Manager, Audio and Moving Image Preservation

Job Description

Description

Overview

The New York Public Library seeks a Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our in-house Audio and Moving Image (AMI) digitization lab, located at the Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. The AMI Preservation program is charged with preserving and providing access to the Library’s extensive collection of audiovisual materials—including historical recordings and at-risk 20th-century media formats—through digitization and stringent preservation standards. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Audio and Moving Image Preservation, the Manager will supervise a team of four engineers (two Audio Engineers and two Moving Image Engineers), ensuring that daily lab operations, project management, and quality standards are met while maintaining a robust pipeline of preservation work. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, organized leader who is passionate about audiovisual preservation and adept at managing both people and processes in a dynamic environment.

We are looking for someone we can count on to:

Own:

The operational oversight of the in-house AMI digitization lab, including scheduling, production oversight, and equipment maintenance

Pre- and post-digitization logistics for AMI preservation projects, ensuring timely and accurate completion of workflows from physical media handling to data ingest

The creation and tracking of key performance metrics to demonstrate progress and maintain accountability for lab projects

Teach:

Lab staff and cross-functional teams about evolving digitization workflows, quality assurance best practices, and equipment care

Colleagues on emerging trends in audiovisual preservation and the tools/software that support them

Partner stakeholders (curatorial, processing units) on the requirements and timelines for AMI digitization and preservation

Learn:

The unique content, formats, and preservation requirements of the Library’s extensive and diverse AMI collections

The Library’s administrative workflows, including budget oversight, procurement, and contract management for maintenance and repair services

New technologies, software, and data management strategies in order to scale and continuously improve lab processes

Improve:

Communication channels and reporting mechanisms so that stakeholders have insight into project timelines, backlog status, and overall lab productivity

Technical workflows and documentation to enhance efficiency, standardization, and quality control outcomes across preservation projects

Staff development and training by identifying skill gaps and building robust professional development plans

Some expectations for this role are that within:

1 month, this person will:

Become familiar with the scope of the AMI Preservation program, including the Library’s existing digitization workflows, equipment, and project queue

Meet with lab staff, curatorial and processing partners, and other key stakeholders to understand their priorities, challenges, and workflows

Begin monitoring daily lab operations and learn the existing systems for tracking projects and statistics

3 months, this person will:

Continue onboarding process by attending meetings, webinars, and completing required trainings

Take ownership of the lab’s production schedule, ensuring on-time delivery for preservation goals, new acquisitions, on-demand requests, and at-risk materials

Establish regular reporting protocols and performance metrics for the lab, including statistical analysis of digitization outputs and quality control pass rates

Initiate improvements to data intake processes, metadata workflows, and physical handling procedures, in collaboration with the lab team and partners

6 months and beyond, this person will:

Drive continuous improvement initiatives in equipment utilization, production workflows, and budget alignment to support large-scale preservation needs

Oversee advanced software and script development projects that enhance the accuracy, speed, and quality of digitization workflows

Refine hiring and staffing strategies for future growth, ensuring the lab is well-prepared to handle evolving technology and ongoing digitization initiatives

Responsibilities

Lab and Project Management

Oversee and coordinate audio and moving image preservation projects in the in-house digitization lab

Collaborate with curatorial, and processing units to prioritize items and meet digitization and preservation goals

Monitor daily production, ensuring quality assurance and quality control processes are properly executed

Collect, analyze, and report statistics documenting lab activities and project progress

Staff Supervision and Development

Directly supervise four engineers (2 Audio Engineers, 2 Moving Image Engineers)

Provide staff training, mentoring, performance evaluations, and goal setting

Foster a collaborative team culture, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and innovation

Equipment and Budget Oversight

Maintain all lab equipment, manage service contracts, schedule repairs, and allocate funding for new acquisitions and supply restocks

Oversee budgets related to lab operations, ensuring procurement activities comply with Library policies

Forecast and plan for equipment upgrades and expansions in line with evolving preservation standards and project needs

Data Management and Workflow Optimization

Oversee pre- and post-digitization activities, including metadata preparation, file packaging, quality control, and media ingest

Participate in the development of software, scripts, and tools to automate or streamline lab processes

Refine and document technical workflows and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance with preservation standards

Collaboration and Communication

Serve as liaison between the lab, internal partners, and external vendors or service providers as needed

Communicate project goals, timelines, and results to the Senior Manager of AMI Preservation and other stakeholders

May represent the AMI Preservation program in cross-departmental meetings and professional conferences

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

Bachelor’s degree

Required Experience

5+ years of experience in audiovisual preservation, digitization, or a related technical environment

1 or more years of supervisory experience

Demonstrated experience managing projects and meeting production goals in a lab or studio environment

Proven track record in logistics, budget oversight, and procurement of specialized equipment and supplies

Familiarity with metadata creation, file packaging, ingest processes, and digital asset management

Required Skills

Technical Expertise: Familiarity with analog and digital audio and moving image formats, digitization processes, and related software/hardware

Project Management: Ability to coordinate multiple projects and prioritize tasks to ensure timely completion

Analytical Skills: Proficiency in collecting, synthesizing, and reporting quantitative and qualitative data, with the capacity to propose data-driven improvements

Leadership and Communication: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to manage staff performance, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and present to stakeholders

Problem-Solving: Resourceful approach to troubleshooting technical, logistical, and operational challenges

Technical Agility: Comfort in learning new software and scripting tools that enhance workflow automation or process optimization

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct supervision of four engineers (two Audio Engineers, two Moving Image Engineers)

May occasionally supervise interns or project-based staff, depending on funding and evolving program needs

More...

Core Values

All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues

Be Resourceful in solving problems

Be Curious in all aspects of your work

Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

Primarily an in-house lab environment located at the Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center

May involve occasional travel to other NYPL branches or off-site storage facilities

Physical Duties

Ability to lift and move a variety of media carriers, boxes, and equipment (up to 40 lbs.)

May involve repetitive motions related to equipment operation

Pre-Placement Physical Required?

No

Union/Non Union

Non-Union

FLSA Status

Exempt

Schedule

35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm (subject to change based on project needs)

Up to 2 days of remote work per week may be available, in coordination with supervisor and as appropriate for the role

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

The New York Public Library Salary Statement

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).

Full-time