OPT Digital Archivist Jobs
Digital Archivist jobs on OPT require employers comfortable with STEM or standard OPT authorization, since most roles sit in libraries, universities, and cultural institutions. Your F-1 status is valid work authorization. The challenge is finding employers who understand that and are willing to document it properly for your records.
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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 Digital Archivist
Target universities and research libraries first
Universities and large research libraries hire Digital Archivists regularly and have HR teams experienced with OPT work authorization. They're among the most OPT-friendly employers for this role, reducing the back-and-forth over your eligibility.
Clarify whether your degree qualifies as STEM OPT
Library science, information science, and archival studies degrees may qualify for 24-month STEM OPT extension if your school's CIP code is STEM-designated. Confirm with your DSO before applying, since it meaningfully extends your authorized work period.
Emphasize digital preservation and metadata skills upfront
Employers scanning for Digital Archivists want to see specific tools: ArchivesSpace, ContentDM, Archivematica, Dublin Core. Lead with these in your resume summary. It signals technical depth and bypasses early-stage uncertainty about your immigration status.
Explain OPT clearly and preemptively in applications
Many cultural institutions and nonprofits haven't hired on OPT before. A one-paragraph explanation in your cover letter, stating your authorization period, eligibility to work without employer action, and your extension timeline, removes the biggest hiring hesitation early.
Apply to digitization grant-funded projects
Federal agencies and foundations fund multi-year digitization projects that specifically hire Digital Archivists on contract or staff roles. These positions often have flexible hiring structures and supervisors experienced with international researchers and visiting scholars.
Network through professional archival organizations
The Society of American Archivists and regional archival networks host job boards and conferences where hiring managers actively recruit. Direct contact with supervisors at these events often moves faster than standard HR application pipelines for OPT candidates.
Digital Archivist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Digital Archivist on OPT without any employer sponsorship?
Yes. OPT is pre-employment work authorization granted by USCIS, not your employer. Employers hiring you on OPT don't file any visa petition or pay USCIS fees. They simply verify your EAD card, complete the I-9, and report the hire to your DSO. No sponsorship action is required on their part.
Do Digital Archivist roles qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. Degrees in library and information science, computer science, or data science may carry a STEM-designated CIP code that qualifies you for the 24-month extension. Confirm your school's designation with your DSO before accepting a role, since your degree field drives eligibility, not the archival job itself.
Where can I find Digital Archivist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters specifically for employers open to hiring F-1 OPT students, so you're not wasting applications on roles where your status is a dealbreaker. Searching there surfaces Digital Archivist and related information management roles at institutions already comfortable with OPT work authorization.
What documents does a hiring institution need from me to employ me on OPT?
Your employer needs your EAD card showing valid dates, your current F-1 visa and I-20 with OPT authorization endorsed by your DSO, and your passport. They complete the standard I-9 employment eligibility verification. You're also required to report the job to your DSO within 10 days of starting so your SEVIS record stays current.
Can I work as a freelance or contract Digital Archivist on OPT?
Yes, but with constraints. Self-employment and freelance work are permitted on OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field and you can document it as such for your DSO. Each contract engagement must be reported. If your work is genuinely project-based, consulting arrangements at libraries or archives are a viable path.