Metadata Technician, The Barack Obama Foundation

Full time, ending December 18, 2026

Salary: Between $51,965 and $64,980

Job Description:

The Metadata Technician will work with the Collections Information Specialist and other staff as needed to help establish and maintain intellectual control and discoverability of the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) Museum holdings and digital assets; expand and enhance the accessibility of descriptive collections information; and provide metadata support for critical collections development, exhibitions development, and collections management activities.

Responsibilities:

To that end, the Metadata Technician will support metadata initiatives including collections cataloging, record enhancement and quality control, and visual description in accordance with current cultural heritage and local standards and best practices; provide research, writing, and editing support for the acquisitions process; assist with report writing, exports, and data analysis, and assist with the development of specific cataloging guidelines as assigned. As part of the Collections Team, the Metadata Technician will help establish, support, and sustain the Obama Presidential Center Museum as a model collecting, educational, and cultural resource and destination in service of the Foundation’s mission and values.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of cataloging principles including identity management/authority control and controlled vocabularies; an understanding of the impact of metadata quality on access
• Demonstrated experience creating consistent data while following cataloging and/or processing workflows using content standards such as AACR2, CCO, DACS, or RDA,  as well as controlled vocabularies such as AAT, TGN, LCN, LCSH, FAST and local authorities; experience cataloging unique or specialized materials a plus. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; excellent attention to detail without losing sight of the big picture 
• Comfortable working with collections databases (or similar systems); some “under-the-hood” skills/experience a plus (e.g. import/export or configuration) 
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize, multi-task, and follow through on short-and long-term assignments with minimal supervision
• Strong research skills; knowledge of or an interest in American history, Chicago history, and/or political history preferred 
• Ability to understand and apply new information quickly, follow detailed instructions, and adhere to complex workflows 
• Interest in advances in the cataloging and metadata profession, including inclusive cataloging and description and linked data.

You don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway!

For more information and to apply: https://tinyurl.com/47at79me