PhotographyDigital Archivist

Department: Collections & Archives

Reports To: Director of Collections & Library Services

Job Grade: 3B

Location: Onsite 888 Newark Avenue Jersey City NJ

About ICP

The International Center of Photography (ICP) is the worlds leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. Through exhibitions education public programs and community outreach ICP provides an open forum for dialogue about the power of the image. Since 1974 ICP has presented more than 700 exhibitions and offered thousands of classes at every level.

Position Summary

The Photography/Digital Archivist supports the care organization digitization and accessibility of ICPs 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.

Collection Processing & Description

• 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

Digitization & Digital 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

Digital Asset Management

• Upload manage and enhance digital files in ICPs digital asset management or collections systems
• Maintain controlled vocabularies and authority records
• Support data cleanup normalization and system migrations as needed

Access & Research Support

• 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

Collaboration & Administrative Support

• 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

Qualifications

Required

• MLIS Masters in Archives Museum Studies or related degree; or equivalent education and experience
• 13 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

Preferred

• 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

Working Conditions

• Work takes place in office and collections storage environments
• May require lifting boxes or materials up to 3540 lbs.
• Occasional exposure to cool storage or low-light environments depending on collections

Compensation & Benefits

• The salary range for this Job Grade 3B position is $58300$65000 to commensurate with experience.
• 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.

The International Center of Photography is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ICP is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.