the Editorial Manager will play a vital role in crafting and communicating the narrative of the museum’s future to local, national, and international audiences and media.

Responsibilities:

• Content Creation & Editorial Leadership: Serve as the museum’s primary writer and Editor-in-Chief. Establish and maintain an institutional style guide to ensure a cohesive, inclusive, and sophisticated "WCMA voice" across all platforms. Provide developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading for public-facing content, press releases, digital media, and institutional messaging.
• In-Gallery & Scholarly Editorial Direction: Partner with curators and content creators to shepherd exhibition wall panels, object labels, in-gallery print materials, and scholarly publications through the editorial process, ensuring texts maintain scholarly integrity while remaining engaging and accessible to diverse audiences.
• Strategic Communications & Media Relations: Collaborate with the Communications Production Manager and museum leadership to develop and execute integrated communications strategies. Serve as a key liaison to national media and art critics, crafting press pitches, coordinating interviews, and communicating story priorities for WCMA’s programs and new building.
• Teamwork & Operations: Work with Communications Production Manager to establish editorial timelines; co-manage the annual Communications budget and external PR/vendor contracts; supervise and mentor student interns; and support public programs and museum events as needed.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years experience with professional writing and developmental editing experience (preferably in a museum or equivalent arts organization), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex editorial projects from conception through completion.
• Superior writing, developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading skills, with a strong design sensibility and the ability to adapt messaging for varied audiences.
• Outstanding interpersonal, project management, and collaborative skills across cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in communications and/or editorial leadership within an arts organization.
• Professional experience telling compelling stories using digital platforms and media assets, with an innovative approach to information delivery.
• Ability to track, analyze, and assess the effectiveness of institutional communication efforts.

Work Arrangement: This position is expected to be fully onsite and in person.  This is a full-time, year-round, benefited position that involves a significant amount of on-site presence in order to fully collaborate with the Communications Production Manager, museum leadership, media, actively participate in the activities of the public-facing museum, and engage with the college community.

Application review will begin on October 15, 2026. Pay range is from $80,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience.

A cover letter is required in order for your application to be considered. In your letter, please address your interest in this particular position and highlight relevant experience in editorial management, strategic communications, and writing within an arts/cultural context. Please attach your cover letter as a separate document in your application.

Williams College is committed to building a broadly diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive. Williams invests in our employees, offering comprehensive health insurance with coverage starting your first day of work, robust retirement plan contributions, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, paid leave, access to gym facilities, discounts with local vendors, and more. Our vibrant 450-acre campus is home to around 2,000 students who benefit from a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, and their energy is the heartbeat of our active population. Many people come to Williams for the job and stay for decades because of the lively environment and warm neighbors. You’re more than a person doing a job; you are joining our community.

Please visit careers.williams.edu to apply.

ALL employees must have completed an I-9 BEFORE they can begin work.

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable. Decisions regarding appointments, promotions, and conditions of employment comply with applicable federal or state law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-2681 or email at [email protected].