Writer and Editor

The Huntington is a collections-based research and educational institution open to the public, housing world-class library, art, and botanical collections. Founded in 1919, its mission is to support research and promote education in the arts, humanities, and botanical science while displaying and interpreting its extraordinary resources for diverse audiences.

About the Role

The Writer and Editor is a skilled storyteller and editor responsible for producing high-quality feature and narrative content and providing editorial support across Communications and Marketing. Reporting to the Director of News and Media Relations, this role helps execute institutional storytelling initiatives and ensures written materials meet The Huntington’s editorial standards. This position is a limited-term role, currently budgeted for one year.

The successful candidate demonstrates an inclusive, collaborative approach and experience working with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Edits and proofreads a wide range of materials—including event materials, news releases, newsletters, announcements, reports, and marketing collateral—to ensure clarity, accuracy, consistency of tone, and adherence to AP style and The Huntington Editorial Style Guide.
• Provides day-to-day editorial support across Communications and Marketing projects, maintaining quality and consistency across deliverables.
• Serves as backup to the Senior Editor on assigned projects, helping maintain editorial workflows, version control, and production deadlines.
• Supports the Director of News and Media Relations in executing editorial priorities and content initiatives.
• Researches, develops, and writes compelling feature and narrative stories that highlight The Huntington’s collections, research, exhibitions, programs, and people.
• Produces engaging content for print and digital platforms, including web features, blog posts, and institutional publications.
• Identifies and pitches story ideas in collaboration with Communications & Marketing colleagues and subject-matter experts.
• Conducts interviews and background research to support accurate, audience-focused storytelling.
• Crafts clear, compelling marketing and advertising copy in support of exhibitions, programs, campaigns, and institutional initiatives.
• Supports production of major publications (including the Annual Report) by drafting and editing content, coordinating inputs, assisting with image selection, and partnering with design staff on layout and production.
• Tracks project milestones and deadlines to support timely delivery of communications products.
• Assists with adapting content for web and multi-channel distribution.
• Participates in editorial planning meetings and content calendar discussions.
• Builds productive working relationships across the institution to surface story opportunities.
• Assists Communications & Marketing staff with editing and proofreading needs.
• Works occasional evenings and weekends as required to support events, deadlines, and institutional priorities.

Requirements

• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills with demonstrated strength in feature writing and line editing.
• Strong editorial judgment and attention to detail.
• Advanced working knowledge of AP style and institutional style standards.
• Proactive mindset, with the ability to anticipate storytelling opportunities and independently surface strong story ideas.
• Strategic thinking that connects writing and editing work to institutional priorities, audience engagement, and long-term visibility.
• Systems thinking, including the ability to evaluate and improve workflows, processes, and operational systems to strengthen editorial efficiency and collaboration.
• Demonstrated strength in project management, with the ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize effectively, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to write effective marketing and advertising copy aligned with institutional voice, brand standards, and audience goals.
• Ability to maintain clear communication and seamless collaboration across teams and stakeholders.
• Strong interviewing and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to inclusive, accessible communications.
• Proficiency with MS Office, SharePoint, Teams, Adobe, and collaborative editing tools.

Qualifications

• B.A. degree, preferably in English, journalism, or equivalent coursework. Demonstrated ability and job experience may substitute for preferred degree.
• Five to seven years’ experience in editing and writing for cultural organizations, museums, universities, and/or news outlets.

Preferred Skills

• Experience using project and workflow management tools (e.g., ClickUp, Asana, Monday, or similar) to track progress and support cross-team coordination.
• Experience working with Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems, including uploading images and applying accurate keywords, metadata, rights information, and captions.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with standard computer use.
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends as required by institutional events and deadlines.

Pay

Pay Range: $85,000.00–$90,000.00. Commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 403(b) retirement plan and matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match
• Hybrid remote work schedule available for applicable positions
• Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and holidays
• Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants
• Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions
• Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds