Head of Preserve & Digital Service

University of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 54,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Job summary

The University of South Carolina's Moving Image Research Collections seeks a Head of Preservation & Digital Service to lead preservation and digitization initiatives. You will develop policies, oversee workflows, supervise staff, and collaborate with faculty to support research and public programs.

Requirements include a bachelor’s degree and 3+ years in preservation; master’s degree and 5 years preferred. Valid driver's license and willingness to adapt to a flexible schedule are expected.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred Master’s degree and 5 years in moving image preservation/archiving.
• Valid driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise preservation and digitization activities per standards.
• Develop preservation policies, workflows, and quality control.
• Oversee digital access, licensing, and rights management for materials.
• Manage storage, fixity, migrations, and long‑term preservation.

Skills

Business communication

Contract negotiation

Motion picture history

Digital video editing

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

DaVinci Resolve

Digital asset management

Job description

Head of Preserve & Digital Service

We are only accepting applications submitted by December 23, 2026.

Posting Details

• Posting Number | STA00836PO26
• Job Family | Creative Services
• Job Function | Media Production
• USC Market Title | Media Producer
• Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132550
• Job Level | P3 - Professional
• Business Title (Internal Title) | Head of Preserve & Digital Service
• Campus | Columbia
• Work County | Richland
• College/Division | University Libraries
• Department | LIBR Moving Image Research Collections
• State Pay Range | G09
• USC Market Range | MRF - $53,576 $66,970 $80,364
• Anticipated Hiring Range | $53,576 - $66,970
• Part/Full Time | Full Time
• Hours per Week | 37.5
• Work Schedule | Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
• Basis | 12 months
• Job Search Category | Other Professional

About USC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement | The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Benefits

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary | The Head of Preservation provides technical leadership for MIRC’s preservation and digitization program by developing and implementing policies and procedures; establishing workflows; supervising staff, projects, and operations; assisting with budget planning and grant activities; overseeing digital access and licensing activities; interacting with patrons, vendors, and service providers; and collaborating with faculty and staff to support research, cataloging, exhibitions, public programs, and other institutional initiatives.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials | Must have a valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications | Master’s degree in a related field and 5 years of experience in moving image preservation and archiving; or Bachelor’s degree and 7 years in moving image preservation and archiving. Substantial experience with digital imaging and video editing and color correction software (Adobe Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve). Experience with digital restoration software. Experience with digital asset management and cloud digital storage platforms (AWS). Licensing experience. Experience supervising students and interns.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Excellent business communication skills. Must be able to understand and negotiate legally binding contracts as approved by University Counsel. Must demonstrate a broad knowledge of motion picture and television history and the business operations of the industry. Knowledge of best practices in film, tape, and digital preservation. Substantial experience in digital video editing and color correction. Computer skills including MS Office, e-mail, database software. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to follow directions and to use own creativity and judgement. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to perform detailed work with accuracy. Ability to interact with clients and vendors. Ability to meet deadlines. Meticulous attention to detail, written and oral communication skills, initiative, and time management skills. Working knowledge of policies and procedures. Ability to exercise decision-making authority. Ability to exercise confidentiality. Ability to manage effectively.

Job Duties

• Function: Film and Tape Preservation and Digitization
  • Plan, coordinate, and supervise preservation and digitization activities in accordance with technical standards and best practices.
  • Manage and develop preservation policies, procedures, and workflows.
  • Ensure quality control throughout preservation and digitization processes.
  • Evaluate preservation needs and establish preservation priorities in consultation with MIRC Director and other MIRC staff.
• Function: Digital Access and Licensing
  • Supervise the preparation and delivery of digitized materials for research, instruction, exhibitions, outreach, and public programs.
  • Manage digital access requests and provide research assistance to media producers and members of the public seeking to view and license content.
  • Manage rights, permissions, licensing contracts, and billing.
  • Manage and develop digital access workflows in accordance with institutional policies and copyright requirements.
• Function: Digital Preservation
  • Supervise the long-term preservation of digitized and born-digital collection materials.
  • Manage and develop digital preservation workflows and procedures.
  • Oversee digital storage, file management, fixity, and migration.
• Function: Supervision and Management
  • Supervise and train staff, temporary employees, and interns.
  • Assign and delegate tasks as needed.
  • Maintain records and document activities.
  • Assist with budget planning, grant activities, and special projects.
  • Maintain awareness of best practices and emerging technologies.
  • Evaluate and recommend technologies and systems. Interact with vendors and service providers.
  • Maintain relationships with media makers, stock footage libraries, and peers in other archives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Attributes

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre