5 Film Archivist Job Description Templates and Examples | Himalayas

5 Film Archivist Job Description Templates and Examples

Film Archivists are responsible for preserving, cataloging, and maintaining film collections to ensure their longevity and accessibility for future generations. They work with physical and digital media, often restoring and digitizing old films. Junior archivists focus on assisting with cataloging and preservation tasks, while senior and lead roles involve overseeing archival projects, developing preservation strategies, and managing teams or collections.

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1. Junior Film Archivist Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Junior Film Archivist to join our dynamic team dedicated to preserving and curating valuable film collections. In this role, you will support the archiving process by assisting with the cataloging, digitization, and preservation of film materials, ensuring their accessibility for future generations.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in the documentation and cataloging of film collections, maintaining accurate records of film titles, formats, and conditions
  • Support the digitization process by preparing films for scanning and ensuring high-quality digital preservation
  • Conduct routine inspections of film materials to assess preservation needs and report any issues
  • Collaborate with senior archivists to implement best practices for storage, handling, and conservation of film assets
  • Participate in the development and execution of archival projects, including exhibitions and outreach initiatives
  • Engage with cross-functional teams to promote the value of our film collections and support educational programming

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Film Studies, Library Science, Archival Studies, or a related field
  • Basic understanding of film preservation techniques and archival practices
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with database management systems

Preferred:

  • Experience working in an archival environment or with film collections
  • Knowledge of digital asset management systems and metadata standards
  • Familiarity with film formats and handling procedures

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Basic understanding of digitization equipment and software
  • Familiarity with archival software (e.g., ArchivesSpace, PastPerfect)
  • Knowledge of preservation standards and practices for film media

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to tasks
  • Genuine enthusiasm for film history and preservation

Benefits and Perks

Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Additional benefits may include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement savings plan with employer matching
  • Generous paid time off and holidays
  • Professional development opportunities

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to diversity in its workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Location

This is a remote position within [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

2. Film Archivist Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a meticulous and passionate Film Archivist to join our dynamic team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this role, you will be responsible for the preservation, organization, and accessibility of our extensive film collection, ensuring that our rich audiovisual heritage is maintained for future generations. You'll work closely with filmmakers, historians, and other stakeholders to curate and safeguard our unique collection.

Responsibilities

  • Evaluate, catalog, and organize film assets in accordance with best archival practices
  • Develop and implement preservation strategies for both physical and digital film formats
  • Conduct condition assessments of films, identifying conservation needs and prioritizing preservation actions
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to facilitate access to film materials for research, education, and public engagement
  • Maintain accurate documentation and metadata for all film assets to ensure compliance with archival standards
  • Assist in the digitization of film collections, ensuring high-quality outputs for both preservation and access

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • Master’s degree in Film Studies, Library Science, Archival Science, or a related field
  • 2+ years of experience in film archiving or a related archival role
  • Strong knowledge of film preservation techniques and archival standards
  • Proficiency in digital asset management systems and archival metadata standards

Preferred:

  • Experience with audiovisual digitization processes and technologies
  • Familiarity with film editing software and digital preservation tools
  • Experience working with diverse film formats, including 16mm, 35mm, and digital video

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Proficient in archival software (e.g., ArchivesSpace, Omeka) and digital asset management systems
  • Experience with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro) and digital preservation tools
  • Understanding of relevant metadata standards (e.g., Dublin Core, EAD, MODS)

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex archival concepts to diverse audiences
  • Proactive approach to problem-solving and a passion for preserving cultural heritage
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

Benefits and Perks

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
  • Generous paid time off and holidays
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Location

This is a remote position within [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

3. Senior Film Archivist Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Film Archivist to join our team in preserving and curating our extensive film collection. This role is crucial in maintaining the integrity of our archival materials, ensuring their accessibility for future generations while employing best practices in film preservation and digitization.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the management and preservation of film archives, including cataloging, digitization, and restoration processes.
  • Develop and implement archival policies and procedures to enhance access to and preservation of film materials.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to facilitate research and educational initiatives utilizing archived materials.
  • Conduct assessments of film collections to determine preservation needs and establish priorities for restoration projects.
  • Engage with stakeholders to provide insights on film history and archival practices, enhancing the cultural legacy of our collection.
  • Mentor junior archivists and interns, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and professional growth within the team.

Required Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Archival Science, Library Science, Film Studies, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in film archiving or preservation, with a strong understanding of film formats, preservation techniques, and archival standards.
  • Proven ability to manage complex archival projects and demonstrate attention to detail in cataloging practices.
  • Familiarity with digital preservation strategies and metadata standards.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage a variety of stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with digital asset management systems and film restoration software.
  • Knowledge of copyright laws and intellectual property rights as they pertain to archival materials.
  • Experience in educational outreach or public programming related to film history.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Strong proficiency in archival software and databases.
  • Experience with film digitization equipment and techniques.
  • Familiarity with preservation standards such as ISO 14721 (OAIS) and metadata schemas like Dublin Core.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Passionate about film preservation and committed to enhancing access to cultural heritage.
  • A proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving in a remote work environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage time effectively across multiple projects.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to foster relationships with internal teams and external partners.

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

As a full-time member of our team, you will enjoy:

  • Flexible working hours and a fully remote work environment.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Generous paid time off policy, including paid parental leave.
  • Professional development stipends and opportunities for continuing education.
  • Retirement savings plan with company matching.

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to building a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Location

This is a fully remote position.

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if they do not meet all the qualifications listed. Your unique experiences may still provide valuable contributions to our team.

4. Lead Film Archivist Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a Lead Film Archivist to join our dynamic media preservation team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the curation, preservation, and digitization of our extensive film archives, ensuring that our rich visual history is accessible for future generations. Your expertise will guide strategic initiatives in archival practice and enhance our storytelling capabilities through well-maintained collections.

Responsibilities

  • Lead efforts to catalog, digitize, and preserve film collections, employing best practices in archival science and preservation techniques.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive preservation strategies that align with industry standards and enhance the longevity of our film assets.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess and prioritize archival projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and audience engagement.
  • Mentor and train junior archivists and interns, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning in archival practices.
  • Conduct research and provide insights to enhance the understanding and contextualization of archival materials within the organization.
  • Maintain and manage relationships with external partners, including film preservation organizations and academic institutions, to promote collaborative projects.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • Master's degree in Archival Studies, Library Science, or a related field with a focus on film preservation.
  • 5+ years of experience in film archiving or preservation, with demonstrated leadership in managing archival projects.
  • Deep knowledge of film preservation techniques, including digital restoration and archival metadata standards.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

  • Experience working in a cultural institution or non-profit organization.
  • Familiarity with digital asset management systems and tools.
  • Publication or presentation history in archival or film studies.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Proficiency in archival software and digital asset management systems.
  • Experience with film scanning and restoration equipment and software.
  • Familiarity with preservation standards such as the National Digital Stewardship Alliance (NDSA) and ISO 14721 (OAIS).

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
  • A collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
  • A passion for film and its preservation, coupled with a commitment to diversity and inclusion in archival practices.

Benefits and Perks

Annual salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Additional benefits may include:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
  • Professional development opportunities and training programs.
  • A vibrant workplace culture that values creativity and innovation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to diversity in its workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Location

This role requires successful candidates to be based in-person at [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply, even if you don't meet all the qualifications listed. Your unique experiences may bring valuable perspectives to our team.

5. Head of Film Archives Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a strategic and visionary Head of Film Archives to lead our archival initiatives, ensuring the preservation, accessibility, and promotion of our extensive film collection. This role is integral to our mission of safeguarding cinematic heritage while driving innovative approaches to archival management and public engagement.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for the preservation, digitization, and accessibility of film archives
  • Oversee the management of archival collections, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices
  • Lead a team of archivists and preservation specialists, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance public engagement through educational programs, exhibitions, and digital initiatives
  • Establish partnerships with other institutions, filmmakers, and scholars to promote the archives and expand access
  • Monitor and report on key performance metrics, providing insights to improve archival processes and outreach efforts

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • Master's degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, Film Studies, or a related field
  • 8+ years of experience in film archiving, digital preservation, or related fields, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
  • Demonstrated expertise in archival practices, preservation techniques, and digital asset management
  • Strong project management skills with a proven track record of successful archival projects

Preferred:

  • Experience with film restoration techniques and technologies
  • Knowledge of copyright and intellectual property issues related to film archives
  • Proficiency in archival software and digital asset management systems

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • Expertise in digital preservation tools and practices, including metadata standards
  • Familiarity with film preservation techniques, including physical and digital restoration
  • Experience with project management software and collaborative tools

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and mentor a diverse team
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an engaging presentation style
  • Adaptability and willingness to embrace innovative solutions in archival practices
  • Passionate about cinema and dedicated to preserving its history for future generations

Benefits and Perks

Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Full time offers include:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
  • Flexible work arrangements and unlimited paid time off (PTO)
  • Professional development opportunities and funding for conferences
  • Retirement savings plan with company matching

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is committed to diversity in its workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Location

This is a fully remote position.

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