Collection Data Integration Specialist

Description

Since its opening in 1903, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum houses an art collection of world importance, including significant examples of European, Asian, and American art, from paintings and sculpture to tapestries and decorative arts.

The Data Integration Specialist is a grant funded position helping to create an authoritative center for collection information management across the Museum.  The Data Integration Specialist is responsible for organizing and managing the collection data and digital assets, adhering to digital best practice standards with regard to cultural heritage.  The Data Integration Specialist will provide recommendations on future discreet digitization projects, performing photography post-processing activities, and digital file management. Newly formed digital assets will be ingested into established workflows as part of the Museum’s membership in the MetaArchive Cooperative, a digital preservation network. 

Job Responsibilities

Database Management & Project Planning

• Manages collections database (currently EmbARK by Gallery Systems) including administration of user accounts, training, user support, access and authorities, and customizations in consultation with the collection digitization project team members as applicable
• Acts as the primary liaison to the database vendor Gallery Systems for data conversion planning and technical support
• Promotes best practice policies, participates in establishing protocols and workflows, institutional standards, authority controls and documentation as needed
• Oversees database user manuals, style guides, and documentation
• Implements and maintains database integrations with application programming interfaces (API) between the collection management database and other systems
• Maintains data records and data integrity across database systems
• Works with the Head of Collection’s Access and stakeholder departments (Conservation, Archives) on legacy data integration

Digital Data Management

• Prepares and delivers assets to a Trusted Digital Repository in collaboration with the Collections Photographer including file editing in Adobe Software, keying in/importing metadata, creating/preparing derivative files, and creating/running scripts for bulk processing.
• Modifies existing workflows as necessary with the new collection management database

Qualifications and Skills

• A degree in Information Science, Library Science, Museum Studies or related fields preferred; B.A. in Art History or related disciplines preferred
• Minimum one to three years’ professional employment in Database Management, Information Science, Digital Preservation or related fields
• Experience with database management, digitization projects, and data migration/conversion projects

Essential Skills

• Proficiency with a relational database
• Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite
• Demonstrated experience with collection digitization projects
• Must have excellent organizational and communication skills, and be detail oriented
• Ability to work collaboratively towards shared goals and understanding with key stakeholders across museum departments including non-technical staff 
• Ability to work independently prioritizing tasks, setting deadlines, and meeting targets
• Ability to follow explicit institutional workflows
• Familiarity with application programming interfaces (API’s) for dissemination of data

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with HTML and SQL
• Ability to advise on XML scripts, versioning data for advanced website utilization
• Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated skills in visual literacy