Digital Imaging & Content Manager

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a great place to work.

We are currently seeking a Digital Imaging and Content Manager to join the Digital Repository department within the USC Libraries. The position will be responsible for planning, designing, supervising, and coordinating all activities involved in the development and implementation of complex digital preservation and audiovisual digitization projects.

The Digital Imaging & Content Manager oversees the full lifecycle of audiovisual and film digitization projects, ensuring the highest archival standards while embracing emerging technologies. This role manages workflows that transform fragile analog and digital media into sustainable and accessible digital assets. The Digital Imaging & Content Manager will be required to manage multiple projects simultaneously, interact with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, and effectively lead a team of video archivists in the completion of digital preservation and digitization projects.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Media Management, Computer Science, Video/Audio production or a related field

• A minimum of 10 years of experience with computer software such as Microsoft Office, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Creative Cloud, Avid, Pro Tools, ffmpeg, and project management tools (Jira, Asana, Notion, Airtable, etc.)

• Hands-on experience working with work orders, content delivery systems, digital asset management tools including software/hardware, media management software/hardware

• In-depth experience with various audiovisual file formats, codecs, and transcoding best practices

• The ability to develop and lead projects, communicate and report on developments, including cost and time estimations as well as timely progress updates.

• Ability to work well with the team of programs to mentor and share development ideas.

• A minimum of 8 years of experience supervising students and/or full-time employees in the field of digitization, digital asset management, and/or digital preservation.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to lead team meetings, set meeting agendas and keep written notes, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated organizational skills, extreme attention to detail and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Job Accountabilities:

• Manages the daily operations of transfer labs including digitization and archiving of sensitive and fragile cultural heritage materials.

• Manages project activities, including configuring work orders, content delivery, digital asset production, and storage cache management.

• Oversees the coordination of work-flow processes for digital object creation, maintenance and quality control.

• Determines alternative digitization techniques based on condition of material or technological limitations.

• Assists senior management with short and long-term planning, quality assurance of imaging projects, project evaluations and proposals for new projects.

• Manages and maintains all software/hardware for digitization, transcoding, and post-production work of digital media.

• Supervises all assigned subordinate staff. Recruits, screens, hires and trains staff. Evaluates employee performance and provides guidance and feedback to assigned staff. Counsels, disciplines and/or terminates employees as required.

• Trains and researches in areas to support and augment skills as necessary to complete the work.

• Provides consultation, advice, and assistance in modifying or maintaining complex software/hardware systems as related to digital management systems.

• Manages installs, tests and evaluates third party software. Applications typically deal with overall digital management system.

• Assists with obtaining vendor proposals for hardware, software and technical services. Analyzes proposals and makes recommendations.

• Gathers and provides financial data to develop the budget. Provides forecasts or projections, as requested.

• Experience with cloud computer and/or storage services or solutions.

• Performs other duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

• In addition, the successful candidate must demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values.

Salary Range

The annual base salary range for this position is $113,547.52 - $125,000.00. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.

#LI-MN1

Minimum Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Media Management, Computer Science, Video/Audio production or a related field A minimum of 10 years of experience with computer software such as Microsoft Office, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Creative Cloud, Avid, Pro Tools, ffmpeg, and project management tools (Jira, Asana, Notion, Airtable, etc.) Hands-on experience working with work orders, content delivery systems, digital asset management tools including software/hardware, media management software/hardware In-depth experience with various audiovisual file formats, codecs, and transcoding best practices The ability to develop and lead projects, communicate and report on developments, including cost and time estimations as well as timely progress updates. Ability to work well with the team of programs to mentor and share development ideas. A minimum of 8 years of experience supervising students and/or full-time employees in the field of digitization, digital asset management, and/or digital preservation. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to lead team meetings, set meeting agendas and keep written notes, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrated organizational skills, extreme attention to detail and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.