Copyeditor - Freelance

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART

As the first museum to focus exclusively on storytelling through images, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes that visual storytelling can connect us and help shape a more just society. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the Lucas Museum will explore narrative art’s potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world.

Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson and led by director and CEO Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeles’s Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museum’s 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events. www.lucasmuseum.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Copyeditor is responsible for editing and proofreading a variety of written content across multiple departments within the museum. This includes artwork-related texts such as tombstones and object labels, marketing and communications materials like press releases and social media posts, membership and development content, manuscripts for audio guides, and website copy. The ideal candidate will ensure all content adheres to the museum’s style guide, which follows the Chicago Manual of Style (18th edition), and will have a keen eye for detail.

This position is a 1099, 18-month contract opportunity.

• Edit and proofread object texts, tombstones, exhibition texts, and other didactic materials for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and adherence to the museum's style guide

• Copyedit press releases, promotional materials, newsletters, social media posts, and other communications content to ensure they are engaging, clear, and free of errors

• Edit materials related to fundraising, membership programs, and event promotions to ensure professionalism and accuracy in tone, voice, and messaging

• Review and edit website copy, ensuring it aligns with the museum's branding and style guidelines while maintaining clarity and consistency

• Work closely with the Managing Editor, Design Studio, Marketing and Communications team, Development staff, and writers to meet content goals while maintaining the integrity of the museum's voice and message

• Use Airtable (or other project management tools, as required) to track content editing workflows, communicate with teams, and ensure deadlines are met

• Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.

• Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.

• Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders.

• Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.

• Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely.

• Certificate in Copyediting from an accredited program or a minimum of 3–5 years of professional copyediting experience, particularly with nonfiction texts and manuscripts

• Experience working with nonfiction content, including museum didactic texts, general interest, instructional, historical, or content marketing materials

• Strong knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style (18th edition) and ability to apply it consistently across various types of content

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail, grammar, and punctuation

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines without sacrificing quality

• Ability to adapt to various writing styles, balancing artistic and marketing tones as needed

• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills to work with a diverse group of staff members and external stakeholders

• Desirable skills: Proficiency in Spanish (and an ability to edit short bilingual content) is a significant advantage, as is a practical familiarity with Airtable and other project management tools

• Previous experience in a museum, cultural institution, or similar environment is a plus

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.

MISSION AND VISION

We are a museum dedicated to the art of storytelling. Through visual storytelling the Lucas Museum expands the role of art and museums for society. The Museum inspires thought provoking ideas and conversations that are relevant within and beyond geographic boundaries. Our work radiates to catalyze more connected and empathetic spaces. The art of storytelling connects us to shape a more just society.

VALUES

Our internal and external practice is shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.

PEOPLE FIRST

We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what people find meaningful, to works of art and the work of our organization.

INSPIRED

We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.

COLLABORATIVE

We believe that nimble thinking and working together yields exponential results.

BRAVE

We approach our work and learning with courage, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.

4 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

ART

Amplify the social impact of Narrative Art through an approach that bridges the academic and the popular.

COMMUNITY

Connect to a broad and diverse public by create an institution rooted in impactful, respectful, sustainable relationships.

INCLUSION

Practice diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging in all operational and programmatic aspects of our work.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Create a healthy and durable institution equipped to fulfill its vision and public mandate.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art leads through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.

Hourly rate will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates’ education, experience, and location. 

Pursuant to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the museum requires all who work on-site or conduct occasional meetings on-site to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of hire absent an approved medical and/or religious exemption. Upon hire, all new freelancers will receive detailed instructions on complying with this policy.  Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.