NAME Contract Position
Exhibition Journal Editor
Exhibition is a journal of theory and practice that features thought-provoking articles, exhibit critiques, book reviews, and other material of interest to the museum profession. Exhibition is published by the National Association for Museum Exhibition (NAME), a volunteer professional network of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in the Spring and Fall of each year. Recent issues have averaged 128 pages in length and focused on forward-thinking topics such as exhibitions beyond the walls of the museum, responding to crisis through resilience, the role of fun, the power of words, universal design, and bridging social divides. Each issue is an expansion of NAME’s commitment to promote industry best and next practices, trends, and innovations while enhancing a more inclusive cultural landscape.
The Editor plans, edits, revises, and coordinates material for the journal and provides leadership for the journal’s direction. The Editor works closely and collaboratively with the Managing Editor, a museum professional and volunteer member of the NAME Leadership Team with experience in design, layout, and editing; the Exhibits Newsline editor; a Graphic Designer contractor hired through NAME; the journal’s Editorial Advisory Board; and NAME’s President and Leadership Team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Plan for Exhibition content; includes working with the NAME Leadership Team and the journal’s Editorial Advisory Board to identify current and future journal themes
Solicit article proposals through an open call for papers; administer the blind-review process for article evaluation; work with authors to refine their articles and related images; edit all material for publication
Work with the Graphic Designer and the Managing Editor on layout and design ideas; proofread each issue in concert with the Managing Editor
Ensure editorial calendar deadlines, set in cooperation with the Managing Editor, are met
Work with and communicate regularly with the Managing Editor to guarantee a close relationship between the journal and other NAME programs, activities, and events
Adhere to budget as defined by NAME
Participate in NAME Leadership Team meetings in person or by telephone when possible
Identify and vet new members for the Editorial Advisory Board as needed; manage the work of this board (including the once yearly in-person meeting for those attending the AAM Annual Meeting)
Support marketing efforts for Exhibition as organized by NAME and AAM
Write and submit a proposal for a conference session typically based on the Spring issue for the Annual Meeting of AAM; if accepted, shepherd the session through completion in collaboration with the Managing Editor
Provide leadership and vision for the growth and development of the journal
Consider diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of the journal’s editorial development
Understand and promote the mission of NAME
QUALIFICATIONS
A museum professional with broad experience in the field and knowledge of current best practices in exhibitions and key issues important to the museum profession overall
Solid experience in editing and production of professional print publications
Well versed in contemporary professional museum journals and publications
TERM
Two years plus an initial six-month “shadowing” period of outgoing Editor
Contract available for renewal thereafter every two years
COMPENSATION
This is a fixed-price, limited, non-benefit contractor position paid via AAM
The fee is approximately $6,500 per issue plus $1,500 for the initial six-month “shadowing” period
Reimbursable expenses may include:
Travel to and lodging at AAM’s Annual Meeting each Spring
Purchase of competitor journals for research and/or books to screen for review
Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses such as copying, printing, and postage
HOW TO APPLY
Send letter of interest and resume by January 31, 2022, to Ian Kerrigan, NAME Leadership Team member and Managing Editor of the journal, at ikerrigan@911memorial.org with the subject heading NAME Journal Editor
In your letter of interest, please describe your experience in the museum field, the strengths and skills you would bring to the Editor position, your editorial philosophy, and what most resonates with you or excites you about the mission of NAME
The National Association for Museum Exhibition (NAME) is a Professional Network of American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Its mission is to enhance the cultural landscape by advancing the value and relevance of exhibitions through dialogue among individuals, museum leaders, and the public. NAME promotes excellence and best practices, identifies trends and recent innovations, provides access to resources, promotes professional development, and cultivates leadership. It represents nearly 2,500 museum staff and independent professionals, including designers, content developers, fabricators, evaluators, and others engaged in programming and museums. NAME is steered by a 21-person volunteer Leadership Team.