Senior Editor

Job Description

Senior Editor (English)

Department: Editorial and Content Strategy

Reporting to: Head of Editorial and Content Strategy

Key responsibilities

• Write, copy-edit, fact-check and proofread texts according to Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) style.
• Offer suggestions for substantive editing of texts (e.g. comments about the order and completeness of the content, coherence of ideas and arguments, writing style and vocabulary) in relation to the target audience and intended purpose of the writing.
• Conduct research and rewrite texts where needed.

Texts may include any of the following:

- Curatorial texts such as work descriptions, overviews, sub-themes and curatorial essays.

- Exhibition booklets as well as Biennial guidebooks and catalogues.

- Biographies.

- Descriptions and schedules for courses, workshops, talks and symposia.

- Captions for artworks, images of artworks and Foundation events.

- Website texts and event summaries.

- Critical reflections and Archival texts.

- Press releases, newsletters and social media posts.

- Learning courses, workshops, talks and symposia descriptions.

- Sponsorship documents, institutional proposals and patron correspondence.

• Regularly liaise with artists, curators and other SAF team members.
• Conduct and organise editorial projects including holding meetings and workshops, tracking timelines and progress as well as providing feedback and reports if needed.
• Provide guidance and assistance to other editors or writers where needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in art, English or a related field.

Work Experience

At least ten years of experience in the same field.

Essential knowledge and skills

• Knowledge (on the level of an educated native speaker) of British English syntax, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling
• Skill in editing texts not only for the accuracy and consistency of the language and format but also for the completeness and coherence of ideas.
• Skill in writing and editing texts in a variety of styles, from academic writing to marketing materials to business correspondence.
• Good understanding of modern and contemporary art history as well as familiarity with artists and curators that SAF has exhibited and worked with in the past.
• Basic understanding of the different fields that SAF works across, including art, photography, performance, film, architecture, education, music and publications.
• Skill in using Microsoft Word, including Markup; Microsoft Teams; Google Docs; and Outlook
• High level of concentration and attention to detail.
• Methodical and well-organised approach to work.
• Ability to meet deadlines, multi-task and work under pressure.
• Ability to work with colleagues with different levels of proficiency in English.
• Tact and diplomacy in working with others.

Working Conditions

The role is a full-time position based in Sharjah, with working hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Thursday. Before Sharjah Biennials and other major exhibitions and events, additional work may be required.