Audio Digitization and Metadata Specialist

Country Music Foundation Inc•Nashville, TN

just now•Onsite

About The Position

Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum documents and interprets the history of country music—a musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city, the state, and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the museum proudly combines subject expertise, ambitious research, and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music, art, and history. The museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music while providing diverse learning opportunities. The core exhibit follows the story of country music from its folk beginnings through its emergence as a commercial art form. Rotating exhibits examine a broad range of topics, from country classics to ultra-contemporary and emerging artists in American Currents. The museum owns Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop opened in 1879, and it operates Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley and many others recorded. Reporting to the Director of Library and Archival Collections, the audio digitization and metadata specialist organizes, digitizes, and describes content from the museum’s collection of over 300,000 sound recordings.

Requirements

Degree in relevant field (Library and Information Science, Archival Studies, Museum Studies, Public History, Audio Engineering)
One year of professional experience working with recorded sound collections in a museum, library, archive, or in a production/research capacity
Knowledge of digitization standards and best practices for recorded sound collections
Knowledge of current and historic recorded sound processes, signs of deterioration, and their individual preservation requirements
Experience with industry-standard digital asset management systems and metadata standards
Experience with recorded sound digitization hardware
Experience with recorded sound editing software
Proficiency and capabilities with personal computers (including Mac products) and software
Familiarity with the history of country music and key figures within the genre
Ability to work collaboratively
Knowledge of archival content, structure, and metadata standards
Respect for country music as an art form and a commitment to continually expand knowledge of country music’s history
Keen attention to detail and strong time management skills
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated understanding of the scholarly use of archival collections and of current developments in the field
Strong working knowledge of country music and its ever-evolving history
Experience providing recorded sound content for museum exhibitions
Knowledge of copyright laws pertaining to recorded sound content

Responsibilities

Digitize recorded sound formats (primarily grooved discs and magnetic tape) for the online digital archive based on institutional priorities
Create accurate descriptive metadata for records in the online digital archive
Arrange, rehouse, and describe various physical recorded sound formats
Maintain professional standards and best practices for collection processing, storage, handling, and use
Research, curate, and edit recorded sound content for the museum’s exhibitions, educational programs, social media, and website
Perform general maintenance and alignment of audio equipment
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Options
Competitive Pay
Paid Vacation and Sick Days
Paid Holidays (13) and Floating Holidays (2)
401(K) with Up to 3% Employer Match
Employee Assistance Program (Free Counseling and Legal Services)
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
FREE 24/7 Downtown Parking and Transit Benefits
Continuing Professional Offerings
Complimentary Museum Admission (For Yourself, Family, and Friends)
Reciprocal Partnerships with Local Venues (The Nashville Zoo, Dollywood Theme & Water Parks, National Museum of African American Music, tours at The Opry and The Ryman Auditorium, and more)
Up to 25% Discount in Retail Stores and Onsite Restaurant Venues
Opportunities to Attend Exhibit Openings, Concerts and Special Events
Employee Engagement Activities and Opportunities
FSA and Dependent Care Options
Dog Friendly Work Environment
Volunteering and Community Engagement Opportunities