Summary

The Publications Associate is responsible for managing and executing editorial, production, and rights and reproductions functions for the Publications Department of the Corning Museum of Glass. This role independently oversees multiple aspects of publication projects and image licensing workflows, ensuring accuracy, compliance, quality control, and timely completion.

The Publications Associate serves as a key liaison among authors, designers, printers, Museum departments, and external constituents, exercising independent judgment in editorial standards, copyright assessment, and production coordination. This position contributes to strategic publishing initiatives and supports the Museum’s mission through high-quality scholarly and institutional publications, as well as serving patrons and staff through Rights and Reproductions services.

Responsibilities (Essential functions denoted with *)

Editorial

• Manages editorial workflows for assigned publication projects from manuscript development through final production, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.*
• Performs substantive editing and copyediting, proofreading, bibliographic research, and image compilation for Publications Department products.*
• Establishes editorial timelines and communicates them and style expectations to authors, contributors, and contractors.*
• Tracks and manages project deliverables using departmental systems, proactively identifying and resolving issues that may impact deadlines.*
• Reviews proofs in collaboration with the Managing Editor and makes recommendations regarding editorial and production adjustments.*

Design and Production

• Serves as a departmental liaison with external designers, printers, digital hosts, and distributors for assigned projects.*
• Oversees file preparation, version control, and quality assurance throughout the production lifecycle.*
• Manages proof distribution and consolidates feedback from authors and internal stakeholders, ensuring accuracy and consistency prior to release.*
• Coordinates digital publication postings in partnership with the Digital Department. *
• Develops and maintains production tracking systems and documentation to improve departmental efficiency.*

Rights and Reproductions

• Independently manages incoming rights and reproduction requests for Museum and Rakow Research Library images, including assessment of copyright status and appropriate licensing terms.*
• Researches, sources, and tracks external image permissions for publications, exhibitions, and institutional projects.*
• Advises internal stakeholders on image use compliance and copyright considerations.*
• Maintains and oversees the Rights and Reproductions archive, ensuring accurate documentation of licenses granted and obtained.*
• Tracks and analyzes rights and reproductions activity, preparing reports and statistics to inform departmental planning.*
• Partners with Accounting to ensure accurate invoicing and revenue tracking for commercial image uses.*

General

• Actively and intentionally supports CMoG’s commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.*
• Actively supports the Museum’s Advancement initiatives.
• Actively participates in departmental and Rakow Library Directorate team meetings and serves on Museum project teams and matrix teams as appropriate.
• Creates and maintains lists for internal distribution of printed books in collaboration with other departments and communicates with the warehouse for dissemination.*
• Coordinates with the Registrars, Curator of Postwar and Contemporary Glass, and Advancement to create mailing lists for New Glass Review and other publications shipped directly by the printer.*
• Maintains and updates the Publications and Rights & Reproductions webpages and Museum Matters pages.*

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• BA in Humanities and/or Social Sciences required.
• Master’s degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, and/or Library Science desired.
• 1-2 years of experience in museum and/or academic publishing, or the equivalent.
• Experience in academic, bibliographic, and image research required.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign and Photoshop) desired.
• Experience with Rights and Reproductions for publication desired.
• Knowledge of foreign language(s) a plus.
• Basic knowledge of copyright principles a plus.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Respect and exemplify the mission, vision, and values of the Corning Museum of Glass in all interactions with colleagues, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Represent the Museum in a professional manner at all times.
• Adhere to all prescribed organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Detail oriented and exceptionally organized.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and set priorities, while following instructions.
• Ability to manage and numerous multiyear projects at one time.
• Flexibility and capacity for quick reprioritization.
• Willingness to take initiative.
• Comfortable engaging with the public.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit or stand at a desk for long periods and to spend extended hours in front of a screen. Specific vision abilities required by this job include recognizing variations of color and reading small print.

The employee is sometimes required to move or transport boxes of books and proofs up to 30 pounds.

Safety Responsibilities

The employee shall be fully acquainted with and comply with all safety policies and procedures of the Corning Museum of Glass.

Confidentiality

Maintain confidentiality of information related to the Corning Museum of Glass and employees that may be encountered, either formally or informally, during the normal course of business.

Disclaimer

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and is not an inclusive summary of job duties and responsibilities. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the Corning Museum of Glass as the needs of the Museum and requirements of the job change. 

About The Corning Museum of Glass

The Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) was established in 1951 by Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) as a gift to the nation commemorating the company’s 100th anniversary. CMoG is an independent not-for-profit museum dedicated to exploring a single material: glass. Welcoming more than 300,000 annual visitors from around the world, the Museum's campus is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass, the world’s foremost library on glass, and one of the premier glassworking schools in the world.  CMoG was named by the New York Times among the U.S. museums to see for 2025, and Newsweek readers voted CMoG one of the Top 3 Best Art Museums in America.

Glass is a versatile, ancient material that is still being explored and understood by artists, scientists, and historians today. The story of glass is a story about art, history, culture, technology, science, craft, and design. 50,000+ objects representing more than 3,500 years of history are included in the Museum’s collection—ranging from a portrait of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh to a 200-inch telescope lens to contemporary sculpture. The Museum regularly publishes journals, educational videos and scholarly publications—many of which can be accessed online from anywhere in the world. 

We believe that prioritizing diversity, opportunity, belonging, and accessibility strengthens our Museum and enhances our ability to connect with all communities. We are actively fostering an inclusive culture that values and respects a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Creating a culture of belonging is central to our mission and helps ensure the Museum is welcoming to all.