Purpose of Role

The Metadata Technician will work with the Collections Information Specialist and other staff as needed to help establish and maintain intellectual control and discoverability of the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) Museum holdings and digital assets; expand and enhance the accessibility of descriptive collections information; and provide metadata support for critical collections development, exhibitions development, and collections management activities. To that end, the Metadata Technician will support metadata initiatives including collections cataloging, record enhancement and quality control, and visual description in accordance with current cultural heritage and local standards and best practices; provide research, writing, and editing support for the acquisitions process; assist with report writing, exports, and data analysis, and assist with the development of specific cataloging guidelines as assigned. As part of the Collections Team, the Metadata Technician will help establish, support, and sustain the Obama Presidential Center Museum as a model collecting, educational, and cultural resource and destination in service of the Foundation’s mission and values. This is a termed position, coming to an end December, 18th 2026.

As the Metadata Technician, you’ll be reporting directly to the Collections Information Specialist.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Cataloging: Following national and institutional standards, catalog museum collections including creating descriptive and authority records from scratch, enhancing existing records, and performing subject analysis. Assist with creating, promoting, and improving approaches to cataloging that are inclusive and culturally sensitive.
• Visual Description: Following best practices and local style guides, create and edit visual descriptions of museum artifacts and images that provide access to audiences  with low or no vision.
• Editing and Approving Records: Review, edit, and approve object records, authority records, and acquisitions proposals written by other members of the Museum Team. If assigned, assist with data import and/or normalization.
• Cataloging and Workflow Documentation: When assigned, take the lead on improving or building out data entry guidelines, workflows, definitions, and training materials for cataloging and visual description. Work with the Collections Information Specialist to pilot, test, and improve new workflows. Proactively suggest improvements to workstreams and guidelines.
• Collections Development and Research: Assist Collections and Curatorial staff with artifact research and documentation, including maintaining and updating descriptive, historical, and/or provenance information. If requested, prepare acquisitions proposals for presentation at Staff Collections Committee meetings.
• Reporting and Database Support: Run scheduled and ad-hoc reports to support collections development and management, exhibitions development and management, and other critical Museum functions. Provide data entry, data clean-up, and data import/export support as assigned.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Support other initiatives as required.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Complete all cataloging, visual description, research, and data entry assignments in a timely and accurate manner and in keeping with the Collections Information Specialist’s directions.
• Create and maintain accurate, reliable, inclusive/culturally-sensitive, and up-to-date records in the artifacts database in accordance with Collections staff training and instructions.
• Enhance and expand workflow documentation and training materials to inform process improvement.
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders to ensure they receive timely and reliable information and metadata support.
• Take ownership of reporting on critical museum functions including collections development, registration, and collections management.
• Help foster a collaborative, inclusive, respectful, and productive work environment.

Required Qualifications 

• Knowledge of cataloging principles including identity management/authority control and controlled vocabularies; an understanding of the impact of metadata quality on access
• Demonstrated experience creating consistent data while following cataloging and/or processing workflows using content standards such as AACR2, CCO, DACS, or RDA,  as well as controlled vocabularies such as AAT, TGN, LCN, LCSH, FAST and local authorities; experience cataloging unique or specialized materials a plus.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; excellent attention to detail without losing sight of the big picture
• Comfortable working with collections databases (or similar systems); some “under-the-hood” skills/experience a plus (e.g. import/export or configuration)
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize, multi-task, and follow through on short-and long-term assignments with minimal supervision
• Strong research skills; knowledge of or an interest in American history, Chicago history, and/or political history preferred
• Ability to understand and apply new information quickly, follow detailed instructions, and adhere to complex workflows
• Interest in advances in the cataloging and metadata profession, including inclusive cataloging and description and linked data.

The salary range for this role is between $51,965  and $64,980

Foundation Values

The Foundation Values are Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Accountability, Community, Inclusivity, Pragmatism, Resilience, Imagination, and Hope.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at careers@obama.org if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.