Digitization Archivist

Digitization Archivist Reporting to the Collections Director, the Digitization Archivist will be responsible for implementing digitization services and managing resources that support the current and future needs of our team and community. The Digitization Archivist will support the Collections Director in key areas of digitization project management, data preservation, workflow strategy, and design and launch of the Catalog Records Manager. Responsibilities include internal image requests and external rights and reproductions requests, maintaining local server and cloud‑based backup repositories, and uploads to our Online Archive. The Digitization Archivist will keep informed of current developments within the field and participate in professional associations locally, nationally, and internationally. This role will lead the digitization studio at Letterform Archive, have one internal report (Digitization Specialist), and manage relationships with outside vendors. This is a full‑time, onsite position based in San Francisco, with some hybrid flexibility as agreed with your manager. Primary Responsibilities Digitization Support photography needs of the organization with work primarily divided between systematic digitization of the collection and production photography for the publishing program. Tasks include capture, image post‑processing, occasional retouching, file preparation and management, and quality control of completed work. Manage projects, optimize workflows for efficiency, and ensure photography adheres to federal digital preservation standards and best practices. Record and maintain capture counts. Lead digital asset management and preservation initiatives. Troubleshoot digitization components and coordinate with external vendors. Rights and Reproductions Communicate with external requestors regarding image file needs, including fielding and clarifying requests, flagging rights issues, providing introductory copyright resources, and connecting rights holders to requestors when appropriate. Prepare and finalize image use agreements and invoices for each request. Manage agreement language, fee schedule, and image rights and reproductions request page on the Archive’s website. Flag issues related to unauthorized use of Archive images and work with Executive Director, Collections Director, and legal counsel to resolve. Discovery and Access Manage image requests from community members to include invoicing, use agreements, and file delivery. Work closely with the Online Archive team on development, integration, and use of the Catalog Records Manager as well as continued upload and description of objects to the Online Archive. Welcome tour groups and new Archive employees into the studio for introductory tours and informational talks. Supervision Supervise one staff member. The Digitization Specialist works primarily on the collection and production of photography for systematic digitization and other internal image requests. Research and Professional Development Conduct research, pursue ongoing education, and actively participate in professional communities focused on intellectual property and imaging workflows. Ideal Qualifications and Characteristics 5+ years of professional photography experience in digitization or commercial studios. 1+ years experience managing a digitization workflow from start to finish. 1+ years experience in personnel management. Strong technical skills with digital imaging hardware and software, including expertise in tethered capture workflows. In‑depth knowledge of studio lighting equipment and techniques. Excellent visual acuity for assessing color accuracy, exposure, and focus. Experience operating and troubleshooting PhaseOne camera tethered to Capture One imaging software, troubleshooting technical issues and innovating workflows. Highly organized with the flexibility to prioritize multiple incoming requests alongside ongoing projects efficiently. Demonstrated effectiveness working both collaboratively on a team and independently with minimal supervision. Experience working with cultural heritage materials, understanding handling needs and preservation requirements. Actively participates in professional associations to remain up‑to‑date with best practices, community standards, and changing technologies. Physical Demands This role will regularly be required to perform photography and desk‑based computer tasks, including using a computer screen or standing for long periods of time, typing, or making phone calls. They may also frequently be required to move items weighing up to 25 pounds or push and maneuver a fully loaded book truck weighing up to 60 pounds. The Archive will provide reasonable accommodations to an employee with a disability who requires accommodations to perform the essential functions of their job. You Are Welcome Here Fair Chance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Equal Opportunity and Non‑Discrimination. Letterform Archive is an equal opportunity workplace, community, and place of learning. The Archive does not discriminate in employment or in offering educational services and programs. Position Type and Work Schedule This is a full‑time, non‑exempt position working 40 hours per week during the Archive’s normal office hours, with occasional opportunities to work or attend weekend and evening events. It is onsite at Letterform Archive’s offices in San Francisco 3‑5 days per week; work‑from‑home days are as agreed with your supervisor. You must be authorized to work in the United States. The Archive does not sponsor visas at this time. Compensation and Benefits The pay rate for this role is $78,000 - $88,000 per year depending on candidate experience and qualifications. Letterform Archive offers the following benefits to all full‑time employees: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with subsidized dependent coverage. Three weeks of Paid Time Off each year with accrual up to four weeks per year based on tenure. 10 paid holidays per year. Sick leave. Flexible Spending Account (FSA). 401(k) retirement plan. Pre‑tax commuter benefit. Annual professional development budget. Complimentary Archive membership, and waived tuition to Archive workshops. #J-18808-Ljbffr Letterform Archive