Archive + Collection Manager

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

Job summary

The Art Institute of Chicago’s Video Data Bank (VDB), part of SAIC’s Library + Special Collections, seeks an Archive + Collection Manager to oversee preservation, access, and digitization for physical and digital media. You will manage collections, oversee storage, coordinate with faculty and external clients, and contribute to policy development and outreach.

You will work with SAIC staff and artists to acquire masters, process files for distribution, and ensure high-quality access via the

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited graduate degree in Library and/or Information Science or related field
• Four plus years experience with digitization, preservation, and reformatting workflows for media collections
• Knowledge of preservation theory and practices for video formats
• Experience with metadata and cataloging for moving image/video collections
• Experience with digital video editing and file transcoding
• Supervisory experience and ability to recruit/train student workers

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of collections management, access, and preservation
• Maintain intellectual control of the collection via databases and storage infrastructure
• Preserve and migrate obsolete formats; digitize analog collections
• Coordinate with Distribution Manager to fulfill faculty and external client orders
• Collaborate with SAIC faculty and external partners to promote collections and programs
• Acquire high-quality masters and process files for distribution
• Process digital files for distribution and archival access
• Create still images for publication and promotions
• Coordinate class visits and screening room access
• Maintain accurate collection metadata on the VDB site and create artwork pages
• Oversee storage for physical media and equipment
• Plan facilities needs and maintenance for VDB offices/storage
• Recruit, train, and supervise student workers
• Collaborate on policy development for VDB and support research/teaching needs
• Represent VDB in media arts and special collections communities

Skills

Metadata knowledge

Video formats knowledge

Digital asset management

Supervisory experience

Adobe Suite

ffmpeg/mediainfo

Filemaker Pro

Drupal websites

Education

ALA-accredited Library/Info Science degree

Art/design field experience

Tools

Adobe Suite

ffmpeg

mediainfo

Filemaker Pro

Drupal

LTO & RAID storage

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


• Benefits


• PTO Overview


• Job Classification: Exempt


• Employment Category: Full time Staff


• Grade Level: 7

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.

Union

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

Accessibility

If You Are a Job Seeker With a Disability And Require a Reasonable Accommodation To Apply For One Of Our Jobs, You Will Find The Contact Information To Request The Appropriate Accommodation By Visiting The Following Page

Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants

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].