Managing Editor

Managing Editor
Reports To: Director of Programs

Asian Arts Initiative seeks a Managing Editor to help in launching its publishing project. Our publishing work will uplift our local, regional, and national AAPI communities, led by the work of cultural critics. Publication will be primarily digital, producing one piece each week, with the goal of one print publication annually. The project will create new opportunities that uplift critics and values cultural criticism, and create new platforms for brave works of art to receive cultural understanding and appreciation.

The Managing Editor is responsible for supporting the Director of Programs to advance Asian Arts Initiative’s publishing work by overseeing the day-to-day operations, coordinating the editorial workflow, and maintaining communications with freelance critics and writers.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the editorial calendar and publishing schedule across writers and contributors
• Track story assignments and deadlines, following up with writers to keep work on schedule
• Review, copyedit, and fact-check articles for clarity, grammar, style, and adherence to editorial guidelines
• Communicate edits and questions to writers, coordinate revisions, and track articles through final approval and publication
• Coordinate with freelance writers, including onboarding, ongoing communication, and invoice tracking
• Upload, format, and schedule content in the CMS (e.g., Sanity or similar)
• Monitor published content for typos, broken links, and formatting issues; make corrections as needed
• Help maintain and apply the organization’s style guide and editorial standards
• Assist with research, source verification, and image/photo sourcing
• Collaborate with communications staff to align content timing and promotion
• Collaborate with the Director of Programs to determine editorial direction
• Assist with tracking metrics and audience data
• Provide editorial research and advice related to AAI’s publishing work as requested by the Director of Programs

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in editing, writing, or publishing
• Excellent copyediting, proofreading, and fact-checking skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines
• Familiarity with AP Style or another editorial style guide
• Experience using a content management system, or ability to learn one quickly
• Clear, thoughtful communication with writers and other collaborators
• Ability to give constructive editorial feedback while respecting a writer’s voice
• Commitment to AAI’s values of social justice and equity

Hours and Compensation

This is a part-time, grant-funded 1099 contract position averaging 20 hours per week at a rate of $50 per hour. The contract runs through March 31, 2028.

To Apply

Please submit a resume, a brief statement of interest (up to 300 words), and two samples that demonstrate your editorial work. For each sample, briefly describe your contribution. Samples may include published pieces you edited, documents showing your edits, editorial calendars, or other relevant work. You may redact confidential information. 

Submissions should be directed to jobs@asianartsinitiative.org with the subject line Managing Editor

Organizational Overview

Asian Arts Initiative is a multi-disciplinary and community-based arts center in

Philadelphia that advances racial equity and understanding, activating artists, youth, and

their communities through creative practice and dialogue grounded in the diverse Asian

American experience. Through exhibitions, performances, and community projects, we

provide an inclusive gathering place for conversation and exchange of ideas. Our

community-based arts initiatives seek out and cultivate innovative models for artists to

engage with local communities, with a particular emphasis on working in partnership

with our immediate neighborhood. Our primary programs include: 1) Artist residencies,

commissions, and presenting of performances and exhibitions for artists to develop

professionally and to create socially relevant artwork reflecting community experiences;

2) Year-round out-of-school-time programming for middle school youth, offering

creative development and a safe place; 3) Participatory curatorial practices and various

community development initiatives in our immediate neighborhood of Chinatown

North/Callowhill.