MEAP AV SPECIALIST

This position requires a resume and cover letter in addition to the UCLA Application.

About the Role

The Modern Endangered Archives Program (MEAP) at the UCLA Library is a granting program that funds projects worldwide to document and digitize at-risk cultural heritage materials from the 20th and 21st centuries. MEAP has funded over 200 projects across 68 countries, publishing more than 60 collections that provide global open access to newsletters, pamphlets, photographs, manuscripts, correspondence, videos, film, audio, and other materials.

Audiovisual materials across current MEAP projects include audio interviews, traditional music performances, radio broadcasts, instructional videos, documentary film, linguistic research materials, and more. MEAP is expanding with new funding lines specifically for audiovisual projects.

Reporting to the MEAP Program Manager, the MEAP AV Specialist adds expertise in identifying, assessing, and digitizing all formats of audiovisual materials (audio, video, and film) and supports MEAP's post-custodial efforts to create, publish, and preserve digital collections globally. This role has two focus areas:

• Supporting a new funding line designated for audio and moving image materials, including developing application and grant selection processes.
• Supporting the project lifecycle for all grant-funded projects involving AV materials, including grantee communication, workflow recommendations, and quality control.

The MEAP AV Specialist will also represent MEAP in library-wide conversations about audiovisual materials, metadata creation, digitization workflows, and digital asset management and preservation. This is a 100% remote position, though candidates near Los Angeles may interact with hardware in the UCLA Library AV Preservation Lab.

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate a designated application and grant selection process for projects involving moving image and audio materials.
• Review project proposals and provide workflow and equipment recommendations aligned with industry standards and best practices.
• Support grantees in documenting and digitizing AV archival collections, addressing hardware, software, and workflow issues.
• Build sustainable workflows for content review and execute quality control for audiovisual materials created by MEAP-funded teams.
• Engage in regular communication with grantees worldwide to discuss project details and address challenges.
• Serve as MEAP’s representative in library-wide discussions about audiovisual materials, metadata, digitization, and digital preservation.
• Connect with UCLA librarians and staff to identify solutions for metadata creation, digitization workflows, and digital asset management.
• Provide troubleshooting, quality control, and feedback for submitted digital files from global project teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Advanced coursework and work experience directly with audiovisual materials.
• Experience with post-custodial archiving and commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
• Previous hands-on work with a variety of audiovisual formats in a library or archive setting.
• Ability to accurately identify legacy analog and digital audio, video, and film formats.
• Familiarity with digital collections and online collection environments.
• Working knowledge of metadata standards and practices for digital archives.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated capacity for accuracy and efficiency.
• Demonstrated project management experience and ability to work with multiple stakeholders in a decentralized organization.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage complex projects in a high-volume environment.
• Excellent written communication skills, including preparing workflow documentation, project summaries, and reports.
• Excellent oral communication skills and ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Sound judgment and ability to work independently, adjusting priorities as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree related to archiving or media management.
• Experience working with community collections, global collections, or libraries/archives in regions where MEAP provides funds.
• Hands-on experience reformatting legacy media and identifying hardware needs.
• Experience working with vendors or grant-funded projects, particularly on a global scale with partners outside North America.
• Ability to proactively initiate conversations and help colleagues and global partners solve problems.

Pay

UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure, and certifications. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common.

Benefits

Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate total compensation value with benefits.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.