Metadata Coordinator

Details

Classification: Full-time with Benefits, Exempt, Temporary (Job Duration: 18 months), Hybrid (Open to fully remote work for the right candidate)

Location: CHM’s Shustek Center, Fremont, Ca

Position Summary

The Coordinator has primary responsibility for cataloging and metadata integration for newly digitized materials from the Museum’s collection into the new collection management system. The Coordinator will work closely with the Digitization and Data Project Manager in preparation of materials for digitization and QC.  They will assist in prioritizing work and on workflows for digitization. Digitization will cross all artifact formats including still and moving images, 3-D objects, audio, archival collections, and software boxes. The successful applicant will have an understanding and knowledge of multiple controlled vocabularies and the life cycle of digital objects.  The position will support the OpenCHM initiative and general collection operations. The Coordinator will work closely and collaboratively with collections and curatorial staff in implementing CHM’s move to a new Collections Management System (CMS) and further enabling a new online collections access platform. The position requires an individual who is invested in active communication, self-motivated and eager to learn and explore. The Coordinator will have knowledge of the functions and technologies related to CMS’s for museum and archival collections, plus search and retrieval functions. OpenCHM is a strategic, long-term initiative to build a technology platform that allows us to “unlock” our world-class collection and share it more broadly – to reach millions around the globe with impact.   This is a 18 month temporary position. The incumbent will work at the Museum’s Shustek Center in Fremont California. The work schedule is flexible within normal working hours and some work can be done remotely.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create, update, enhance and support quality metadata within CHM;
• Work with and support staff from the collections and exhibitions department (C & E), including archivists, registrars, and curators to support digitization project planning, guidance on standards, and efficient creation and maintenance of metadata;
• Support C & E staff in identifying potential collection materials for digitization;
• Perform limited in-house digitization of collection materials;
• Prepare materials, adhere to project plans, and perform quality control of vendor digitization;
• Aid in revising current workflows and procedures for digitization and cataloging;
• Aid in creating reports and other documentation concerning the Museum’s digitization efforts;
• Support Museum special events as needed;
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Background, Experience, and Education

• Master’s in Library or Museum Studies or equivalent experience;
• Cataloging / metadata creation experience and knowledge of best practices;
• Demonstrated knowledge of data and database structures, and metadata standards;
• Expertise with museum or archival collections management systems or digital asset management systems;
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, working within a team environment;
• Willingness to embrace new technologies and processes for streamlining traditional archival and/or museum practices;
• Experience doing in-house digitization;
• Demonstrated knowledge in digitization standards;
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities;
• Detail-oriented and ability to be flexible;
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment;
• Sense of humor.

Preferred Qualifications, Attributes and Skills 

• Understanding the role of metadata for online discovery;
• Experience working with vendor(s) for digitization;
• Experience with Photoshop or other software for image manipulation and clean-up;
• Knowledge and experience in archival processing;
• Knowledge of 3-D imaging;
• Knowledge of machine learning applications for metadata creation in a museum or archives setting;
• Experience creating metadata using established schemas - especially Dublin Core, RDF or EAD - using encoding systems like JSON
• Basic understanding of Linked Data concepts and technologies;
• Knowledge of computing history.

How to Apply

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must include a cover letter, resume, and a list of 3 professional references and email to jobs@computerhistory.org. Please be sure to add the job title you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

Salary Range

$63,000 - $65,000 Annually

We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success. CHM provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, CHM will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.