This is a leadership role within the MCA and central to its artistic and engagement mission and programming.

• Full-time permanent position
• Curatorial and Digital Department
• Reports to the Director, Curatorial and Digital
• One direct report: Associate Editor

The MCA encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and people from diverse cultures. The MCA acknowledges the enormous contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, staff, educators, arts professionals, and guests have made to the fabric of the museum since its inception. Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art practice has long been central to MCA collection and exhibition programs.

Overview of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is Australia’s only public museum dedicated to contemporary art and the work of living artists.

The MCA presents, collects and engages with the art of now.

Guided by the principles of belonging, connection and influence, we aim to be the defining platform for contemporary art and ideas in Australia and beyond.

Located on Sydney Harbour at Tallawoladah, a home to stories, art and culture for over 65,000 years, the MCA contributes to the continuity of culture on our site.

We connect the widest possible public to contemporary art through our Collection, exhibitions, events, creative learning and access programs.

Our evolving Collection of over 4,700 artworks is the only public collection in Australia dedicated to the work of living artists, with over a third represented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, the MCA raises over 85% of its revenue each year through donations and commercial activities to deliver its artistic and engagement programs.

Overview of the position

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is looking to recruit a Senior Editor and Publications Manager. This is a leadership role within the MCA and central to its artistic and engagement mission and programming.

The Senior Editor and Publications Manager role combines the strategic and content-focused responsibilities of a senior editor with the project management duties of a publications manager, overseeing the entire lifecycle of publications from concept to delivery, which includes exhibition catalogues and the annual Art Now magazine.

Supported by an Associate Editor, the Senior Editor and Publications Manager also provides editorial oversight on interpretative materials for programs both in print and online. The role reports to the Director, Curatorial and Digital. This is a leadership position that require strong editorial, organisational, and communication skills. This position requires balancing creativity and strategic planning with meticulous attention to detail and project execution.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic vision and alignment

• Develops publishing strategy and defines the overall vision for a publication.
• Ensures that all publications align with the MCA’s goals and artistic program strategy.
• Identifies and manages opportunities for co-publishing and distribution.
• Develops, manages and reports on the budgets for all publications, working with Commercial and Corporate Services Team on the commercial plan for publications.

Content and quality

• Oversees content from concept to final print or digital version, ensuring quality, clarity, and alignment with the publication’s intended readership and voice.
• Acts as the custodian of MCA’s editorial voice, ensuring consistency across publications.
• Ensures that MCA publications meet the highest editorial standards and quality of scholarship.

Logistics, production and project management

• Leads all aspects of the publication process, from conceptualization to production and delivery, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Manages budgets, timelines, and workflows for multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating with various contributors like writers, designers, and printers.

Key selection criteria

• Minimum of five years’ experience in the Australian publication sector, including knowledge of origination and printing processes.
• Demonstrated success in the online editorial environment related to arts, culture, or education.
• Management of budgets.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder and project management experience.
• A thorough understanding of Australian copyright law and practice.
• Proven ability to successfully project-manage all stages of the publication process, from initial concept stage through to budgeting, commissioning, editing, marketing, promotion, and distribution of the publication.
• The successful candidate will also demonstrate:

• • Excellent research, writing and editing skills including the production of text for a range of audiences, as well as commissioning, copywriting, copy-editing and proof-reading.
  • Strength in the motivation and management of staff to meet agreed deadlines and to manage budgets.
  • A commitment to the Museum’s objective of promoting the work of living artists to broad audiences through the imaginative and creative publication and interpretation of contemporary work.

General requirements of all MCA employees

We require that all our employees:

• demonstrate support for innovation and for organisational changes required to ensure the MCA continues to evolve and accomplishes its strategic aim and objectives
• work cooperatively with others to produce innovative solutions and recognise the merits of diverse perspectives and the ideas of others
• demonstrate commitment to, and knowledge of, the principles and application of equal employment opportunities and anti-discrimination legislation in the workplace
• work in accordance with the principles of equity, access and fairness; respect and follow Safety work practices and procedures; work with due care and consideration to safeguard your own health and safety and the health and safety of others.

Terms and conditions of employment

This is a full-time, permanent position. Some work out of normal hours (9am–5.30pm) may be required to cover the MCA’s business requirements.

Salary package includes:

• annual leave: 4 weeks pro-rata
• personal leave: 10 days pro-rata
• superannuation: 12% super payments (in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992).

Benefits of working with the MCA include but are not limited to the below. These benefits can vary or be changed as per the MCA’s Policies and Procedures.

• Two additional paid days of leave:
• Birthday Day Off (Additional day of Paid Leave)
• Museum Day (Additional Public Holiday)
• Flexible Working Arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave (Primary and secondary caregivers, adoption, and foster parents)
• Time Off In Lieu (TOIL)
• Study Leave
• Additional accruals to Long Service Leave
• Free Entry to the Museum, including Paid Exhibitions
• January 26 (Flexible Public Holiday)
• Free Flu Vaccination Program
• Exhibition Pre-Views (Curatorial Walkthroughs)
• Other (e.g. Access to Employee’s Discount Programs and Salary Sacrifice options)

Applications

Shortlisting for interviews will be based on applicants meeting the essential criteria listed in the position description.

Please share with us the following documents as part of your application:

• cover letter
• your responses to the selection criteria (in a separate document or as part of the cover letter)
• CV
• contact details of two referees.

Please email the application to [email protected].

Closing date

Monday 15 December, 9am.

Working for the MCA

The MCA is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. The MCA promotes a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, and where individuals are treated with fairness, equality, and dignity. Find out more about the MCA.