Editor in Chief, Getty Publications

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion at Getty

Getty believes diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are essential to our excellence and to the execution of our mission. The Getty community values differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Individuals of color, women, LGBTQIA , veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Job Summary

Getty Publications is seeking an Editor in Chief to lead our editorial team and oversee the development of a wide range of high-quality illustrated art books in the fields of art, photography, archaeology, architecture, conservation, cultural heritage, and the humanities. We publish approximately 25 to 30 books annually that result from or complement Getty exhibitions, research projects, collections, and archives. These publications, available in both print and digital formats, include exhibition catalogues, archival and collection-focused works, scholarly monographs, trade titles, and books for children and young adults.

 

As a key member of the Getty Publications team and reporting to the Publisher, the Editor in Chief helps to shape and refine Getty’s publications, which are known for their high editorial and production standards, inspired design, and lasting impact. Getty offers a collegial and collaborative environment where work-life balance is prioritized.  Staff members can choose to participate in community service and serve on committees on diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, mentorship and community building.

 

***Getty has engaged Bridge Partners for this search. Interested, qualified persons should reach out to Tory Clarke at Bridge Parnters via tory.clarke@bridgepartnersllc.com. Only individuals who express interest in this way will be considered as part of this search.

 

Note:  Los Angeles area residency required.  This position is NOT fully remote and, after an initial period of being in the office full-time, operates on a hybrid in-office and work-from-home schedule.

Major Job Responsibilities

• Work in close collaboration with the Publisher and Getty programs to determine publishing priorities and projects that reflect the activities of Getty and achieve institutional goals.
• Actively seek out new subjects of interest and collaborators that will further Getty’s mission to advance the understanding and appreciation of art, conservation, and cultural heritage through its publishing program.
• Work closely with the Publisher and Getty colleagues on strategic planning, list shaping, and institution-wide editorial policy-making. Develop and implement new publishing initiatives and projects in support of institutional priorities to attract, represent, and include a breadth of perspectives, voices, audiences, and readers.
• Work with internal and external authors and volume editors to develop book ideas, to commission peer reviews, and to evaluate and refine proposals submitted by internal colleagues and external collaborators.
• Develop and oversee the acquisition of select books to extend the range of Getty’s offerings for children, young adult, and general audiences, and mentor and guide staff who are developing such titles.
• Advise the Managing Editor on the oversight of day-to-day operations of the Getty Publications Editorial Department. Provide guidance to the Managing Editor on project assignments, editorial workflow, procedures and standards for editorial style and process, and the identification and hiring of freelance vendors, including writers, peer reviewers, translators, editors, proofreaders, and indexers.
• Steer book proposals through the approval process, including peer review and the development of project specifications, budgets, and schedules. Work in tandem with Publisher to present titles to the appropriate editorial review committees.
• When a project is approved, work in concert with the author, volume editor, and book team (editorial, design, production, rights, marketing, sales) to develop editorial content and to shepherd it through to publication.
• Supervise the Managing Editor and senior editorial staff. Hire, mentor, and train staff; oversee their work; guide them in resolving issues and troubleshooting problems; and monitor and evaluate their performance.
• Develop and manage departmental operating budget.
• Negotiate publishing contracts with authors, agents, and other rights holders

 

***Getty has engaged Bridge Partners for this search. Interested, qualified persons should reach out to Tory Clarke at Bridge Parnters via tory.clarke@bridgepartnersllc.com. Only individuals who express interest in this way will be considered as part of this search.

 

Note:  Los Angeles area residency required.  This position is NOT fully remote and, after an initial period of being in the office full-time, operates on a hybrid in-office and work-from-home schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in the humanities (preferably in art history or English); Master of Arts degree preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant publishing experience, preferably including 5 to 7 years as an editor working on illustrated books in trade, museum, or scholarly publishing.

 

 

Requirement

All employees must be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus as a condition of employment. Exemptions from this requirement as a reasonable accommodation due to medical contraindication, disability, or sincerely held religious belief or practice will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A passion for art and publishing, a deep understanding of the editorial process, and broad knowledge of the entire publishing cycle is critical.
• Proven leadership and staff management skills and the commitment to fostering a positive, productive, and inclusive team environment.
• Ability to build rapport and work effectively with a wide range of colleagues and collaborators, internally and externally, and across teams and divisions.
• Exhibits exceptional organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and proficiency in effectively delivering multiple projects concurrently, ensuring deadlines are met and quality is upheld.
• Demonstrable skill in prioritizing tasks effectively, balancing immediate needs with long-term objectives, delegating responsibilities, and collaborating with various teams to enhance productivity.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. Proven capacity to write for and present to diverse audiences, including internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders, to effectively convey publishing vision and objectives.
• An entrepreneurial interest in acquiring and developing books that enhance Getty’s relevance and reputation. 
• Expertise in editorial project management, in-depth experience copyediting and proofreading using The Chicago Manual of Style and up-to-date knowledge of best practices in inclusive editing.

• Experience drafting complex publishing agreements, which includes negotiating terms and resolving conflicts with authors, agents, and other stakeholders to ensure mutually beneficial agreements. Candidate must have understanding of copyright law, intellectual propery rights, and publishing industry standards.

• Some travel is required to attend professional conferences and meetings.

Benefits and Perks

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

 

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
• 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan – with up to 5% Getty Match
• Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
• Educational Assistance and professional development
• Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
• On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
• Community service opportunities

 

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.  

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.