Digital Archives Specialist

The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) in Philadelphia is seeking a Digital Archives Specialist.

Objective 

Under the guidance of the Director of Preservation Services and working closely with the rest of the Preservation Services team, contributes to the mission of the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts by conducting digital preservation assessments and assisting with digitization planning for collecting organizations; conducting archival needs assessments and assisting with archival planning for collecting organizations; supporting educational programs; and providing technical information to libraries, archives, museums, historic sites, and other cultural institutions. Assists institutions with their archival and preservation planning efforts, for both digital and analog collections. 

Location

This position is in Philadelphia. After the 90th day of employment, a flexible work arrangement may be considered with at least 60% of the employee’s time spent on-site at CCAHA. 

Reports to: The Digital Archives Specialist reports to the Director of Preservation Services.


Responsibilities: 

  • Conducts digital preservation assessments with written reports for cultural collecting organizations; advises organizations in the ongoing development, implementation, and operation of their digital preservation programs as well as on recommendations for the development and implementation of digital preservation strategies, technologies, and procedures.
  • Conducts on-site archival needs assessments with written reports for cultural collecting organizations.
  • Assists collecting organizations with digitization planning.
  • Assists collecting organizations with archival planning.
  • Develops, presents, and organizes educational programs and workshops, including curriculum and content development, speaker recruitment, and scheduling.
  • Presents lectures and prepares both in-person and webinar programs for professional and lay audiences to promote awareness of preservation and conservation concerns and practices.
  • Provides technical information via telephone, e-mail, and in print on preservation topics.
  • Maintains familiarity with preservation literature. Assists in updating and expanding the range of technical literature available through CCAHA. Writes articles for publication.
  • Participates in preservation activities on a local, regional, and national level. 

Qualifications: 

  • Master's degree from a library, information science, or public history program with a concentration in archival management.
  • Digital Archives Specialist Certificate through the Society of American Archivists, or other higher education coursework in managing digital archives collections. 
  • Familiarity with the Federal Agencies Digital Guidelines Initiative and other digital imaging standards 
  • Minimum of two years of experience working in an archival setting.
  • Training in and thorough understanding of preservation principles, practice and issues, with a library and archive focus.
  • Experience in conducting and writing assessments and other planning documents for cultural institutions.
  • Knowledge of archival theory, practice, and standards including organization, description, and preservation strategies.
  • Practical knowledge of archival policies and procedures.
  • Experience with archival processing (arranging, describing, and cataloging). 
  • Familiarity with past, current, and emerging trends in the fields of digitization and digital preservation. 
  • Talent in teaching and public speaking.
  • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills.
  • Ability to work independently. 

Compensation: 

This is a full-time, exempt position. A generous benefits package that includes paid time off, medical, dental and vision, FSA, professional development funds and retirement matches are included. The salary range is $58,062 to $62,410. To Apply Please upload a letter of interest, CV/resume, writing sample, and three references addressed to Dyani Feige, Director of Preservation Services to https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2270007/Conser…. PDF files only. 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We are currently not offering sponsorship. 

About CCAHA 

CCAHA was founded in 1977 and has grown to be one of the largest nonprofit conservation centers in the country. Its wide array of services, sophisticated treatment facilities, innovative approaches, and highly trained and experienced staff have earned it a prominent and respected place in the conservation field. We serve nonprofit cultural institutions, private individuals, and other collecting organizations in the preservation of works on paper, archival documents, photographic materials, and books through conservation treatment, collection surveys and consultations, housing & framing, and digital imaging services. Our preventive conservation and preservation services staff focuses on capacity building for collecting institutions through fundraising support, strategic planning and assessment projects, emergency planning and response initiatives, and in developing educational programs and conferences. CCAHA’s mission is to provide expertise and leadership in the preservation of the world's cultural heritage.

CCAHA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff and our clients.