Archive + Collection Manager

AMIA | Assn of Moving Image Archivists; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 53,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO Overview

Job classification: Exempt

Job summary

SAIC’s Video Data Bank seeks an Archive + Collection Manager to administer technical services for curatorial, instructional, access, and distribution functions. You will oversee physical and digital collections, ensure preservation, and manage digital assets for website and streaming access.

The role includes supervising student workers, coordinating with faculty and artists, and developing policies for the VDB. Strong project management and metadata skills are essential.

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited graduate degree in Library and/or Information Science or a related field with substantial relevant experience working with media archives.
• Four plus years experience with and knowledge of digitization, preservation, and reformatting workflows related to media collections.
• Commitment to accessibility, diversity, and inclusion; ability to work with diverse populations; cultural competence.
• Deep knowledge of preservation theory and practices for all video formats.
• Knowledge of basic metadata and cataloging schema for moving image/video collections.
• Experience with digital video editing, file transcoding, and preparing video files for exhibition and screening environments.

Responsibilities

• Manages all aspects of collections management, access, and preservation.
• Maintains intellectual control of the collection through databases and other collection management resources; ensures storage and maintenance of equipment and infrastructure.
• Ensures preservation of the collection and migration from obsolete formats; digitization of analog collections.
• Coordinates with Distribution Manager to fulfill SAIC faculty and external client orders in physical and digital formats.
• Collaborates with SAIC faculty, external partners, and the VDB team to acquire masters and process files for distribution.

Skills

Archive management

Digitization workflows

Metadata/cataloging

Communication skills

Supervisory experience

Education

MLS/MLIS or related Library/Info Sci degree

Tools

Filemaker Pro

Adobe Suite

ffmpeg

mediainfo

Drupal

Job description

Position

Archive + Collection Manager (full-time)

Location

Chicago, IL 60603

Application Date

September 21, 2026

Job Link

https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/ART1010AICH/JobBoard/d263cd2b-c4ef-4e10-8876-a2896406a573/OpportunityDetail?opportunityid=129b6399-8fd7-44c8-8c59-809e2ccb6854

Job Contact

[e-mail]

Position Summary

Founded at SAIC in 1976, the Video Data Bank (VDB) is a leading resource in the United States for video by and about contemporary artists. As part of a collaborative and dynamic team at SAIC’s Library + Special Collections, the Archive + Collection Manager of the Video Data Bank (VDB) administers the technical services required to support the curatorial, instructional, access, and distribution functions of VDB. Has oversight for the collection preservation, storage, and management of physical and digital collections, and contributes to collection development and processing. Manages digital assets, and maintains and organizes digital collections to ensure accessibility via the website and streaming platforms.

Responsibilities

• Manages all aspects of collections management, access, and preservation.
• Maintains intellectual control of the collection through databases and other collection management resources; ensures the storage and maintenance of all equipment and infrastructure related to collections and space storage needs–for both physical and digital collections.
• Ensures preservation of the collection and migration from obsolete and degrading tape formats; and digitization of analog collections.
• In coordination with the Distribution Manager works to ensure SAIC faculty and external client orders are fulfilled in a timely manner–this includes both physical and digital formats and processes.
• Works with colleagues throughout the campus and the external art, library, and archival communities to develop, maintain, and promote our collections and programs, in furtherance of the School’s goals and interests.
• Collaborates with the VDB team and artists to acquire high-quality masters, and process files for distribution; manages the processing and intake of new work into the collection; works with artists to acquire better copies of old masters.
• Processes digital files for distribution and archival purposes, ensure high-quality access to the VDB’s collection.
• Responsible for creating and providing still images for publication and promotional needs as part of the distribution program
• Coordinates class visits as well as onsite screening room access for students, researchers, and general public.
• Ensures information about collections, artists, and artworks are accurate and up-to-date on the VDB website. Creates website pages for artworks.
• Manages and organizes storage for physical media, VDB promotional materials, equipment, and general office supplies.
• Oversees facilities needs regarding the VDB office and storage spaces.
• Oversight of the maintenance and repair schedule and the acquisition and installation of new equipment. Performs basic maintenance and repairs to equipment. Planning acquisition of new equipment.
• Responsible for recruiting, training, scheduling, and supervision of student workers.
• Manages paper archives related to the video art collection
• Contributes to project planning and the development of policies and procedures for the VDB, as needed.
• Works closely and independently with SAIC faculty and students to support their research and teaching needs.
• Represents VDB in the external media arts and special collections communities, maintains strong working relationships with colleagues at other specialized resource centers within and outside of the School of Art Institute.
• Other responsibilities, projects, and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited graduate degree in Library and/or Information Science or a related field with substantial relevant experience working with media archives
• Four plus years experience with and knowledge of best practices and (technologies or systems) for digitization, preservation, and reformatting workflows related to media collections.
• Commitment to the educational mission of the School and demonstrated knowledge of the principles of accessibility, diversity, and inclusion; the ability to work well with diverse populations; and demonstrated level of cultural competence
• Deep and demonstrable knowledge of preservation theory and practices for all video formats
• Knowledge of basic metadata and cataloging schema for moving image/video collections
• Demonstrated knowledge in the identifying, handling, and inspecting video in all formats
• Experience with digital video editing, file transcoding, and preparing video files for exhibition and screening environments.
• Experience with maintaining and managing legacy equipment and related supplies.
• Knowledge of contemporary art practices, especially time-based media work
• Excellent organization, communication, and presentation skills
• Proficiency in using standard office software, web services, and networked environments
• Supervisory experience
• Degree(s) and/or work experience in an art or design-related field
• Familiarity with video tape restoration practices including cleaning and baking strategies
• Experience with Filemaker Pro, Adobe Suite, and command line tools such as ffmpeg and mediainfo.
• Experience with multiple types of digital storage including LTO (Linear Tape Open) and RAID storage.
• Experience with editing Drupal websites

Compensation & Benefits

• Hiring Range: $53,000 – $63,000 annually

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

• Benefits
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification: Exempt
• Employment Category: Full time Staff
• Grade Level: 7

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Union

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.

Accessibility

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Equal Opportunity Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [e-mail].