Collections Project Assistant

Museum of Chinese in America; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich history of Chinese Americans. As a Collections Project Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in expanding public access to archival holdings through digitization and cataloging efforts. This part-time position offers a unique opportunity to engage with historical materials while contributing to meaningful intercultural dialogues. If you have a passion for history and a keen eye for detail, this role is perfect for you. Experience the satisfaction of helping others connect with the past in a vibrant and dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required.
• MA degree in Archival Management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Digitize archival materials ensuring high-quality preservation.
• Process collections and create catalog records for archival materials.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Education

MA in Archival Management

Experience with Museum Collections

Tools

Epson Scan

Adobe Photoshop

ArchivesSpace

PastPerfect

Job description

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is a nonprofit institution that engages audiences in an ongoing dialogue, in which people of all backgrounds are able to see American history and society through a critical lens, to reflect on their own experiences, and to make meaningful connections between the past and the present, the global and the local, themselves and others.
MOCA celebrates the living history of the Chinese experience in America by preserving and presenting the two century-long history, heritage, culture, and diverse experiences of American communities of Chinese descent. As one of "America's Cultural Treasures," MOCA is devoted to educating the public on this important history and to inspiring meaningful intercultural dialogues through exhibitions, education, and public programs. Since its founding in 1980, MOCA has evolved from a Chinatown history project in New York City into an ambitious reflection of the whole of Chinese American history, becoming the country’s leading museum of Chinese American history and a global destination. MOCA’s Collections and Research Center provides unique access to over 2000 linear feet of images, records, oral histories, and artifacts which document diverse and rich stories.

Position Overview
MOCA is seeking a part-time 15-month grant-funded Collections Project Assistant to support the Collections and Research Center in expanding public access to its archival holdings on Chinese American history. The Collections Project Assistant will engage in digitization, cataloging, archival processing, and research facilitation, directly contributing to MOCA’s mission to preserve and provide access to historical collections.

Responsibilities

• Digitization – Digitize archival materials using Epson Scan software, ensuring high-quality digital preservation. Adjust image qualities and sizes using Photoshop, creating a low-res copy for cataloging and access purposes. Apply attention to detail to all steps of the digitization workflow, ensuring accuracy.
• Archival Processing – Process collections, utilizing archival best practices and standards.
• Rehousing – Rehouse collections in acid-free containers to ensure their long-term preservation.
• Cataloging & Metadata Entry – Create DACS-compliant catalog records for archival materials in PastPerfect and ArchivesSpace, contributing to MOCA’s collections database and improving researcher access.
• Research & Public Access Support – Fulfill scan requests for researchers, monitor the reading room when staff need to step away, and assist visitors in navigating the archives.
• Organize Stacks & Storage Space – Assist with moving boxes and accurately recording new locations of boxes as MOCA completes its relocation and reorganization of archives, enabling effective and efficient retrieval of research requests.
  

Requirements, Skills, and Qualifications
Strong Organizational Skills & Attention to Detail

• Ability to handle historical materials with care, maintain accuracy in data entry, and ensure proper documentation.
• Sound knowledge of DACS and archival processing best practices.
• MA degree from an Archival Management or IMLS program and/or experience working with museum, archive, or library collections preferred.

Technical & Digital Proficiency

• Interest or knowledge in photograph preservation and digitization technologies, including Epson Scan, Adobe Bridge, and Adobe Photoshop, preferred.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of collections management systems preferred, especially ArchivesSpace and PastPerfect.
  

Excellent Verbal & Written Communication Skills

• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with team members, researchers, and visitors.

Ability to Work Independently & Collaboratively

• Capable of managing projects independently while contributing to a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining a reasonably high quality of work.
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move boxes up to 40 pounds in weight.
• Ability to reach up or down to place or retrieve boxes on high and low shelving.
  

Position Details:

• 15-month term, June 2025 – August 2026
• Up to 25 hours per week
• Required to be onsite
• $20 per hour

To Apply:

Only full application including the following materials will be considered.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Applications will be accepted from May 8 – May 31, 2025. Candidates who advance to interviews will be contacted directly. Candidates may be asked to provide a writing sample or a sample finding aid.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

The Museum of Chinese in America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.