Photography/Digital Archivist

International Center of Photography • Jersey City, NJ

3d • $58,300 - $65,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Photography/Digital Archivist supports the care, organization, digitization, and accessibility of ICP’s photographic and digital assets. This role contributes to cataloging, metadata creation, digitization initiatives, and digital preservation efforts, while collaborating with colleagues across collections, exhibitions, education, and technology teams. The position balances hands-on work with physical materials and digital asset management responsibilities.

Requirements

• MLIS, Master’s in Archives, Museum Studies, or related degree; or equivalent education and experience
• 1–3 years of experience working with photographic materials in an archive, museum, library, or similar setting
• Understanding of archival principles and metadata standards (DACS, Dublin Core, or VRA Core)
• Experience with digitization of photographic materials and familiarity with image formats
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to handle delicate materials responsibly
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience with a digital asset management system (e.g., TMS)
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom for basic image correction
• Knowledge of digital preservation tools (e.g., Fixity, Bagger)
• Experience with rights and reproductions or copyright research
• Basic understanding of scripting or automation for file handling

Responsibilities

• Arrange, catalog, and describe analog and digital photographic collections following archival standards (e.g., DACS, CCO, VRA Core)
• Create collection-level and item-level metadata with a high level of accuracy and consistency
• Rehouse and stabilize photographic materials including prints, negatives, slides, and born-digital files
• Assist with collection assessments and prioritization for digitization and preservation
• Support digitization workflows including scanning, file management, image editing, and quality control
• Apply file naming conventions, embedded metadata, and storage protocols
• Assist with monitoring digital storage and preservation practices, including fixity checks
• Contribute to documentation of digitization procedures and digital stewardship practices
• Upload, manage, and enhance digital files in ICP’s digital asset management or collections systems
• Maintain controlled vocabularies and authority records
• Support data cleanup, normalization, and system migrations as needed
• Respond to internal and external reference requests related to photographic and digital materials
• Provide image research and reproduction support
• Contribute to finding aids, digital collection records, and online resources
• Collaborate with curatorial, exhibitions, education, and IT teams on imaging and publication needs
• Assist with project tracking, documentation, and grant-related reporting
• Participate in staff training related to handling, metadata, and digital workflows

Benefits

• ICP offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings with employer contribution, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees