SUMMARY
Senior Writer/Editors are responsible for project managing, writing, editing, and proofreading a wide variety of content across various print and digital media. Much of the work they do focuses on general content, but sometimes it includes basic science. The Senior Writer/Editor collaborates with staff primarily on Membership, Marketing, and Institutional Advancement projects. This person is expected to fact check and be familiar with general editing conventions in The Chicago Manual of Style, and to know our internal style guide. This position differs from a Writer/Editor position in its emphasis on self-direction and independent production of writing and editing. This position reports to the Director of Editorial.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Writing and editing: Research, curate, edit, interview, and develop engaging and accurate Membership, Marketing, and Institutional Advancement communications for a variety of projects, and with minimal supervision.
- Collaboration: Cooperatively and creatively work with graphic and web designers and developers and other staff throughout the museum on projects, activities, and programs.
- Iteration: Incorporate feedback and edits from others and rewrite or re-edit copy as needed.
- Production and project trafficking: Set and track internal deadlines; assess scope of work; negotiate tactfully with stakeholders.
- Consultation: Provide editorial advice to other staff and departments.
- Flexibility: Adapt to project constraints with proactive solutions; work comfortably and productively on a range of work including programs, projects, events, and the website.
- Judgment: Make timely writing and editorial decisions; show strong creative discernment and good discipline in editing ideas.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- BA/BS degree or higher, preferably in English or science, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum five years’ professional experience in writing and editing marketing, membership, or donor communication, preferably in a nonprofit environment. Candidates with less than five years' experience are also encouraged to apply, and will be considered for a non-senior level on-call position.
- Demonstrated excellence in professional writing, editing, research, and project management.
- A professional portfolio of published pieces and/or museum credits.
- A tactful, cooperative attitude when editing, and willingness to be edited by others.
- Demonstrated dedication to accuracy and detail; willing to work through multiple revisions of projects.
- Talent for collaboration and effective teamwork, and demonstrated ability to work with people at all levels of an organization.
- Ability to meet tight deadlines and juggle multiple projects with minimal supervision.
- Ability to build work estimates for projects and complete work within budgeted hours
- Interest in science or education a plus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- This position is based in San Francisco, California with staff expected to work onsite a certain number of days per week based on department requirements
- Ability to lift and carry 25lbs for short distances
APPLICATION DEADLINE
This position is open until filled
HOW TO APPLY
This is an on-call (variable hours per week), non-exempt, non-union position that does not include benefits. The starting rate for this role is $43.24. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. Please include a cover letter with your application. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered for review. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.
PROFESSIONAL WRITING SAMPLES REQUIRED: Your cover letter is a writing sample. Find a way to grab our attention, while still maintaining an informal yet professional tone. Also, please send three samples of your science writing, ideally for a museum exhibition or similar audience. If you have developed a conceptual framework for a science exhibition or similar project, you may substitute that for one of the science writing samples. Include these as PDFs together with your cover letter.
The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
