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Interpretation Editorthe Design Museum
18 days ago
  • LevelMid Level
  • ProfessionsProject Manager, Writer, Copy Editor
  • TypeFull Time
  • LocationLondon, United Kingdom

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Description

Closing Date: 02-Jan-2025

Overview
The Design Museum’s temporary exhibitions programme is the central focus of its activities. The exhibitions include monographs and thematic exhibitions on every aspect of contemporary design, ranging from architecture to fashion, film to products.
An exciting opportunity has arisen at the Design Museum for a self-motivated Interpretation Editor who is passionate and knowledgeable about communicating with audiences through exhibitions. This role will suit someone with a passion for language and for sharing ideas with a broad audience.
Job scope
As an active member of the curatorial team, the Interpretation Editor will guide and manage the department’s interpretation processes to embed them into the museum’s busy exhibition schedule. They will work closely with the exhibition curators to support and advise the writing of exhibition text to produce clear, accurate, accessible, and engaging copy for a wide range of audiences. The role combines practical editorial skills with the ability to work within a team and take personal initiative to implement and regularly review the museum’s interpretation strategy. They will report to the Head of Curatorial and Interpretation.
The successful candidate will have proven editing experience from the museum and galleries sector, and a sound knowledge of audience research and exhibition making. They will understand the importance of effective interpretation in delivering successful exhibitions. A demonstratable familiarity with contemporary design would be advantageous, but not essential.
Job description
Interpretation
  • Be responsible for the interpretation process for the museum programme, which includes four annual ticketed exhibitions, free displays and some partnership projects.
  • Maintain the museum’s style guide, and regularly review the interpretation strategy for the curatorial department.
  • Manage the editing process and create a timeline for delivery in coordination with the exhibition curators and project managers and ensure the sure the smooth and timely delivery of exhibition text.
  • Review and feed into all interpretation plans, develop a strong understanding of the Design Museum audiences and act as an audience champion in the interpretation development and process, to produce strong narrative-led and accessible interpretation.
  • Advise the curators on the overall interpretation of exhibition ideas including audio and other digital content.
  • Review and edit all exhibition text to ensure it has a clear narrative, is accessible to the audience and is grammatically correct, and bring it to a high publishable standard.
  • Work with curators to adapt exhibition text for other museum departments, such as for Media & PR, Learning, Visitor Experience and Touring requirements.
Policy and process
  • Support and guide the writing of curators’ exhibition texts to produce clear, accurate, accessible, and engaging copy for a wide range of audiences, tailored to the context.
  • Mentor and coach junior members of the team to develop their interpretation skills.
  • Maintain guidance on the interpretation process and best practice, ensuring that this remains up-to-date and responsive. Develop appropriate channels for the communication of this guidance.
  • Work with and support any volunteers to ensure their full integration into the curatorial team.
Person specification
Essential
Knowledge
  • A degree in design history, architecture history, art history or a related field.
  • A proven knowledge of the English language.
Experience
  • Experience of writing and editing clear, accurate copy for the public.
  • Proven experience of editing high profile exhibitions that have attracted broad audiences.
  • Experience of delivering successful visitor engagement in the context of exhibitions and displays through the effective application of interpretation strategies.
Skills
  • Ability to write engagingly and accurately.
  • Well-organised and able to plan effectively.
  • Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and retain excellent attention to detail.
  • Familiarity with exhibition making and narrative development.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and external editors.
  • A commitment to the work of the Design Museum and its values: empathy, curiosity, collaboration and impact.
Desirable
  • Training in museum interpretation.
  • Experience of developing an interpretation strategy.
  • Knowledge of design history.
  • Knowledge of design software such as InDesign.

Skills Required

  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Time Management

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