Manager for Digital Archives, Harry Ransom Center

Manager for Digital Archives, The Harry Ransom Center

Join us at The University of Texas at Austin to lead the stewardship of born digital materials at the Ransom Center.

Location: UT Main Campus, Austin, TX

Job Type: Full-time, Exempt

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40

Earliest

Start Date:

Jan 30, 2026

We are looking for a forward‑thinking Digital Archivist to lead the stewardship of born digital materials at the Ransom Center.

• Process and catalog born digital materials at the aggregate and item level, and integrate aggregate descriptions into finding aids.
• Collaborate with curators and donors to survey, appraise and ensure proper transfer of digital archival materials.
• Develop strategic goals, policies and workflows related to the preservation, description, and access to born‑digital archival materials.
• Monitor quality control of collection and item level description for born digital materials.
• Work with curators, the collection management team, conservation, and other units within Metadata & Discovery to manage processing priorities.
• Contribute to department documentation strategy.
• Select, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot technologies used for the preservation and access of born‑digital archival materials.
• Train and support HRC staff on workflows and technologies for managing born‑digital materials.
• Champion the Center’s role in digital stewardship through active collaboration and partnership across campus and beyond.
• Engage in campus, regional, and national scholarly and professional organizations focused on digital archival materials.
• Support the Research Services department through regular Reading and Viewing Room shifts.
• Serve as primary contact for public services staff on matters related to born digital access.

• Master’s degree from an ALA‑accredited program or equivalent international degree.
• At least two years of professional experience preserving, processing, describing, and delivering born‑digital and hybrid archival materials in a research library or archival setting.
• Knowledge of digital preservation systems such as Archivematica or Preservica.
• Knowledge of digital forensic tools such as Bit Curator.
• Knowledge of archival theory and practice.
• Experience creating finding aids using EAD and DACS.
• Ability to work creatively, independently, and collaboratively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.

• Hands‑on experience with technologies and systems developed or adopted by the archival community for the management and access of born‑digital materials.
• Hands‑on experience working with technologies and strategies related to digital forensics and digital preservation.
• Experience planning and managing a digital preservation program.
• Knowledge of metadata and standards such as OAIS, EAD, DACS, Dublin Core, MODS, PREMIS.
• Experience with programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, Perl) and interacting with software through APIs.
• Experience supervising students and other staff.

$65,000+ depending on qualifications.

• Exposure to standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• May be exposed to dust and mold.
• May use a stepstool.
• Occasional lifting and moving of archives boxes up to 40 pounds.

• Resume/CV
• Three work references with contact information; at least one reference from a supervisor.
• Letter of interest.

Applicants who are not current university employees or contingent workers should submit a resume the first time they apply and may upload additional documents in the application questions section. If you are a current university employee or contingent worker, use Workday to apply.

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for this position. Promotional or transfer‑eligible staff may apply without supervisor approval.

A criminal history background check will be required for finalists under consideration.

The University of Texas at Austin is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action.

The University will not discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose pay.

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Clery Act. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees to be notified of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report.

Employment eligibility verification and E-Verify requirements apply as described.