University of South Carolina is hiring a Head of Preserve & Digital Service to lead the preservation and digitization program at the Moving Image Research Collections (MIRC), part of University Libraries on the Columbia campus. The role sets preservation policies and workflows for film, tape, and digital media, oversees digital access and licensing of the collection, and supervises staff, temporary employees, and interns. It also involves working with the MIRC Director, faculty, vendors, and outside media producers and archives.
Highlights
Plan, coordinate, and supervise film and tape preservation and digitization to technical standards, including quality control and setting preservation priorities with the MIRC Director and staff (about 35% of the job).
Supervise the preparation and delivery of digitized materials for research, instruction, exhibitions, and public programs, and handle access requests and research help for media producers and members of the public (about 35%).
Manage rights, permissions, licensing contracts, and billing, and develop digital access workflows that follow institutional policy and copyright requirements.
Oversee long-term preservation of digitized and born-digital collections, including digital storage, file management, fixity checks, and migration, and develop the workflows behind them (about 10%).
Train and supervise staff, temporary employees, and interns, assist with budget planning and grant activities, and evaluate and recommend new technologies and systems.
Maintain relationships with media makers, stock footage libraries, vendors, and peers at other archives.
Requires a bachelor's degree in a job-related field and 3 or more years of related experience (equivalent certification, training, or experience can substitute), plus a valid driver's license.
Preferred candidates have a master's degree and 5 years in moving image preservation and archiving, or a bachelor's degree and 7 years, along with experience in Adobe Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve, digital restoration software, AWS cloud storage, and licensing.
Requires the ability to negotiate legally binding contracts approved by University Counsel and broad knowledge of motion picture and television history and the business of the industry.
Anticipated hiring range of $53,576 to $66,970 for a full-time, 12-month position.
Works 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with a willingness to flex the schedule to meet departmental needs.
Head of Preserve & Digital Service Full Description
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by December 23, 2026.
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo | Posting Number | STA00836PO26 Job Family | Creative Services Job Function | Media Production USC Market Title | Media Producer Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132550 Job Level | P3 - Professional Business Title (Internal Title) | Head of Preserve & Digital Service Campus | Columbia Work County | Richland College/Division | University Libraries Department | LIBR Moving Image Research Collections State Pay Range | G09 USC Market Range | MRF - $53,576 $66,970 $80,364 Anticipated Hiring Range | $53,576 - $66,970 Location of Vacancy | Part/Full Time | Full Time Hours per Week | 37.5 Work Schedule | Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis | 12 months Job Search Category | Other Professional
About USC
About University of South Carolina | From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond. Veterans' Preference Statement | The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary | The Head of Preservation provides technical leadership for MIRC’s preservation and digitization program by developing and implementing policies and procedures; establishing workflows; supervising staff, projects, and operations; assisting with budget planning and grant activities; overseeing digital access and licensing activities; interacting with patrons, vendors, and service providers; and collaborating with faculty and staff to support research, cataloging, exhibitions, public programs, and other institutional initiatives. Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience. Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials | Must have a valid Driver’s License. Preferred Qualifications | Master’s degree in a related field and 5 years of experience in moving image preservation and archiving; or Bachelor’s degree and 7 years in moving image preservation and archiving. Substantial experience with digital imaging and video editing and color correction software (Adobe Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve). Experience with digital restoration software. Experience with digital asset management and cloud digital storage platforms (AWS). Licensing experience. Experience supervising students and interns.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | Excellent business communication skills. Must be able to understand and negotiate legally binding contracts as approved by University Counsel. Must demonstrate a broad knowledge of motion picture and television history and the business operations of the industry. Knowledge of best practices in film, tape, and digital preservation. Substantial experience in digital video editing and color correction. Computer skills including MS Office, e-mail, database software. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to follow directions and to use own creativity and judgement. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to perform detailed work with accuracy. Ability to interact with clients and vendors. Ability to meet deadlines. Meticulous attention to detail, written and oral communication skills, initiative, and time management skills. Working knowledge of policies and procedures. Ability to exercise decision-making authority. Ability to exercise confidentiality. Ability to manage effectively.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Function: Film and Tape Preservation and DigitizationPlan, coordinate, and supervise preservation and digitization activities in accordance with technical standards and best practices.Manage and develop preservation policies, procedures, and workflows.Ensure quality control throughout preservation and digitization processes.Evaluate preservation needs and establish preservation priorities in consultation with MIRC Director and other MIRC staff. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 35Job Duty | Function: Digital Access and LicensingSupervise the preparation and delivery of digitized materials for research, instruction, exhibitions, outreach, and public programs.Manage digital access requests and provide research assistance to media producers and members of the public seeking to view and license content.Manage rights, permissions, licensing contracts, and billing.Manage and develop digital access workflows in accordance with institutional policies and copyright requirements. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 35Job Duty | Function: Digital PreservationSupervise the long-term preservation of digitized and born-digital collection materials.Manage and develop digital preservation workflows and procedures.Oversee digital storage, file management, fixity, and migration. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Function:Supervision and ManagementSupervise and train staff, temporary employees, and interns. Assign and delegate tasks as needed.Maintain records and document activities.Assist with budget planning, grant activities, and special projects.Maintain awareness of best practices and emerging technologies.Evaluate and recommend technologies and systems. Interact with vendors and service providers.Maintain relationships with media makers, stock footage libraries, and peers in other archives. Essential Function | Yes Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Other duties as assigned. Essential Function | No Percentage of Time | 5
Position Attributes Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive | No Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1 Desired Start Date | Job Open Date | 11/09/2026 Job Close Date | 12/23/2026 Open Until Filled | No Special Instructions to Applicant | Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by December 23, 2026. Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/215876 EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* Do you have at least a bachelor's degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience?
Yes
No
* Do you have a valid driver's license?
Yes
No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
List of References and Contact Information
Optional Documents
Cover Letter
Other Supporting Documents
Resume
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