Metadata and Systems Support Specialist
San Francisco, CA
Archives & Art Resources /
Full-Time /
Hybrid
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.
Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.
Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.
Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.
Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution.
SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.
Schedule: Full Time, 35 hours/week, at least three days working onsite
Reporting to the Director of Archives and Art Resources, the Metadata and Systems Support Specialist plays a key role in the successful use of the museum’s Collections Management System and Digital Asset Management System. The Specialist ensures consistent metadata and content practices, fields user questions, and maintains clear, up-to-date documentation across both systems.
The Metadata and Systems Support Specialist bridges users and system managers by providing frontline support, supporting data stewardship, and collaborating on process and improvements. Early work will prioritize user support, ticket tracking, documentation, and system familiarity. Over time, responsibilities will expand to include ingestion, bulk data operations, and project-based content work.
This is a data and operationally focused support role designed to improve cross-system alignment and build consistent user experiences. The position works closely with the Collections Information Manager and the Digital Asset Manager to support generous access to data and content related to artworks, artists, and museum programs, in ways that are in alignment with the museum’s strategic priorities and goals of the Archives and Art Resources (AAR) department and the Collections, Exhibitions and Design (CED) division.
In the first year of work in this position, key milestones will be:
· By 30 days: Become oriented with our CMS and DAMS (understand these key systems, user groups, and workflows). Meet stakeholders across departments to begin building collaborative relationships. Shadow current support workflows and start responding to simple user requests under supervision.
· By the second quarter: Begin independently handling front-line support and routine issue tracking. Create or update documentation (user guides, training resources, FAQ materials) at the direction of the system managers. Identify recurring user pain points and propose small enhancements or clarify documentation. Assist with metadata cleanup or content ingestion tasks with supervision.
· By year one: Manage support workflows, including triage, documentation development, and training, in close collaboration with system managers. Manage projects such as metadata audits, bulk data imports, or improvements to cross-system workflows. Act as the primary liaison for user-system needs to inform and support system improvements led by system managers. Proactively contribute to refining departmental procedures and collaborate on larger-scale integration or migration initiatives.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Provide first-line user support for the DAMS and CMS, triaging requests, resolving routine issues, and escalating complex requests to system managers and vendors.
- Maintain clear, up-to-date user documentation and training materials; conduct monthly and ad hoc training sessions for staff.
- Compile and disseminate reports and statistics from the DAMS and CMS, supporting departmental and museum-wide needs.
- Coordinate and contribute to data entry and content standards across both systems to ensure consistency and accuracy.
- Collaborate with the CMS and DAMS managers to improve workflows, support ingestion projects, and document system changes.
- Contribute to bulk data operations, metadata cleanup, and cross-system integration projects.
- Track and report on common user needs, informing system design priorities and institutional planning.
- Support project-based initiatives, including data migrations, systems upgrades, asset ingest pipelines, and major metadata audits.
- Foster cross-departmental collaboration by ensuring content and workflows in both systems align with institutional needs.
Qualifications & Skills
- Degree in Library/Information Science, Museum Studies, or related field; or equivalent work experience.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with collections management, digital asset management, or similar information systems.
- Demonstrated experience providing technical / user support and developing clear documentation or training.
- Familiarity with metadata standards (e.g. Dublin Core, VRA Core, CDWA, IPTC) and best practices for digital collections.
- Strong organizational skills with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate technical concepts into accessible guidance for a broad range of users.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
- Comfort managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines.
- Experience with Qi, NetX, or other collection information/DAMS tools.
- Knowledge of SQL desired.
- Background in data migration, metadata cleanup, or large-scale collections projects.
- Familiarity with museum practices and cross-departmental workflows.
$35.16 - $42.20 an hour
$35.16/hour (starting); $42.20/hour (position)
This is a union position subject to the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Job posting open date: 9/17/25
All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.
We encourage both internal and external candidates to apply within the initial open posting period as the application close date may or may not be extended beyond that initial period. Applications will not be accepted after a posting has been closed.
Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street.
Benefits: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Pet Insurance, Life and AD&D Coverage, Disability Insurance, Mental Health and Wellness Benefits, Discount Programs, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, SFMOMA Membership, and more
At SFMOMA, we do not believe that any applicant can, or should, meet every qualification listed in a job posting. We are committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and professional paths who are inspired to join a mission-driven, community-oriented organization grounded in inclusivity, passion, bravery, and empathy.
If this describes you, we encourage you to apply.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal of state law.
You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.
You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at talent@sfmoma.org.
