OPT Archivist Jobs
Archivist roles at universities, government agencies, and cultural institutions regularly hire OPT students with degrees in library science, history, or archival studies. Your 12-month OPT window, extendable to 36 months with a qualifying STEM designation, gives you real runway to land a permanent role in a field where institutional knowledge is valued.
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AHD Staff: CMS - South Side Movie Project
About the Department
Founded in 2005 by Dr. Jacqueline Stewart, the South Side Home Movie Project (SSHMP) is dedicated to collecting, preserving, digitizing, exhibiting, and researching the rich tapestry of home movies created by Chicago's South Side residents. More than just an archive, SSHMP empowers individuals and families to share their cherished memories and unique perspectives, creating an unparalleled visual record. We ensure the vibrant cultures and evolving narratives of the South Side are preserved for generations to come and celebrated as a vital thread in the history of the city of Chicago.
Today, SSHMP holds more than 1,400 reels of small-gauge film – 16mm, 8mm, and Super-8mm footage shot by South Siders spanning from the 1930s to the 1980s. As part of UChicago’s Arts + Public Life, the South Side Home Movie Project goes far beyond traditional archival boundaries, acting as a cultural steward that brings together a community of donors, students, artists, practitioners, and neighbors to explore a wide range of educational and creative reuse initiatives.
Job Summary
The South Side Home Movie Project (SSHMP) seeks a part-time Processing Archivist to support the implementation of its CLIR-funded Digitizing Hidden Collections project, Filming Mid-Twentieth Century Black Life in Chicago: The Ramon Williams Collection. SSHMP is a community-centered archival initiative dedicated to collecting, preserving, digitizing, and making accessible home movies created by residents of Chicago’s South Side, advancing a vital visual record of underrepresented histories.
Working under the supervision of SSHMP leadership, including the Project Director and Project Manager, the Processing Archivist will play a central role in processing, digitizing, and describing audiovisual materials. The position is responsible for ensuring that materials are preserved, described, and made publicly accessible in alignment with professional archival standards and SSHMP’s community-centered stewardship model.
This role is for the term of January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028. This role focuses on digitization and digital preservation.
Responsibilities
- Inspects, cleans, repairs, digitizes, and creates access files for the majority of the remaining Ramon Williams films, with assistance from the Project Manager and archival staff. This includes conducting inventory and condition assessments, preparing film materials for digitization workflows, and coordinating specialized preservation processes when required.
- Creates, edits, and manages metadata records for audiovisual materials using established cataloging standards and SSHMP’s adapted controlled vocabulary. Conducts research to identify people, places, events, and cultural references depicted in the films, ensuring accurate, inclusive, and context-rich descriptions.
- Ingests digitized files into SSHMP’s digital archive and ensures materials are accessible through its online platform. Enhances discoverability through subject tagging, keywording, and descriptive annotations that reflect both scholarly frameworks and community-informed knowledge.
- Performs quality control on digitized files and metadata records to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness. Maintains clear documentation of processing workflows, metadata decisions, and digitization outputs in accordance with grant reporting and sustainability standards.
- Contributes to the development of collection-level and thematic resources, such as finding aids, digital exhibits, or interpretive essays, that enhance public understanding and use of the Ramon Williams Collection.
- Works closely with SSHMP staff to support community-informed archival practices, including reviewing user-generated metadata and preparing materials for public programming, exhibitions, and digital storytelling initiatives.
- Participates in regular project meetings to assess progress, refine workflows, and ensure alignment with grant deliverables.
- Assists with documentation and reporting required by the CLIR grant.
- Supports SSHMP’s broader public programming and 20th anniversary initiatives, as needed.
- The job performs routine assignments in a library unit in the acquisition and processing of library materials and resources. Resolves processing problems with units.
- Identifies and documents preservation needs and, with moderate/high guidance from others, ensures the preservation of library pieces, electronically and digitally.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Working Conditions
This is a part-time position of approximately 20 hours per week.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Library
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
20
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Hourly
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Pay Range
$25.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
Department
AHD Staff: CMS - South Side Movie Project
About the Department
Founded in 2005 by Dr. Jacqueline Stewart, the South Side Home Movie Project (SSHMP) is dedicated to collecting, preserving, digitizing, exhibiting, and researching the rich tapestry of home movies created by Chicago's South Side residents. More than just an archive, SSHMP empowers individuals and families to share their cherished memories and unique perspectives, creating an unparalleled visual record. We ensure the vibrant cultures and evolving narratives of the South Side are preserved for generations to come and celebrated as a vital thread in the history of the city of Chicago.
Today, SSHMP holds more than 1,400 reels of small-gauge film – 16mm, 8mm, and Super-8mm footage shot by South Siders spanning from the 1930s to the 1980s. As part of UChicago’s Arts + Public Life, the South Side Home Movie Project goes far beyond traditional archival boundaries, acting as a cultural steward that brings together a community of donors, students, artists, practitioners, and neighbors to explore a wide range of educational and creative reuse initiatives.
Job Summary
The South Side Home Movie Project (SSHMP) seeks a part-time Processing Archivist to support the implementation of its CLIR-funded Digitizing Hidden Collections project, Filming Mid-Twentieth Century Black Life in Chicago: The Ramon Williams Collection. SSHMP is a community-centered archival initiative dedicated to collecting, preserving, digitizing, and making accessible home movies created by residents of Chicago’s South Side, advancing a vital visual record of underrepresented histories.
Working under the supervision of SSHMP leadership, including the Project Director and Project Manager, the Processing Archivist will play a central role in processing, digitizing, and describing audiovisual materials. The position is responsible for ensuring that materials are preserved, described, and made publicly accessible in alignment with professional archival standards and SSHMP’s community-centered stewardship model.
This role is for the term of January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028. This role focuses on digitization and digital preservation.
Responsibilities
- Inspects, cleans, repairs, digitizes, and creates access files for the majority of the remaining Ramon Williams films, with assistance from the Project Manager and archival staff. This includes conducting inventory and condition assessments, preparing film materials for digitization workflows, and coordinating specialized preservation processes when required.
- Creates, edits, and manages metadata records for audiovisual materials using established cataloging standards and SSHMP’s adapted controlled vocabulary. Conducts research to identify people, places, events, and cultural references depicted in the films, ensuring accurate, inclusive, and context-rich descriptions.
- Ingests digitized files into SSHMP’s digital archive and ensures materials are accessible through its online platform. Enhances discoverability through subject tagging, keywording, and descriptive annotations that reflect both scholarly frameworks and community-informed knowledge.
- Performs quality control on digitized files and metadata records to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness. Maintains clear documentation of processing workflows, metadata decisions, and digitization outputs in accordance with grant reporting and sustainability standards.
- Contributes to the development of collection-level and thematic resources, such as finding aids, digital exhibits, or interpretive essays, that enhance public understanding and use of the Ramon Williams Collection.
- Works closely with SSHMP staff to support community-informed archival practices, including reviewing user-generated metadata and preparing materials for public programming, exhibitions, and digital storytelling initiatives.
- Participates in regular project meetings to assess progress, refine workflows, and ensure alignment with grant deliverables.
- Assists with documentation and reporting required by the CLIR grant.
- Supports SSHMP’s broader public programming and 20th anniversary initiatives, as needed.
- The job performs routine assignments in a library unit in the acquisition and processing of library materials and resources. Resolves processing problems with units.
- Identifies and documents preservation needs and, with moderate/high guidance from others, ensures the preservation of library pieces, electronically and digitally.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Working Conditions
This is a part-time position of approximately 20 hours per week.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Library
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
20
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Hourly
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Pay Range
$25.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Archivist
Verify your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Archival science programs housed under information science or library science departments sometimes carry a STEM CIP code, giving you 24 extra months of OPT. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before your initial OPT expires.
Target institutions already enrolled in E-Verify
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Federal agencies, large university systems, and Smithsonian-affiliated institutions almost always qualify, making them safer targets than small private foundations.
Use OFLC Wage Search to anchor your salary ask
Archivist prevailing wages vary sharply by region and employer type. Pull the DOL's OFLC Wage Search before negotiating so your number matches what a sponsoring employer would certify on an LCA, avoiding delays later.
Frame your practicum experience for federal hiring managers
Federal archivist postings through USAJOBS often treat OPT as a short-term gap. Highlighting a practicum or internship at a state archive or NARA affiliate signals continuity and reduces hesitation about sponsoring a work visa after OPT.
File your H-1B petition with Migrate Mate before cap season closes
H-1B visa registration opens each March and archivists at specialty-occupation employers qualify. Migrate Mate handles your petition paperwork at a flat fee, so your employer isn't navigating the filing process alone during a tight registration window.
Request a specific start date that preserves your OPT buffer
OPT authorization must be active on your first day of employment. If an offer lands late, negotiate a start date that falls within your authorized period rather than accepting a date that risks a gap in status.
Archivist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Archivist roles qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, most professional Archivist positions qualify as specialty occupations because they typically require at least a bachelor's degree in archival science, library science, or history. USCIS evaluates the specific job duties and degree requirement listed in the offer letter, so positions that accept any degree regardless of field can face additional scrutiny during adjudication.
Can I work as an Archivist at a federal agency on OPT?
Federal agencies can hire OPT students for archivist roles, but most direct federal positions require U.S. citizenship. Contractor roles supporting agencies like the National Archives and Records Administration are a more accessible path. Check the specific citizenship requirement on each posting before applying, as it varies by agency and position type.
Does my archival science degree qualify me for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your program's Classification of Instructional Programs code. Some library and information science programs carry a STEM-designated CIP code, making graduates eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific program qualifies. If it does, your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify for the extension to be approved.
How do I find Archivist employers who are open to sponsoring OPT students?
University libraries, state archives, and large cultural institutions tend to have established processes for hiring international staff and are more familiar with OPT and H-1B timelines than smaller private organizations. Migrate Mate lets you filter archivist-related openings by employers with visa sponsorship history, so you can focus your applications where the path to sponsorship is already established.
What happens to my OPT if my Archivist contract ends before I find a new position?
OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment in aggregate across your authorization period, or 150 days with a STEM extension. If your contract ends, that clock starts immediately. You can accept a new archivist role or a related position within your field of study without filing new paperwork, as long as the role relates to your degree and you stay within the unemployment limit.