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Archive Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

This position reports to the AbbVie Archive Senior Manager/Manager. Key Responsibilities: * Assumes a leadership role in driving records management enterprise governance. * Contributes to program ...

This position reports to the AbbVie Archive Senior Manager/Manager. Responsibilities * Assumes a leadership role in driving records management enterprise governance * Contributes to program ...

This position reports to the AbbVie Archive Senior Manager/Manager. Responsibilities * Assumes a leadership role in driving records management enterprise governance * Contributes to program ...

This position reports to the AbbVie Archive Senior Manager/Manager. Responsibilities * Assumes a leadership role in driving records management enterprise governance * Contributes to program ...

In partnership with colleagues, the Processing Archivist will plan and manage large and small-scale processing projects, accession new materials, supervise student workers, coordinate with donors ...

In partnership with colleagues, the Processing Archivist will plan and manage large and small-scale processing projects, accession new materials, supervise student workers, coordinate with donors ...

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Archive Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34.5K

$109.9K

$186.6K

How much do archive manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for archive manager in Chicago, IL is $109,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $136,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an archive manager?

Archive managers are professionals responsible for preserving, organizing, and maintaining collections of historical documents, records, and other valuable materials. They oversee the storage, cataloging, and retrieval of archived items, ensuring they are protected from deterioration and accessible to authorized individuals. Archive managers often work in libraries, museums, government agencies, or corporations, and may also assist researchers in locating specific information within collections. Their role is vital in safeguarding institutional memory and supporting research, legal, and administrative needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an archive manager?

To thrive as an Archive Manager, you need expertise in archival science, information management, and records preservation, often supported by a degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with digital archiving systems, cataloging software, and standards like ISAD(G) or DACS is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help manage collections and interact with stakeholders. These competencies ensure the proper preservation, accessibility, and integrity of valuable historical or business records.

What are some common challenges faced by archive managers, and how can they be addressed?

Archive Managers often face challenges such as organizing large volumes of materials, ensuring proper preservation of both physical and digital records, and implementing efficient retrieval systems. Balancing the need for accessibility with security and confidentiality can also be complex. Addressing these challenges typically involves adopting robust cataloging practices, staying updated on archival standards, and leveraging digital asset management tools to streamline processes and improve collaboration with researchers, historians, and other stakeholders.

What is the difference between Archive Manager vs Records Coordinator?

AspectArchive ManagerRecords Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in information management, library science, or related fieldOften requires similar education, with certifications in records management preferred
Work EnvironmentManages large-scale archives in organizations like museums, libraries, or corporationsHandles day-to-day records organization within offices or departments
Industry UsageCommon in museums, libraries, government agencies, and large corporationsUsed across various industries for maintaining and organizing records
Primary FocusPreserving and managing long-term archives and collectionsOrganizing, updating, and retrieving current records and documents

The main difference between an Archive Manager and a Records Coordinator lies in their scope and focus. Archive Managers oversee the preservation and management of extensive archives, often in specialized environments, while Records Coordinators focus on organizing and maintaining current records within organizations. Both roles require similar credentials but serve different functions in records management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Archive jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Archive jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Archive Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Archive Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Archive Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Archive Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Archive Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,940 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Archive + Collection Manager

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Art Institute Of Chicago rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 29 rated museums


Job description

About SAIC
For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world's most influential artists, designers and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program consistently ranking among the top four graduate fine arts programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, on-campus galleries and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC's undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world-as seen through notable alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia O'Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, and LeRoy Neiman.
About the Department
Founded at SAIC in 1976, Video Data Bank (VDB) is a nationally recognized leader in preserving, distributing, and studying contemporary video and media art. As one of the country's most significant collections of artist-produced video, VDB maintains over 6,000 titles by over 600 artists and supports access to groundbreaking works through education, research, preservation, and distribution.
Position Summary
Founded at SAIC in 1976, the Video Data Bank (VDB) is a leading resource in the United States for video by and about contemporary artists. As part of a collaborative and dynamic team at SAIC's Library + Special Collections, the Archive + Collection Manager of the Video Data Bank (VDB) administers the technical services required to support the curatorial, instructional, access, and distribution functions of VDB. Has oversight for the collection preservation, storage, and management of physical and digital collections, and contributes to collection development and processing. Manages digital assets, and maintains and organizes digital collections to ensure accessibility via the website and streaming platforms. This is an onsite role.
Responsibilities
  • Manages all aspects of collections management, access, and preservation.
  • Maintains intellectual control of the collection through databases and other collection management resources; ensures the storage and maintenance of all equipment and infrastructure related to collections and space storage needs--for both physical and digital collections.
  • Ensures preservation of the collection and migration from obsolete and degrading tape formats; and digitization of analog collections.
  • In coordination with the Distribution Manager works to ensure SAIC faculty and external client orders are fulfilled in a timely manner--this includes both physical and digital formats and processes.
  • Works with colleagues throughout the campus and the external art, library, and archival communities to develop, maintain, and promote our collections and programs, in furtherance of the School's goals and interests.
  • Collaborates with the VDB team and artists to acquire high-quality masters, and process files for distribution; manages the processing and intake of new work into the collection; works with artists to acquire better copies of old masters.
  • Processes digital files for distribution and archival purposes, ensure high-quality access to the VDB's collection.
  • Responsible for creating and providing still images for publication and promotional needs as part of the distribution program
  • Coordinates class visits as well as onsite screening room access for students, researchers, and general public.
  • Ensures information about collections, artists, and artworks are accurate and up-to-date on the VDB website. Creates website pages for artworks.
  • Manages and organizes storage for physical media, VDB promotional materials, equipment, and general office supplies.
  • Oversees facilities needs regarding the VDB office and storage spaces.
  • Oversight of the maintenance and repair schedule and the acquisition and installation of new equipment. Performs basic maintenance and repairs to equipment. Planning acquisition of new equipment.
  • Responsible for recruiting, training, scheduling, and supervision of student workers.
  • Manages paper archives related to the video art collection
  • Contributes to project planning and the development of policies and procedures for the VDB, as needed.
  • Works closely and independently with SAIC faculty and students to support their research and teaching needs.
  • Represents VDB in the external media arts and special collections communities, maintains strong working relationships with colleagues at other specialized resource centers within and outside of the School of Art Institute.
  • Other responsibilities, projects, and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications
  • ALA-accredited graduate degree in Library and/or Information Science or a related field with substantial relevant experience working with media archives
  • Four plus years experience with and knowledge of best practices and (technologies or systems) for digitization, preservation, and reformatting workflows related to media collections.
  • Commitment to the educational mission of the School and demonstrated knowledge of the principles of accessibility, diversity, and inclusion; the ability to work well with diverse populations; and demonstrated level of cultural competence
  • Deep and demonstrable knowledge of preservation theory and practices for all video formats
  • Knowledge of basic metadata and cataloging schema for moving image/video collections
  • Demonstrated knowledge in the identifying, handling, and inspecting video in all formats
  • Experience with digital video editing, file transcoding, and preparing video files for exhibition and screening environments.
  • Experience with maintaining and managing legacy equipment and related supplies.
  • Knowledge of contemporary art practices, especially time-based media work
  • Excellent organization, communication, and presentation skills
  • Proficiency in using standard office software, web services, and networked environments
  • Supervisory experience
  • Degree(s) and/or work experience in an art or design-related field
  • Familiarity with video tape restoration practices including cleaning and baking strategies
  • Experience with Filemaker Pro, Adobe Suite, and command line tools such as ffmpeg and mediainfo.
  • Experience with multiple types of digital storage including LTO (Linear Tape Open) and RAID storage.
  • Experience with editing Drupal websites

Compensation & Benefits
Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
  • Hiring Range: $53,000 - $63,000 annually

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.
  • Benefits
  • PTO Overview
  • Job Classification: Exempt
  • Employment Category: Full time Staff
  • Grade Level: 7

If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment for complete information
Application Instructions
Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
Union
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
Accessibility
If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:
Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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