About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

Job Summary

Studio Museum in Harlem is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Digital Asset Management System (DAMS) Specialist for an 12-month contracted position. This role will attend to a sizable asset backlog, establish a plan to tackle ingestion and tagging, reinstate public access to archival materials, and help establish a digital asset preservation policy for the Museum. Working closely with the Collection and Exhibition Management and Digital Communications teams, the DAMS Specialist is responsible for cataloging and preserving the Museum’s digital collections. This role involves establishing processes for managing the Museum’s digital collections, ensuring access for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that all existing assets are uploaded, catalogued, and labeled with accurate and comprehensive data, and creating a protocol for handling all future assets. The ideal candidate will have familiarity with digital asset management systems, NetX,  and a commitment to archival excellence. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

 Address Digital Asset Backlog and Attribute Cleanup  

• Analyze image and video asset files found on local network drives and external hard drives (roughly 52TB) comparing files with assets stored in the Museum’s DAMS. 
• Establish plan to ingest archive image assets into NetX (roughly 2TB). 
• Create Finding Aid for video assets. 
• Organize the Museum’s digital collections on NetX, including photographs, audiovisual recordings, videos, and artwork. 
• Ensure all digital assets adhere to image standards and manage their ingestion into NetX. 
• Manage DAMS attribute library and cleanup, ensuring captions, rights, keywords, persons depicted, and artwork depicted is accurately captured. 
• Support staff with asset upload and attribution cleanup including but not limited to generating caption information and accessibility requirements. 
• Manage image selection for the collection webpages. 

 Reinstate Public Portal  

• Manage NetX Portal update implementation, working closely with NetX representatives for any customizations. 
• Liaise with NetX for generating and maintaining Autotasks. 
• Implement closed captions and linked transcripts for all video assets and generate backup files. 
• Implement keywords and tagging system, including Google Vision. 
• Keep up to date with NetX system updates and provide recommendations for enhanced features. 

Establish Digital Preservation Policy and Procedures 

• Working with the Collection Database Manager and the General Counsel, develop intellectual property best practices in accordance with the Museum’s mission and values. 
• Assist in developing the Museum’s Digital Preservation Policy with Collections Database Manager, IT, Archivist, and Associate Director of Digital Marketing & Communications. 
• Update, develop, and document workflows and guidelines to support future management and sustainable use of the DAM system. 
• Stay current on digital archiving trends and technologies to implement and maintain best practices. 
• Assist with NetX staff orientation.

Skills and Qualifications  

• Proficient with NetX. 
• Comprehension of metadata standards, digital image file parameters, according to museum best practices. 
• Experience with TMS a plus. 
• Aptitude in database management, media cataloging, records preservation, digital rights management, and data migration.  
• Familiarity with industry best practices for DAM, taxonomy, and content management. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize digital archiving solutions. 

Education and Experience 

• 3-5 years of proven experience with digital asset management.
• Background in Archival Studies, Library Science, History, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Strong organizational and project management skills. 

Physical Demands 

N/A

Work Environment 

Fast paced- project based environment

Compensation

$45- $50 hourly

This is a project-based, grant-funded role

• This is a 12-month part time project based role.
•  expected 20-25 hours a week.

Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

Application Instructions

Please upload your resume and a cover letter to your application. No phone calls or emails, please.  

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, only a select number of applicants will be contacted due to the volume of interest.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.  

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.