Database Manager at The Historic New Orleans Collection

Description

The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) is a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region. The Collection is currently accepting resumes for the position of Database Manager.

The Database Manager supports and maintains THNOC’s collections management system (CMS) and research databases, including server files. The Database Manager works with the system vendor and our network administrator to schedule system upgrades and maintenance work. The Database Manager oversees the filing of help tickets with the vendor, verifying issues and their resolution.  The Database Manager is responsible for training staff in the proper usage of the system and databases. The Database Manager develops and maintains standards for data entry in keeping with the professional standards of archives, libraries, and museums. The position advises departments on methodology for the application of external cataloging standards within the system, and the creation and maintenance of centralized rules for data entry and cataloging vocabulary for data consistency. The Database Manager meets regularly with cataloging, processing, and registration staff, performs quality control checks on databases, and arranges work plans for correcting and cleaning up of data as necessary. The position develops, creates, and refines report specifications as needed. 

The Database Manager works with staff to highlight THNOC’s holdings through the CMS online catalog platform, developing predefined searches, slide shows, and image carousels, etc. to promote the use and awareness of THNOC’s holdings. The position performs quality checks on functionality and display of records within the online catalog, as well as supports and trouble shoots issues with the online catalog.

The Database Manager is involved in the development, management, and support of research databases and other initiatives. This position acts as the liaison between staff, the Network Administrator, and Digital Services staff in the creation and maintenance of research databases and projects.

The ideal candidate must have a Master’s degree in Library and Information Sciences, Archives, or Records Administration and a minimum of three years of experience in a museum, archive, or special collections setting working with databases.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The below duties and responsibilities are essential core functions of this position. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Identifies and/or develops appropriate data standards for use in databases and works with members of the collections management and cataloging/processing staff to implement them.
• Supports the institution’s CMS and online catalog. Providing timely and thorough support. Works with vendor on the continuing development and implementation of the CMS to make work flows more effective and efficient.
• Develop written documentation for the CMS and other databases. This includes help text, data entry manuals, and other support documentation. Periodically reviews documentation and keeps it current.
• Conducts quality control data checks on databases and identifies and/ creates action plans for the correction of any errors found in vocabulary and field usage.
• Participates in the development and design of research databases, and other automation projects.
• Oversees the training and data entry procedures and documentation for research databases and their functionality.
• Works to maintain system operational files on the server.

This is a full-time position working Monday through Friday. The Collection offers a competitive salary and a dynamic, educational culture. 

The Historic New Orleans Collection offers the following benefits:    

• Competitive salary   
• Medical, dental and vision insurance for employees and dependents (children and opposite or same sex spouse/domestic partners).  Medical insurance includes treatment for gender dysphoria.   
• Life, long term disability, and AD&D insurance   
• Employee Assistance Program   
• Flexible Spending Account   
• Professional development and tuition assistance   
• Paid parental leave   
• Paid time off and 12 paid holidays per year   
• Gym membership   
• Paid parking   
• Work/life balance    
• Opportunity to work in the iconic French Quarter of New Orleans with passionate, engaged, and respectful colleagues   

To apply, visit https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Apply/1685396. 

Requirements

Job Qualifications:
Below are the minimum requirements necessary for this position.

 Education: 

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Sciences, Archives, or Records Administration. 

Experience: 

• Minimum of three years of experience in a museum, archive, or special collections setting working with databases. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• In-depth knowledge of SQL database construction, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with the following standards, AACR2, CDWA, CCO, DACS, EAD, ISAD(G), MARC, OCLC Bibliographic Formats and Standards, RDA, AAT, Revised Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging, LCSH, ULAN, TGN, and TGMII.
• Familiarity with automated authority control.
• Ability to multi-task multiple projects and prioritize issues in a timely manner for staff operation.
• Exceptional customer service skills and ability to respond to critical situations.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with others as well as demonstrated ability to work independently. Proven oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to be flexible and responsive to an evolving work environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Experience with maintaining system operations files on server.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Experience with Windows Server 2016 and above.
• Knowledge of archives and historical records administration.
• Experience with Axiell Collections and Arena software.

Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position, move throughout the properties and in other settings, operate a computer and other office machinery, ascend/descend and traverse heights and low levels, position self to work at workstation. Must be able to move equipment and archival storage boxes weighing approximately 25 pounds. This position consistently communicates with co-workers and others and observes, inspects, and assesses records and databases.