Digital Archivist

The Archivist will serve as the primary steward of Detroit Sound Conservancy's collections, managing both digital and physical materials while building meaningful relationships with donors and community members. The Archivist will lead the implementation of new archival management systems, refine existing and develop new workflows, conduct regular field visits to acquire and assess collections, and oversee the processing and preservation of materials across multiple platforms and physical facilities. Collections Management & Preservation • Serve as the primary collections contact for all donors, building trust and clearly communicating how DSC will preserve and honor their materials and legacies • Conduct field visits to meet with donors, assess potential acquisitions, appraise collections, and provide guidance on caring for personal archives • Oversee the processing, cataloging, and preservation of audio-visual materials, photographs, documents, ephemera, and born-digital collections • Develop, maintain, and refine existing archival workflows for preservation, digitization, metadata creation, and collection processing • Assess physical and digital condition of materials and implement appropriate preservation and conservation strategies for the long-term accessibility of paper-based collections and audio-visual formats • Manage collections storage and preservation at both WGPR facility and the developing Blue Bird Inn archive, including coordinating the movement of materials between locations • Develop finding aids and access tools that reflect the significance and context of these foundational collections • Prioritize ongoing processing and preservation work for DSC's core collections: United Sound, Club Heaven, Blue Bird Inn, and Graystone Jazz Museum materials Team Collaboration & Supervision • Collaborate with DSC staff on exhibitions, programming, and research projects utilizing priority collections • Collaborate with content creators on formatting and ingestion workflows • Supervise and train volunteers and interns on archival procedures, handling protocols and digitization workflows • Provide reference services to staff, community members and researchers Requirements: • Master’s Degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, Museum Studies, or related field • Minimum 2–3 years of professional archival experience • Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail • Strong knowledge of audio-visual preservation techniques, formats, and archiving best practices • Demonstrated experience processing mixed-format collections (physical and digital materials) • Understanding of archival principles, arrangement and description standards (DACS), metadata creation (e.g., Dublin Core, PREMIS), digital preservation, and the ability to assess and operate a Digital Asset Management System • Ability to work sensitively and effectively with diverse community members, particularly elders and families from Detroit's Black communities, to build trust and articulate DSC's preservation mission • Experience conducting field archiving, oral history and donor relations work • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work both independently and collaboratively • Willingness to learn audio digitization techniques and workflows (if not already proficient) • Physical ability to lift and move archival materials (up to 40 lbs) and work in storage environments • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for field visits What We Offer • Central role in preserving Detroit's globally significant musical legacy • Opportunity to work directly with musicians, families, and community members whose stories are shaping the archive • Hands-on work with rare and historically significant materials from legendary Detroit venues and institutions • Leadership in building new systems and infrastructure for a growing organization • Collaborative, mission-driven work environment • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with generous paid time off and paid organizational holidays to support your health and well-being • Professional development opportunities and connections within archival and music communities • Chance to help develop the archive at the historic Blue Bird Inn

Create an account to see the full posting, access our search engine, and more.