Photography/Digital Archivist

Description

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 world’s 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 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

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 ICP’s 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, 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
  
  

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 35–40 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 $58,300–$65,000, 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.