Production Assistant for The National Gallery of Art
Location (please note if this is remote): Washington, DC - the possibility of remote work (up to 3 days/week) after 6 months on site
Salary: $74,950 - $116,788
To Apply: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/669165800 – open to the public https://www.usajobs.gov/job/669165600 - open to specific individuals (individuals with disabilities, federal employees, career transition, special authorities)
Position Overview: The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity. It was founded with the hope that it would be a living institution, growing in usefulness and importance to artists, scholars, and the general public. It now seeks to carry forward its responsibilities with a renewed commitment to engaging audiences across the country. We are looking for a Production Associate to oversee the production and manufacturing of print and digital publications.
The Production Associate plays a vital role in ensuring timely, cost-efficient, and beautifully reproduced illustration programs for our publications through excellent information management, project management, and cross-departmental coordination. The department produces 10 to 12 book-length publications per year and a variety of smaller publications and pieces of ephemera. Subjects span the fields of art, photography, architecture, conservation, and other art-historical studies. The Production Associate is responsible for supervising necessary freelancers and providing leadership and oversight for the implementation of complex illustration programs according to timelines and goals.
The incumbent reports to the Production Manager in the Office of Content Strategy, Publishing, and Branding within the Office of the Deputy Director, and fulfills the Production Manager’s responsibilities in their absence.
Responsibilities:
Project Management. Assists supervisor in developing and maintaining project budgets and schedules, and coordinating a production process that involves designers, editors, curators, authors, and freelancers. Solicits print estimates, arranges shipping, and serves as primary point of contact for freelance photo researchers.
Color Management. Coordinates between color separators, designers, curators, editors, and other external organizations. Spearheads complete color management process, from initial illustration assessment to ensuring high-quality color reproduction on press checks, including comparing the accuracy of color proofs against guide material, using original artwork when available.
Information Management. Collects and manages project files so they are functional and readily accessible. Populates illustration databases for all book length illustration programs and updates them in coordination with other departments. Maintains production records, physical and electronic, according to departmental requirements to ensure easy retrieval of files when needed.
Digitization and Digital Publishing. Provides technical expertise and project management for digitization and digital publishing initiatives that align with departmental goals, such as backlist digitization and development of digital-first publishing strategies.
