Part-time Archive Assistant

Come work with us at Houston Ballet!
Join a leading nonprofit arts organization that’s redefining what ballet can be. We’re committed to inspiring a lasting love of dance through bold performances, new choreography, and nationally recognized education programs.  At Houston Ballet, your creativity meets purpose—and your passion takes center stage.  Whether on stage or behind the scenes, every role here contributes to something bigger.

 Your Passion. Our Stage.

Visit: www.houstonballet.org for more information.

Summary:

Houston Ballet, one of the nations' preeminent ballet companies and ballet academies, has a history spanning more than fifty years. The purpose of The Archive Assistant is to assist the archivist in safeguarding the legacy of Houston Ballet and implementing systems that will streamline the usage, creation, and storage of archival documents across the organization. The primary components of the project are: 1) completion of inventory of the collection and implementation of a long-term project to create a searchable catalog for archival materials; 2) archival-quality digitization of prioritized analog video materials; and 3) improved systems for accessing and preserving archival materials used in the company's daily activities, including creation of manuals, workflows, and protocols.

Responsibilities:

The Archive Assistant is a part-time, in-person position.  The Archive Assistant will help coordinate all aspects of the project and be responsible for meeting deadlines and tracking deliverables to ensure the timely and thorough completion of project activities. The Archive Assistant will:

• Assist in the inventory and description of AV and non-AV collections, working with content specialists and project assistants to ensure accurate, complete, and high-quality metadata is captured in accordance with established project standards;
• Assist with the selection and curation of materials for digitization;
• Support the creation of manuals, workflows, and protocol that document Houston Ballets archiving systems and practices;
• Aid in the implementation of an in-house archive database, including migration of existing spreadsheet catalogs into the database; establish and implement systems for cataloging, updating, and maintenance of the database;
• Other duties as assigned;

Preferred qualifications:

• ALA-accredited Masters in Library Science or combination of relevant education and experience;
• Demonstrated success in completing large-scale multi-format archival processing projects;
• Project management experience: ability to track progress toward multiple goals, meet milestones, supervise assistants and work as part of a team;
• Strong grasp of metadata and content standards; familiarity with archival database design, platforms, cataloging, an data migration;
• Familiarity with analog video formats and digital file formats, strong grasp of audiovisual and digital preservation standards and best practices in digital asset management;
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail;
• Knowledge of and interest in dance and issues in documentation and preservation of dance or performing arts preferred.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Statement:

Houston Ballet is dedicated to creating meaningful change by cultivating a space that honors what is unique in all of us. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) are instrumental in the fulfillment of our mission and values. We recognize our responsibility to be an inclusive and open organization for students, artists, staff, trustees, and volunteers of all backgrounds.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Join us, together we are Houston Ballet.

Core Values:

Houston Ballets shared values are essential to our success as a world-class ballet company and academy. These values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape our culture.

• EXCELLENCE: We are passionate about results. Our programs are recognized and awarded for excellence. We are committed to delivering quality programs at the highest standard. Work in all departments matches the caliber of the programming on stage.
• ENGAGED: We are proud to be a part of a company that produces art and trains artists. We attend performances and are tremendous advocates for the education and community engagement programs we offer. We are all in and well-versed in the mission of Houston Ballet.
• DRIVEN: We are driven to take goals and run with them. We are excited to deliver results beyond expectations. We are accountable for our actions and work. We reinvent Standard Operations Procedures, leaving our jobs better than we found them. Much of our work product becomes the standard for individuals who will fill our roles in the years to come.
• COLLABORATIVE: We unite around Houston Ballets mission and support each other in reaching goals. We share information widely and generously and treat our team members, customers, and patrons with respect and sensitivity. We embrace inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. We recognize our responsibility to be an open, welcoming, and anti-racist organization where students, artists, staff, trustees, and volunteers of all backgrounds collaboratively learn, work and serve. We nurture the growth and understanding of how each of us fits into the larger picture and we celebrate organizational achievements.
• PATRON-CENTERED: Our patrons (subscribers/supporters/donors/stakeholders) are at the center of all we do and are at the top of our minds in our decisions and actions. Our patrons are delighted by the excellent customer service they receive at every interaction at Houston Ballet.