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 Editorial and Publications Assistant is responsible for administrative and editorial tasks associated with the production of print and digital materials, including advertisements, collection laminates, digital and print invitations, exhibition brochures, newsletters, web content, and other didactic materials. This position also oversees the long-range production schedule for ephemera. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual who can capably and enthusiastically perform a support role while gaining valuable knowledge and experience to advance in the museum and publishing industries.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Work closely with the members of the Publications Department on the production of interdepartmental print and digital materials (including brochures, floor plans, flyers, invitations, laminates, letterhead, postcards, posters, and signage) and adhere to Dia’s editorial and design style across all items
• Review all design request forms for accuracy and work with project managers to ensure that all content is ready for production
• Lead the biweekly print and digital materials meeting; edit and traffic all materials to the proofreader, and ensure all items are approved by relevant parties
• Edit and proofread digital communications and marketing materials like advertisements, invitations, newsletters, press releases, and web and video content in consultation with the Communications Department
• Assist the Development Department with editorial requests for council, membership, and special-event materials
• Provide editorial support to Dia’s archivists, curators, and registrars, especially with regard to public-facing content concerning the collection and its corresponding database
• Assist the Publications Department with various administrative aspects of books under production, such as crafting contracts for department head review, creating sales materials, supplying title information for internal communications, working with relevant colleagues to communicate ongoing progress, assigning ISBNs, registering information with the Library of Congress, applying for awards, and organizing complimentary copy mailings
• Other book-related duties may include copyediting and proofreading texts, helping with image color correction, updating design files with editorial corrections, and assisting the Rights and Reproductions Associate with image captions and content management as needed
• Coordinate participation in art book fairs, applying for registration and handling logistics with the Bookshop Manager; and assist with Dia’s book launches

General/Other Responsibilities and Duties

• Serve as a liaison with Finance; process invoices, reimbursement forms, and petty cash vouchers as needed
• As assigned by the Director of Publications, participate in cross-departmental committees, initiatives, and other projects
• Support the Publications Department with other administrative tasks as needed

Education, Certifications, Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience with a background in writing and editing
• Prior related work or internship experience, preferably in a museum environment

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Must be organized and detail-oriented and possess strong communication, editing, and writing skills
• Must demonstrate initiative and be able to handle a wide variety of tasks and projects simultaneously
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office is essential, and knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud is preferred
• Must be able to travel between Dia’s New York City and Beacon offices on occasion; transportation covered by Dia

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

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