The National Geographic Society is seeking an experienced and skilled metadata architect to lead efforts to consolidate metadata schema from separate collection management systems and design a unified framework, setting the metadata structure for a digital preservation archive and optimizing discovery search. The successful candidate will have experience in analyzing legacy metadata from multiple formats, developing new standards, and leading implementation across collections, including documenting processes and procedures. Also requires strong collaboration skills with customers and stakeholders.
The Metadata Architect is responsible for analyzing and understanding the metadata needs for the National Geographic Society’s collection management systems, and defining and designing a unified framework for metadata across collections as part of a complex system migration, digital repository design, and digitization project, optimizing search across all content types. Essential duties include:
- Develop a unified collection management metadata strategy and architecture, working with collection managers and end users to consolidate legacy structures and identify changes required to meet new system needs. Work with content experts and vendors to design, test, and implement metadata in new collection management system, digital repository/preservation archive, and discovery search framework. Coordinate with collection managers/experts to structure and implement transformation and migration of legacy content. (60%)
- Structure metadata workflow for archival digitization project. Create written metadata policies using best practices and industry standards. Provide strong leadership to implement new metadata practices. (25%)
- Other duties as assigned. (15%)
- 8-10 years of progressive work experience in complex metadata management and transformation for digital content. Customization of metadata structure for collection integration, data transformation and migration, and search optimization in Integrated Library Systems, Discovery Search, Media Asset Management Systems, Digital Asset Management Systems, Institutional Repository.
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Familiarity with archival collections and principles of arrangement and description as well as using and supporting digital repositories.
- Knowledge of metadata standards and protocols (such as Dublin Core, Open Archives Initiative-Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI-PMH)).
- Experience developing, maintaining, and documenting local metadata vocabularies, schemas (XML or other), application profiles, crosswalks, mappings, transformations (XSLT or other), and workflows.
- Experience managing metadata schemas, vocabularies and content standards (including DC, EAD, VRA Core 4.0, PBCore, RDA, LCSH, PREMIS, METS, etc.) and various encoding/transmission formats (such as RDF, XML, XSLT, MARC, JSON, etc.).
- Extensive knowledge of cross-walking between various data standards, including experience with retrospective conversion.
- Supervisory experience regarding data cleaning and control.
- Experience in database administration, including working knowledge of relevant systems for library and archive collections (e.g., Alma or equivalent ILS, institutional repository, digital preservation archive, enterprise discovery search).
- Significant coding experience in XML, XSLT, HTML, CSS, and database editing and development using mySQL or similar.
- Project management experience.
- Maintains complete discretion, confidentiality, sensitivity and professional judgment.
- Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with ability to communicate complex information effectively.
- Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds.
Supervision
- 1-3 staff members
National Geographic's headquarters is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. In addition to a unique and dynamic work environment, National Geographic offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits, generous vacation and leave time, a 401(k) plan, and flexible work options. National Geographic is an Equal Opportunity Employer