The
Mark Morris Dance Group, formed in 1980, is an 18-member dance company
that tours domestically and internationally. Live music and community
engagement are vital components of the Dance Group. It has toured with
its own musicians, the MMDG Music Ensemble, since 1996. Through the
organization’s Access/MMDG programming, it integrates opportunities for
dance, music, talks, and education at its Brooklyn home, the Mark Morris
Dance Center, as well as on tour around the world. The Dance Center,
opened in 2001, also provides rehearsal space for the dance community,
diverse dance and fitness offerings for adults, beginner to
professional, and a school serving students ages 18 months to 18 years
in its 7 fully equipped dance studios. Dance Center expansion plans
include adding 3 additional studios over the next 2 years.
With
support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, MMDG is undertaking an
Archive Project to ensure the preservation and accessibility of Morris’s
legacy. This full-time position will coordinate all aspects of the
project and be responsible for meeting deadlines and tracking
deliverables to ensure timely and thorough completion of project
activities. The primary components of this 3 year project are: 1)
archival quality digitization of prioritized analog video and audio
materials and the creation and implementation of a long-term plan for
storage of archival digital assets; 2) completion of inventory of the
collection and a long-term project to create a searchable catalog of
materials; and 3) improved organization for areas of the collection that
currently lack adequate order and proper housing. MMDG is partnering
with Dance Heritage Coalition (DHC), which will provide consulting and
digitization services throughout the project.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Oversee inventory and description of AV and non-AV collections
•
Work with content specialists and project assistants to ensure
accurate, complete, and high-quality metadata is captured in accordance
with established project standards
• Support content specialists and artistic staff in selection of items for preservation-quality digitization
• Oversee in-house access-quality digitization of videos not selected for high-level preservation
• Liaise with Dance Heritage Coalition to manage the following:
o batching, tracking, transfer, and return of tapes for digitization
o development and delivery of training workshops and manuals
o recording and transcription of oral histories
o digitization of rare formats by third-party vendors
• Work with outside consultants on the implementation of an in-house archive database using CollectiveAccess cataloging software
• Assume responsibility for managing, maintaining, updating, and training in-house staff in use of the database
• Supervise project staff performing inventory, scanning, filing, and other tasks
• Manage Archive Project budget and track expenses
•
Provide on-going progress reports to Executive Director and Development
Department; maintain detailed records and contribute to reporting to
funders.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• ALA-accredited Master’s in Library Science
• 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
•
Familiarity with analog video formats and digital file formats, strong
grasp of audiovisual and digital preservation standards and best
practices and digital asset management
• Strong grasp of metadata and cataloging standards
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
• Familiarity with CollectiveAccess software a plus
• Knowledge of and interest in dance and issues in documentation and preservation of dance or performing arts preferred
BENEFITS & COMPENSATION:
• $50,000
•
Comprehensive benefits package includes: Employee Health and Life
insurance covered 100%, Flexible Spending Plan, voluntary dental and
vision coverage, 403(b) retirement plan, TransitChek
• Free dance classes at the Mark Morris Dance Center and access to the Wellness Center, MMDG’s private exercise facility
APPLICATIONS:
• Résumé outlining your education and professional experience
• Cover letter summarizing your relevant qualifications for this position
• Indicate Archive Project Manager on the subject line of email
• Applications in electronic format accepted at jobs@mmdg.org
Incomplete submissions will not be considered. No calls please.
Mark Morris Dance Group is an equal opportunity employer.
