Naomi R. Blumberg
Chicago
Summary
Professional editor with track record of delivering high-quality content and ensuring grammatical precision. Strong focus on collaboration and adaptability, consistently meeting project goals. Adept at managing deadlines, refining manuscripts, and enhancing readability. Reliable team player with keen eye for detail and passion for impactful storytelling.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Archives Processing Assistant Volunteer
Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago
02.2025 - Current
- Essential role: archives processing
- Appraise and arrange collections
- Rehouse materials using best preservation practices
- Create finding aids
- Conduct research
- Work with conservation department to assess and plan for preservation of compromised materials
- Consult with subject librarians on foreign-language materials
Managing Editor
Portable Gray magazine, University of Chicago
03.2018 - Current
- Essential role: manage bi-annual publication working closely with editor, writers, and designer on production.
- Copy edit and proofread all text contributions and content
- Maintain online files and tracking system for the production of each issue
- Maintain communication with all magazine contributors
- Coordinate payment for all contributors
- Research and attain permissions to reproduce visual content
- Collaborate effectively with a small team
- Ensure adherence to critical production deadlines
Associate Director
Arts, Science and Culture Initiative, University of Chicago
10.2016 - Current
- Essential role: plan and implement trans-disciplinary programs that establish dialogue between the arts, social sciences, and the sciences
- Manage Graduate Collaboration Grant Program: review and select grantees, distribute funding, coordinate monthly meetings, and act as mentor and support for the students throughout the academic year
- Collaborate with colleagues at the School of the Art Institute on our Graduate Grant Program
- Lead marketing and communication efforts, including quarterly newsletters (Mailchimp) and website maintenance (Squarespace)
- Compile paper and digital archive of ASCI materials spanning 2010 to the present
- Work with Senior Director to analyze goals and outcomes and to develop new programs
- Assist in overseeing and maintaining budget
- Manage visiting speakers and public programming, including marketing, securing event locations, and arranging technical needs, as well as, overseeing set-up for events and workshops
Practicum for credit
Research Archives Library, Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, UChicago
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Focus: collection development and data management
- EMU collection management software for cataloging journals, serials, monographs
- Assist in managing inventory by reviewing current publishers’ catalogs against the ISAC database
- RFID tagging, book labeling, and stamping to be ready for shelving
Assistant Editor, Arts and Culture
Encyclopedia Britannica
04.2014 - 08.2016
- Conducted extensive online research for encyclopedia entries on arts-related content
- Wrote original content on artists, musicians, writers, art historical movements, and other topics
- Edited manuscripts for print publication by Britannica
- Developed original content for Britannica consumer site, including spotlights on art-related news and art-related quizzes and lists
- Collaborated on projects aimed at expanding readership
- Researched and commissioned scholars to write content for Britannica
- Edited content submitted by outside contributors
Curator (visiting)
Chicago History Museum
01.2012 - 05.2013
- Assessed donations for the permanent collection
- Identified new artifacts and collections for acquisition
- Curated temporary exhibitions
- Wrote regular entries for the CHM blog
- Researched within the permanent collection to develop new exhibition ideas and draft proposals
- Participated on project planning teams to reconceptualize permanent exhibitions
- Developed and implemented public programs
- Interviewed by The Reader, and for the web show Uncovering Chicago and Travel Channel’s Mysteries at the Museum
Exhibition Manager
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, University of Illinois at Chicago
08.2009 - 10.2011
- Researched extensively, curated, and co-curated exhibitions
- Wrote and edited exhibition labels
- Wrote press releases and web content
- Managed the planning process for the museum's new permanent exhibition
- Collaborated with exhibition designer and graphic designer
- Monitored budgets throughout exhibition planning process
- Researched and coordinated loans
- Oversaw contractors, contracts, and maintained records of their reimbursed expenses
Assistant Curator and Manager of Publications
McMullen Museum of Art, Boston College
06.2002 - 08.2008
- Coordinated all aspects of exhibitions (originating at the McMullen as well as those from other institutions): shipping (domestic and international), insurance coverage, loan agreements
- Managing editor for 12 exhibition catalogues that included scholarly essays from many disciplines
- Oversaw exhibition catalogue production: collected photography of works in the exhibition and accurate credit and caption information, attained rights to reproduce images, collaborated with designer on layout, reviewed and approved proofs
- Maintained museum’s events web page using Dreamweaver and developed reference websites of upcoming exhibitions for use by contributing curators
- Wrote exhibition wall text; edited and proofread all wall text
- Designed and wrote publicity materials
- Organized and co-wrote NEA and Federal Indemnity grant applications
- Researched and wrote essays on art historical topics
- Supervised interns and trained docents for upcoming exhibitions
Education
MS - Library and Information Science
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
05-2024
MA - Art History
Tufts University
Medford, Massachusetts05-2002
BA - Art History
Barnard College
New York, New York05-1998
Skills
- Archives processing
- Budget management
- Team collaboration
- Visual content permissions
- Deadline oriented
- Verbal and written communication
- Workflow design
- Project management
- Copy editing
- Proofreading
- Concise writing
Languages
Hebrew
French (reading knowledge)
Relevant Library coursework
- Administration and Use of Archival Materials
- Community Archives
- Academic Librarianship
- Rare Books and Special Collections
- Introduction to Artists’ Books
- Reference and Information Services
- Collection Development
- Information, Organization, and Access
- Libraries, Information, and Society
- Youth Literature and Social Justice
Timeline
Archives Processing Assistant Volunteer
Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago
02.2025 - Current
Practicum for credit
Research Archives Library, Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, UChicago
01.2024 - 06.2024
Managing Editor
Portable Gray magazine, University of Chicago
03.2018 - Current
Associate Director
Arts, Science and Culture Initiative, University of Chicago
10.2016 - Current
Assistant Editor, Arts and Culture
Encyclopedia Britannica
04.2014 - 08.2016
Curator (visiting)
Chicago History Museum
01.2012 - 05.2013
Exhibition Manager
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, University of Illinois at Chicago
08.2009 - 10.2011
Assistant Curator and Manager of Publications
McMullen Museum of Art, Boston College
06.2002 - 08.2008
MS - Library and Information Science
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
MA - Art History
Tufts University
BA - Art History
Barnard College