Assistant Manager (Interpretation and Publishing), Singapore

COMPANY DESCRIPTION Singapore Art Museum opened in 1996 as the first art museum in Singapore. Also known as SAM, we present contemporary art from a Southeast Asian perspective for artists, art lovers and the art curious in multiple venues across the island, including a new venue in the historic port area of Tanjong Pagar. SAM is building one of the world's most important public collections of Southeast Asian contemporary art, with the aim of connecting the art and the artists to the public and future generations through exhibitions and programmes. SAM is working towards a humane and sustainable future by committing to responsible practices within its processes. For more information, visit . RESPONSIBILITIES In Brief Singapore Art Museum (SAM) stands as a prominent institution for contemporary art. While exhibitions remain essential, SAM's dedication to 'thinking in public' transcends the confines of the gallery through language, platforms, publishing, and cultural authorship. Under the supervision of the Head of Interpretation and Publishing, the Assistant Manager plays a supporting role in transforming the museum's overarching narrative strategies into concrete, public-facing content. This position involves bridging the divide between curatorial research and audience engagement by supporting the development of 'storytelling ecosystems' across print, digital, and experimental formats. The position suits someone with strong editorial judgement, organizational discipline, and an ability to translate curatorial research into clear and accessible forms.
Responsibilities 1. Editorial and Content Production Execute Storytelling Ecosystems: Coordinate the day-to-day production of interpretive materials (exhibition texts, digital features, audio guides, self-guided handbook, or other modes of storytelling apparatus) as defined by the narrative strategy for each project. Project Coordination: Coordinate with curators, educators, designers, technology developers, and external writers to ensure projects are delivered clearly, accurately, and on schedule. Budget & Timeline Tracking: Track and manage project schedules and production budgets for publications to ensure institutional deadlines are met. 2. Publishing Operations & Project Management Multi-Format Publishing: Support the adaptation of curatorial research into public-facing content across web, app, and print format under the guidance of Head (Interpretation and Publishing), ensuring a consistent institutional voice across platforms. Repackage primary research for diverse audience segments (web, apps, print) while maintaining content integrity and contemporary relevance. Multilingual Engagement: Facilitate the implementation of inclusive and multilingual content strategies to engage new and diverse regional audiences. 3. Digital Platforms and Workflows Editorial: Support editorial workflows, including AI-enhanced tools, to facilitate digital-first content production. Data-Driven Refinement: Utilise data insights and UX research to refine and improve how SAM communicates complex ideas to its audiences. System Management: Support the museum's digital asset and content management systems to ensure institutional memory and research output are preserved. Circulation & Distribution: Explore and implement innovative ways to enhance the circulation of SAM's digital and physical content, ensuring broad reach and archival preservation. Digital Platform Alignment: Maintain the alignment of various digital platforms, ensuring consistent institutional voice and data-driven refinements based on UX research. 4. Rights, Procurement and Administration Rights & Compliance: Coordinate copyright clearances, licensing agreements, and contracts for all publishing and interpretation of outputs. Internal Capacity Building: Assist in organising 'storytelling labs' or training sessions for internal teams on writing and inclusive language practices. Procurement execution: Manage vendor relations and procurements, including the appointment and oversight of external managing editors and specialised printers. QUALIFICATIONS
At least 3 years of editorial or publishing experience, ideally within a contemporary art or research-based environment. A degree in the humanities, arts, or social sciences (Master's degree preferred). Comfortable working with hybrid publishing formats, digital tools, and experimental narrative environments (e.g., AI and Large Language Models). Deep familiarity with contemporary art practices and the ability to translate philosophical ideas into accessible content. Strong project coordination skills, diplomatic communication, and a collaborative spirit. Preferably bilingual (English as one of the primary one) proficiency in another Southeast Asian language is a significant advantage. Please note that your application will be sent to and reviewed by the direct employer - Singapore Art Museum