Digital Projects Coordinator

Description

Digital Projects Coordinator for the American Folklife Center and the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.

Starts at GS-11 ($72,750 to $94,581 per year) with promotion potential to GS-13. See complete pay schedule here. Not eligible for permanent remote telework. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Application open until Oct. 27, 2021.

About the division

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress is one of the largest archives of ethnographic materials from the United States and around the world, encompassing millions of items of ethnographic and historical documentation recorded from the nineteenth century to the present. These collections, which include extensive audiovisual documentation of traditional arts, cultural expressions, and oral histories, offer researchers access to the songs, stories, and other creative expressions of people from diverse communities. The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

Responsibilities of the Digital Projects Coordinator

Utilizes knowledge of the major issues, program goals and objectives to coordinate and recommend digital projects related to the ingest of preservation and access of digital collections in the American Folklife Center and the Veterans History Project. Adapts analytical techniques and evaluation criteria to the measurement and improvement of the division’s digital program effectiveness and productivity.

Within the parameters established by the supervisor organizes, develops, and implements plans for specific projects and recommends ways to improve effectiveness and efficiency of digital work operations. Provides input for the direction and shape of the character and nature of projects.

As directed by the supervisor, develops programs of information resources. Develops, coordinates or serves as project manager for courses of action and methods needed to support, design, and implement projects, interpretive or advisory-focusing on the division's collections. Participates in preparation of documentation necessary for the needs of the digital project programs.

Prepares reports and documentation of assigned projects and division digital work for the American Folklife Center and the Veterans History Project. Assures all digital activities and plans for assigned project(s) conform to (or enhance) current division and Library practices and that they make optimum use of scarce resources and staff expertise.

Collaborates on digital projects related to the division’s archival collections As directed, works with individuals internal and external to the organization to meet project goals. Serves as a primary division liaison on assigned projects. Develops personal contacts to establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with staff throughout the Library, project partners and contractors in order to provide or exchange information and professional knowledge. Explains information to groups and individuals with varying levels of understanding or knowledge of subjects. Attends workshops, conferences, seminars, or meetings in librarianship and other relevant fields for the purpose of professional development.

Within the parameters established by the supervisor, oversees the accessioning and distribution of digital files and related metadata received from various sources. Maintains close contact with project partner(s) regarding metadata workflow management, the acquisition of digital files, the development of future workflows, and the development of project products. Explains or presents specialized or technical information to individuals or groups with varying backgrounds or levels of experience.

Monitors and makes recommendations concerning the project from conception through development, production, and introduction to the intended audience. Coordinates and directs the work of others for specific tasks as necessary for the completion of digital curation projects.

Participates in planning the work of a unit, including formulating goals and objectives, and identifying opportunities for improvements in methods and procedures. Assists in managing various functions working under competing demands and deadlines. May serve on committees and other groups involved in investigating new technologies and their possible application to library programs.

In consultation with the supervisor, researches, identifies and resolves moderately difficult program issues or problems affecting division digital asset management initiatives. Identifies and makes recommendations for, and coordinates resolutions and improvements related to more challenging agency programs, services, or products.

Keeps current on major issues in digital research. Conducts research and analysis in digital initiatives, policies, reference, content management and policies and metadata standards. Gives in-depth analyses on complex questions, requirements, and priorities.

Participates in evaluating workflow and project products created for staff and the public. Proposes means for improving quality, functionality, and efficiency in digital projects. As directed, participates in studies, analyzing findings, and making recommendations to improve preservation, user access, collection development, automation, and other related policies.

Assists in developing guidance in the resolution of problems or issues impacting digital projects. Analyzes and participates in drafting recommendations on the development of appropriate guidelines, standards and mechanisms for identifying digital project priorities.

As directed, collects and analyzes relevant information from many varied sources, including physical and digital audiovisual collection materials, reference sources, and some sources that are difficult to access. Makes practical recommendations.

Qualifications

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision:

• Knowledge of digital asset management practices and processes.**
• Ability to research, analyze, and provide solutions for workflow, presentation, description, and/or access issues related to digital library services and collections, or comparable digital systems.**
• Ability to apply project management techniques and processes to implement digital library projects or programs.**
• Ability to serve as a liaison and interact collaboratively with others.
• Ability to communicate in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.