Audio Digitization and Metadata Specialist

Country Music Hall of Fame; Nashville, Northern (TN, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid vacation and sick days

Paid holidays and floating holidays

401(k) with up to 3% employer match

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The Country Music Hall of Fame is seeking an Audio Digitization and Metadata Specialist to organize, digitize, and describe the museum’s collection of over 300,000 sound recordings. You will oversee digitization projects, create precise metadata, and help prepare material for exhibitions, websites, and social media.

You will maintain audio equipment and ensure adherence to archival standards while collaborating with the Library and Archives team in a dynamic cultural institution in Nashville.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in relevant field (Library/Archival/Museum Studies or related).
• 1 year of professional experience with recorded sound in museum/library/archive contexts.
• Knowledge of digitization standards and best practices for sound.
• Experience with audio digitization hardware and editing software.
• Familiarity with country music history is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Digitize recorded sound formats for the online archive based on priorities.
• Create accurate metadata for online records.
• Arrange, rehouse, and describe physical sound formats.
• Maintain standards for collection processing, storage, and handling.
• Assist with research, curation, and editing of sound content for exhibitions and online use.
• Perform maintenance and alignment of audio equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Verbal and written communication

Knowledge of digitization standards

Proficiency with PCs (Mac)

Education

Library and Information Science

Archival Studies

Museum Studies

Tools

Digital asset management systems

Audio digitization hardware

Audio editing software

Job description

Position Title: Audio Digitization and Metadata Specialist

FLSA Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Company Overview:

Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum documents and interprets the history of country music—a musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city, the state, and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the museum proudly combines subject expertise, ambitious research, and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music, art, and history. The museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music while providing diverse learning opportunities. The core exhibit follows the story of country music from its folk beginnings through its emergence as a commercial art form. Rotating exhibits examine a broad range of topics, from country classics to ultra-contemporary and emerging artists in American Currents. The museum owns Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop opened in 1879, and it operates Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley and many others recorded.

What We Offer for Full-Time Staff:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Options
• Competitive Pay
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Paid Holidays (13) and Floating Holidays (2)
• 401(K) with Up To 3% Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program (Free Counseling and Legal Services)
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• FREE 24/7 Downtown Parking and Transit Benefits
• Continuing Professional Offerings
• Complimentary Museum Admission (For Yourself, Family, and Friends)
• Reciprocal Partnerships with Local Venues (The Nashville Zoo, Dollywood Theme & Water Parks, National Museum of African American Music, tours at The Opry and The Ryman Auditorium, and more)
• Up to 25% Discount in Retail Stores and Onsite Restaurant Venues
• Opportunities to Attend Exhibit Openings, Concerts and Special Events
• Employee Engagement Activities and Opportunities
• FSA and Dependent Care Options
• Dog Friendly Work Environment
• Volunteering and Community Engagement Opportunities

Departmental Overview:

In direct support of the mission statement of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Digital & Library Collections Departmental mission is to preserve and protect its collections; using best practices and available and emerging technologies to provide appropriate access to these collections.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Director of Library and Archival Collections, the audio digitization and metadata specialist organizes, digitizes, and describes content from the museum’s collection of over 300,000 sound recordings.

Specific Job Duties:

• Digitize recorded sound formats (primarily grooved discs and magnetic tape) for the online digital archive based on institutional priorities
• Create accurate descriptive metadata for records in the online digital archive
• Arrange, rehouse, and describe various physical recorded sound formats
• Maintain professional standards and best practices for collection processing, storage, handling, and use
• Research, curate, and edit recorded sound content for the museum’s exhibitions, educational programs, social media, and website
• Perform general maintenance and alignment of audio equipment
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree in relevant field (Library and Information Science, Archival Studies, Museum Studies, Public History, Audio Engineering)
• One year of professional experience working with recorded sound collections in a museum, library, archive, or in a production/research capacity
• Knowledge of digitization standards and best practices for recorded sound collections
• Knowledge of current and historic recorded sound processes, signs of deterioration, and their individual preservation requirements
• Experience with industry-standard digital asset management systems and metadata standards
• Experience with recorded sound digitization hardware
• Experience with recorded sound editing software
• Proficiency and capabilities with personal computers (including Mac products) and software
• Familiarity with the history of country music and key figures within the genre

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated understanding of the scholarly use of archival collections and of current developments in the field
• Strong working knowledge of country music and its ever-evolving history
• Experience providing recorded sound content for museum exhibitions
• Knowledge of copyright laws pertaining to recorded sound content

Key Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Ability to work collaboratively
• Knowledge of archival content, structure, and metadata standards
• Respect for country music as an art form and a commitment to continually expand knowledge of country music’s history
• Keen attention to detail and strong time management skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Notes to Applicant:

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We respect the varied attributes, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person unique. The museum promotes an environment of respect, communication, and understanding, while actively providing opportunities for all employees of all backgrounds the skills, experience, and information necessary to succeed. The museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or characteristics, age, membership in an employee organization, military or veteran status, or other non-merit factor. The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

We are a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for open positions. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and visitors. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and employment verification, including federally mandated E-Verify processes, as required for position.

Due to the high volume of applications received for this position, hiring managers will only contact candidates they are interested in scheduling for an interview. Please refrain from calling to inquire about the status of your application.