Archivist
(February 10, 2026)
Position Title - Archivist
Supervisor Title (All entry and mid-level position supervisors should be qualified, professional archivists.)- Senior Producer
Position Type - Part-Time, term
Benefits - No
Hourly wage range - $41 - $45
The Archivist is a newly envisioned part-time non-exempt role at the New York City-based arts and documentary nonprofit Art21. Working closely with Art21’s Production Department, the Archivist role is an invaluable opportunity to work directly with the most in-depth archive of documentary footage featuring art and artists of the 21st century. This role results from a strategic initiative being undertaken by Art21 to protect, organize, steward, and share access to the archive’s 4,000 hours (and growing) of raw documentary footage. The Archivist will hold a critical role in shaping and managing the workflows associated with this new and large-scale initiative. The role will expand our capacity to generate new content out of our vast footage archive.
Art21 is looking for a candidate with at least 3-4 years of professional experience with archives of time-based media, preferably documentary films, as well as an interest in contemporary visual art. A strong familiarity with post-production tools and archival best practices is essential.
The Archivist is a part-time term position based in the New York metro area.
Compensation
$39 – $45 per hour. The actual base pay offered will be determined by factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and other factors permitted by law. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Hours
The archivist will work on-site at the Art21 office 24 hours per week, beginning as soon as possible. The term of the position will end a year after the start date, with the possibility of renewal.
Eligibility
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. Art21 is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of color; LGBTQIA+ individuals; people with disabilities; and all others, regardless of immigration history.
About Art21
Art21 is a celebrated global leader in presenting thought-provoking and sophisticated content about contemporary art, and the go-to place to learn first-hand from the artists of our time. A nonprofit organization, Art21’s mission is to inspire a more creative world through the works and words of contemporary artists. Art21 provides unparalleled access to the artist’s voice to diverse audiences around the world, using the power of digital media to introduce millions of people to contemporary art and artists. For over two decades, Art21 has changed the paradigm for teaching and learning about the creative process.
In addition to its Peabody Award-winning PBS series “Art in the Twenty-First Century,” Art21 produces “New York Close Up” and “Extended Play” short film series. Art21 also creates educational resources and professional development programs; annual public programming; an online publication featuring guest contributors; and a comprehensive website at Art21.org.
Essential Job Functions
-Work with the Production Department staffer who is leading the Art21 Archive initiative to determine priorities and set project goals
-Participate in the development and implementation of Art21’s new Film Archive Management System (FAMs), which is currently being developed with an outside vendor, and its front-end public finding aid.
-Manage cataloging and metadata integrity of analog and born-digital media in the FAMs
-Ingest screener video files and production documentation into the FAMs
-Supervise freelance Assistant Editors to create synced screener video files for born-digital archival field footage
-Oversee the digitization of tape-based archival field footage, serving as the point of contact for digitization services and tape warehouses
-Ensure the security and functionality of the cloud-based server hosting the FAMs, as well as the on-site backup, coordinating the resolution of any issues with the Senior Producer and outside vendors
-Assist the Senior Producer in the transfer of recently shot born-digital media onto LTO tape for long-term storage in coordination with outside vendors
-Support Art21 staff from all departments (Curatorial, Development, Communication, Education, and Production) in accessing and utilizing the Art21 FAMs
-Document training sessions led by the outside vendor developing the FAMs and create staff user guides
-Contribute to the development and execution of new programmatic initiatives related to the Archive
-Participate in cross-departmental Archive Committee meetings
-Stay abreast of innovations in the field of archiving
-Additional administrative duties as they arise
Skills & Qualifications
-Serious and proven professional commitment to time-based media archives, including at least 3 years of professional experience in the field, preferably with an MIAP or MLIS degree, or similar.
-Thorough knowledge of archival best practices and industry standards for analog and born-digital time-based media.
-Experience with post-production tools, including Premiere Pro and other Adobe Creative Suite apps.
-Experience with open-source Digital Asset Management software, particularly CollectiveAccess.
-Ability to work collaboratively and sensitively within small teams, maintain crucial ongoing working relationships with independent filmmakers and vendors, and in general, possess culturally responsive, superior communication and interpersonal skills.
-Ability to prioritize and organize multiple projects to meet deadlines.
-A strong interest in contemporary art is extremely helpful though not required. Candidates must be able to engage with and prioritize Art21’s contemporary art-centered core mission and values.
To Apply
Please email your resume and cover letter to: jobs [at] art21.org, with the subject line “Archivist – [Your Name]”
Your resume and cover letters should be submitted as PDFs, saved using the following filing naming template: “Last Name, First Name_Resume or Cover Letter”
No phone calls, please.
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