Freelance Metadata & Digital Asset Management Support

Description

Freelance Metadata & Digital Asset Management Support

Kodansha USA Publishing | Remote (US-based) | Part-time, contract | Approx. 10–20 hrs/week, with variance (heavier at the start of each month)

Kodansha USA Publishing is the North American publishing arm of Kodansha, one of Japan's largest manga and media companies. We're looking for a detail-oriented contractor to support the metadata and digital asset workflows behind our reader platform and print/digital release pipeline.

About the Role

This is a recurring, part-time freelance engagement supporting our Operations team. You'll work closely with internal stakeholders to keep digital assets organized, metadata accurate, and each release cycle running smoothly across our proprietary CMS, centralized database, and reader-facing platforms. Hours are flexible but concentrated around monthly release cycles, so predictable availability during those windows matters more than a fixed weekly schedule.

What You'll Do

• Aggregate and manage distribution links for digital and print assets

• Perform quality control on digital assets, facilitate secure file transfers, and manage uploads to the reader portal

• Prepare metadata and assets to support digital chapter ingestion workflows

• Conduct weekly release audits to ensure accurate pricing, visual presentation, and content accessibility across platforms

Systems & Platforms You'll Use

• Proprietary CMS

• Centralized database

• WordPress

What We're Looking For

• Experience with digital asset management, metadata standards, or content operations — publishing, library science, archives, or a related field

• Comfort learning proprietary/internal tools quickly; prior CMS or DAM platform experience is a strong plus

• Strong attention to detail — this role is QC-heavy and errors are visible to readers

• Ability to work independently and communicate clearly async, with reliable availability during release audit windows

• Familiarity with WordPress a plus, but not required

Logistics

• Engagement type: Ongoing part-time contract (1099)

• Hours: 10–20/week to start, with room to grow; expect more concentrated work early in each month around release cycles

• Location: Fully remote, must be based in the US

• Reports to: Metadata Operations Lead

• Compensation: $25-35/hour, based on experience

To Apply

• Email to openings@kodanshausa.com with subject line “Application: Metadata & DAM Support”

• Include resume or link to professional & relevant experience

• For final candidates, please expect the following:

  • To complete a paid test exercise

  • To provide a list of referrals (up to 3) and contact information (email and/or phone)

Response times may vary based on the number of applicants, and we may not be able to reply to everyone directly. Thank you for your interest and understanding.

Kodansha USA Publishing is an equal opportunity employer.