Digital Archivist / Metadata Manager

Digital Archivist / Metadata Manager Who we are: InfoStructures, Inc. is an information technology services firm located in Rockville, MD. Since 1988 we have been applying technology to better the workplace. We place great value in the work our people do and in the difference their efforts make in people’s lives. Seeking: We are seeking an experienced and motivated Digital Archivist / Metadata Manager to support the Johnson Publishing Company Archive (JPCA) initiative at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). This position will lead metadata strategy and digital asset management workflows, ensuring that metadata is accurate, interoperable, and ethically managed across archival platforms. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the stewardship of a landmark collection. Characteristics we seek:

• Strategic thinker with deep metadata expertise
• Technically skilled and standards-driven
• Detail-oriented with high accuracy standards
• Collaborative across technical and archival teams
• Ethically aware and culturally sensitive
• Educator/mentor focus
• High energy and motivation to be fully engaged in archival work
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Eagerness to learn and integrate new archival methods and processes
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining the ability to multi-task effectively
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, including the ability to interact with people at various levels, from researchers to executives
• Ability to work independently, taking initiative while following institutional guidelines

Skills/experience required:

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, Archival Studies, or related field
• Minimum five years of professional experience in metadata and digital asset management
• Demonstrated expertise in metadata schema design, controlled vocabularies, and authority files
• Strong knowledge of The Museum System (TMS), XML-based tools, and the Smithsonian’s Digital Asset Management System (DAMS)
• Demonstrated understanding of ArchivesSpace and established digital preservation frameworks, including PREMIS and OAIS.
• Strong written communication and documentation skills
• Experience with culturally sensitive collections and inclusive description preferred

Tasking:

• Lead metadata strategy and digital asset management workflows for JPCA
• Develop, document, and implement metadata workflows and quality control standards
• Ensure compliance with metadata standards (Dublin Core, MODS, EAD, METS, PREMIS) and controlled vocabularies (LCSH, AAT, Getty Vocabularies, FAST)
• Collaborate with OCIO, IT, and digital preservation teams to maintain metadata interoperability between systems
• Conduct metadata audits to identify inconsistencies and improve discoverability and accessibility
• Implement procedures for ethical metadata review, including flagging of culturally sensitive or restricted content
• Lead metadata crosswalks and mapping projects for interoperability between ArchivesSpace, TMS, and DAMS
• Train and support junior staff or contractors in metadata creation and maintenance
• Contribute to Smithsonian-wide metadata, inclusive description, and linked data initiatives
• Completing other duties as assigned

Deliverables include:

• Metadata Workflow Documentation: Develop detailed documentation for JPCA metadata creation and review.
• Metadata Audit Report: Conduct audits to ensure accuracy and completeness of metadata.
• Metadata Crosswalk Matrix: Create schema mapping across ArchivesSpace, TMS, and DAMS.
• Sensitive Content Metadata Plan: Document processes for item-level review and flagging of sensitive content.
• Monthly Progress Reports: Provide regular summaries of deliverables, issues, and overall progress.

Clearance Requirements: Ability to pass a corporate and Federal background check. Previous Federal Agency check (or higher) clearance preferred. Work location: Primarily onsite at NMAAHC locations in Washington, DC and Hyattsville, MD. Some remote work may be available. Please forward cover letter, resume and salary requirements. InfoStructures is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job