Film Archivist & Curator of Recorded Media, Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, RI
Posted February 12, 2018
Film Archivist and Curator of Recorded Media
The Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, Rhode Island
Position Description
The Rhode Island Historical Society seeks an innovative, experienced, and energetic Film Archivist and Curator of Recorded Media to join the collections staff in a permanent, full-time position. Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director of Collections and Interpretation, the Film Archivist is responsible for the management, cataloging, preservation, acquisition recommendations, and promotion of the RIHS’s moving image, film, and audio-visual collections. They will cultivate relationships with filmmakers, researchers, curators, donors, and collectors, through partnerships and programming, to advance the RIHS’s mission to promote and preserve its collection of more than 9 million feet of moving image film and over 2,000 sound recordings (from oral history projects to jazz performances). They will also take the lead in planning to acquire, catalog, and archive born-digital recordings which are in line with the collecting scope of the RIHS.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree (preferably in history or a related humanities field); Master’s degree in Library Science, history, photograph and film preservation, or related field; a minimum of 2 years of direct professional experience in the care and management of historic film collections.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have knowledge of current archival standards, practices, theory, and implementation with respect to audio-visual collections, including appraisal methods, arrangement and description, cataloging, preservation and access. Further qualifications include experience with and demonstrated knowledge of best practices for creating digital surrogates and supporting data storage; familiarity with current editing software, databases and data entry standards; proficiency in historical research; a dedication to collaborative work; excellent communications skills (both oral and written); and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
Responsibilities
The Film Archivist and Curator of Recorded Media will respond to reference and research queries related to the film and audio collections; formulate and update policies for use, reproduction, and preservation of the collections; apply current processing methods to arrange, catalog and describe the collections; manage interns and volunteers working with the collections; prioritize workflow for digitization and assist in fundraising and grant-writing to support preservation and promotional projects; and participate in professional development and represent the RIHS at regional and national conferences.
The Collections
The film archive was created in 1969 with the donation of news film from station WPRI, and has since grown with the acquisition (by gift or purchase) of silent films, home movies, industrial film, promotional films (for business and tourism), documentaries, amateur theater productions, and educational film, as well as the archives of stations WJAR (the NBC affiliate), WTEV (now WNLE, the ABC affiliate), and WSBE (Rhode Island PBS). In total, the RIHS stewards a collection of over 9 million feet of moving image film footage, ranking it among the top five regional film archives in the United States.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience.
Benefits
Health care insurance, single plan starting the 1st of the month following date of hire. TIAA/CREF retirement plan after completing twenty-four (24) months of employment. Life and disability Insurance. Sick time, holidays, and vacation time.
EEO Statement
The Rhode Island Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws.
TO APPLY
Please email a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to [email protected] with “Film Archivist & Curator of Recorded Media” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin on February 19, 2018, and will continue until the position is filled.
No phone calls, please.