Photography/Digital Archivist

Description:
Department: Collections & Archives

Reports To: Director of Collections & Library Services

Job Grade: 3B

Location: Onsite, 84 Ludlow Street, New York, NY

About ICP

The International Center of Photography (ICP) is the world’s leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. Through exhibitions, education, public programs, and community outreach, ICP provides an open forum for dialogue about the power of the image. Since 1974, ICP has presented more than 700 exhibitions and offered thousands of classes at every level.

Position Summary

The Photography / Digital Archivist supports the care, organization, digitization, and accessibility of ICP’s photographic and digital assets. This role contributes to cataloging, metadata creation, digitization initiatives, and digital preservation efforts, while collaborating with colleagues across collections, exhibitions, education, and technology teams. The position balances hands-on work with physical materials and digital asset management responsibilities.

Requirements:
Collection Processing & Description

Arrange, catalog, and describe analog and digital photographic collections following archival standards (e.g., DACS, CCO, VRA Core)
Create collection-level and item-level metadata with a high level of accuracy and consistency
Rehouse and stabilize photographic materials including prints, negatives, slides, and born-digital files
Assist with collection assessments and prioritization for digitization and preservation

Digitization & Digital Preservation

Support digitization workflows including scanning, file management, image editing, and quality control
Apply file naming conventions, embedded metadata, and storage protocols
Assist with monitoring digital storage and preservation practices, including fixity checks
Contribute to documentation of digitization procedures and digital stewardship practices

Digital Asset Management

Upload, manage, and enhance digital files in ICP’s digital asset management or collections systems
Maintain controlled vocabularies and authority records
Support data cleanup, normalization, and system migrations as needed

Access & Research Support

Respond to internal and external reference requests related to photographic and digital materials
Provide image research and reproduction support
Contribute to finding aids, digital collection records, and online resources

Collaboration & Administrative Support

Collaborate with curatorial, exhibitions, education, and IT teams on imaging and publication needs
Assist with project tracking, documentation, and grant-related reporting
Participate in staff training related to handling, metadata, and digital workflows

Qualifications

Required

MLIS, Master’s in Archives, Museum Studies, or related degree; or equivalent education and experience
1–3 years of experience working with photographic materials in an archive, museum, library, or similar setting
Understanding of archival principles and metadata standards (DACS, Dublin Core, or VRA Core)
Experience with digitization of photographic materials and familiarity with image formats
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to handle delicate materials responsibly
Strong communication and collaboration skills

Preferred

Experience with a digital asset management system (e.g., TMS)
Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom for basic image correction
Knowledge of digital preservation tools (e.g., Fixity, Bagger)
Experience with rights and reproductions or copyright research
Basic understanding of scripting or automation for file handling

Working Conditions

Work takes place in office and collections storage environments
May require lifting boxes or materials up to 35–40 lbs.
Occasional exposure to cool storage or low-light environments depending on collections

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this Job Grade 3B position is $58,300–$65,000, to commensurate with experience.
ICP offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings with employer contribution, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

The International Center of Photography is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ICP is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.