Content Editor

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

At Winterthur, employment is more than just work. The Winterthur employee is offered a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission to build upon the vision of Henry Francis du Pont to inspire and educate through its collections, estate, and academic programs by engaging diverse audiences in the study, preservation, and interpretation of American material culture, art, design and history, and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Content Editor role requires a duality of skills in copywriting and copyediting. This position will execute copywrite and copyedit across marketing projects in the graphic production process, and, as needed, the website. They will ensure all printed and electronic projects are grammatically correct, adhere to Winterthur editorial and visual identity standards and style, and are appropriately worded for intended audiences.

Compensation: $26.00/hour

Benefits:  Including, but not limited to, free general admission for you and your immediate family, 403(b) retirement savings plan, discounts in the museum store and cafe. 

Work Schedule: 25 - 29 hours/week

Responsibilities:

1. Execute copywriting across marketing projects in the graphic production process, including but not limited to print and digital advertising, brochures, flyers, posters, signage, e-blasts, various newsletters, blog posts, and select social media posts.
2. Copy edit, fact check, and approve all museum ephemera, print and online advertising and marketing materials, web, and social media efforts managed by the Marketing department. Review projects for grammar, clarity, factual integrity, institutional voice and tone, sponsorship recognition, and adherence to the Winterthur Editorial Style Manual, Visual Identity Guide, Web Style Guide, and Chicago Manual of Style. Work closely with internal clients to gather additional and required content as needed, reconcile discrepancies, and input corrections. 
3. Ensure consistency of Winterthur’s editorial style and visual identity across communications projects, campaigns, and ephemera for all media, per style guidelines and creative parameters set by the Manager of Publications and Editorial Services. Notify clients of inconsistencies and ensure that corrections are addressed in a timely manner. Proofread layouts and affirm accuracy of copy and adherence to the Winterthur brand to ensure intended messages are conveyed in a manner consistent with Winterthur’s mission to inspire, enlighten, and delight its visitors.
4. Perform other editorial tasks. Responsibilities may include proofreading Winterthur Publications books, editing press releases, exhibition label copy, and copy for other institutional needs, such as letters and invitations. 
5. Perform other duties as necessary.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Experience: B. A. in journalism or English with coursework preferably in history, American studies, art history, or related field. 3-5 years of experience as an editor/writer.

Preferred Experience: Graduate level coursework or degree in history, American studies, art history, or related field with 5 - 7 years of experience as an editor/writer in a fast-paced communications environment; preferably, as part of a marketing communications team or in-house creative services department at a large institution. Museum experience is a plus.

Knowledge/Skills:

1. Must have excellent writing skills. Able to submit well-written feature articles and to contribute to marketing copywriting efforts.
2. Must have an ability to edit museum ephemera and communications materials sensitively to meet hard deadlines and have knowledge of editorial procedures and standards. Preferred candidates will have a strong working knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style and Associated Press Stylebook.
3. Able to proofread for editorial and visual consistencies across multiple media applications. 
4. Proficient in Word and Adobe Acrobat.   
5. Must have a keen eye for detail and critical-thinking skills. 
6. Must be punctual and able to perform under deadline pressures.
7. Must be flexible with workload, able to alternate between writing, editing, and proofing as needed.
8. Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively.
9. Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, in person and in writing, with fellow staff members and other museum staff.

Essential Functions:

1. Ability to work up to 6 hours daily at a computer or desk.
2. This position is subject to managing competing deadlines and priorities. May occasionally be necessary to shift scheduled hours within a workweek in order to meet urgent deadlines.
3. May need to visit other museum buildings, including onsite Post Office and Visitor Center, to pick up or deliver proofs.