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Photo Archivist Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Boston Globe Media

Director of Photography

Boston, MA · On-site

You'll lead a team that includes a deputy director of photography, picture editors, a photo desk running day and night shifts, a roster of staff photographers, an archivist, and rotating interns and ...

52Launch

Content Creator

Framingham, MA · On-site

$137K/yr

Plan, shoot, and edit high-quality photo and video content for social media, website, email, and ... Maintain and organize a content library/asset archive * Stay current on content trends, platform ...

52Launch

Content Creator

Framingham, MA

$137K/yr

Plan, shoot, and edit high-quality photo and video content for social media, website, email, and ... Maintain and organize a content library/asset archive * Stay current on content trends, platform ...

52Launch

Content Creator

Framingham, MA · On-site

$137K/yr

Plan, shoot, and edit high-quality photo and video content for social media, website, email, and ... Maintain and organize a content library/asset archive * Stay current on content trends, platform ...

Hearst

WCVB Media Mentors Fellowship

Needham, MA · On-site

$20/hr

... with photo and video production. CityLine "CityLine" is Channel 5's award-winning urban news and ... Archive nightly shows. * Assist producers with logging video footage from shoots * Fellows may have ...

Tripadvisor

Social Video Creative & Editor

Needham, MA · On-site +1

Find creative ways to adapt relevant archival Tripadvisor Group footage to support the social media ... video and photo production tasks as needed. You Have * 4+ years video editing experience ...

All JobsPhoto Archivist JobsPhoto Archivist Jobs in Boston, MA

Photo Archivist information

See Boston, MA salary details

$31K

$79.1K

$129.3K

How much do photo archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for photo archivist in Boston, MA is $79,065.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $90,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a photo archivist?

A Photo Archivist is responsible for organizing, preserving, and managing photographic collections in digital and physical formats. They catalog images, ensure their proper storage, and may restore or digitize old photographs for long-term preservation. Photo Archivists often work in museums, libraries, historical societies, or media organizations. Their role also includes maintaining metadata, researching historical context, and assisting with public or internal access to the collection.

What are some common challenges faced by photo archivists, and how are they addressed on the job?

Photo Archivists often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of diverse image formats, digitizing fragile materials, and ensuring accurate metadata for easy retrieval. Addressing these issues typically involves staying up to date with best practices in digital preservation, actively collaborating with IT teams, and maintaining meticulous documentation. Many organizations provide ongoing training and encourage teamwork to resolve technical hurdles or workflow bottlenecks. As a Photo Archivist, you’ll regularly communicate with curators or researchers to prioritize tasks and ensure archival standards are met, making adaptability and proactive problem-solving valuable assets in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the photo archivist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Photo Archivist, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of archival principles, typically supported by a degree in library science, archival studies, or a related field. Familiarity with digital asset management systems (DAMS), image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, and cataloging standards like Dublin Core is often required. Superior communication, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for preserving visual history are key soft skills that distinguish top performers. These competencies are essential for maintaining accurate, accessible photo archives and ensuring the long-term preservation of valuable photographic collections.

How do you become a photo archivist?

To become a photo archivist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in fields such as history, library science, or archival studies. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing skills in cataloging, preservation, and using archival management software, and obtaining professional certifications can enhance job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Photo Archivist jobs in Boston, MA?

For Photo Archivist jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Photo Archivist jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Photo Archivist jobs in Boston, MA are:

Photo Archivist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photo Archivist job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 76% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $79,065 per year, or $38 per hour.

Director of Photography

Boston Globe Media

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description


The Boston Globe is looking for a director of photography to run one of the most respected photo departments in journalism. This is a big job: the images we run shape how readers understand the news, and the person in this seat is responsible for getting that right, every day, on deadline.
This is the top editorial leadership role for photography at the paper. The director of photography is responsible for the department's vision, its people, and its output across print and digital. You'll lead a team that includes a deputy director of photography, picture editors, a photo desk running day and night shifts, a roster of staff photographers, an archivist, and rotating interns and co-ops, some of whom are represented by a collective bargaining agreement and some of whom are not. Your job is to lead all of them as one team: set clear standards, coach people toward their best work, make the hard calls on tough days, and build a department people want to stay and grow in.
You'll work closely with editors across the newsroom, from breaking news to investigations to features, making sure visual storytelling is part of coverage planning from the start, not an afterthought.
The right candidate has run a newsroom photo operation before. They lead with clarity and calm under pressure, give feedback that helps people improve, and know how to build consistency across a team that includes both union and non-union staff. They're comfortable being the person who makes the final call, and equally comfortable being challenged on it.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead and develop the photo department's staff, including the deputy director of photography, picture editors, staff photographers, and the archivist, setting clear expectations and creating real paths for growth across both union and non-union roles
  • Set the department's editorial vision and news judgment standards, and hold the team accountable to them across print and digital
  • Make final editorial decisions on high-stakes or sensitive imagery, including content that could be considered graphic, offensive, or inappropriate for publication
  • Build a department culture where photographers and editors can do direct, honest work: give regular feedback, coach through mistakes, and recognize strong work
  • Manage the department consistently and fairly across represented and non-represented staff, understanding where collective bargaining obligations apply and partnering with HR and labor relations as needed
  • Oversee staffing and scheduling for a 24/7 news operation, balancing coverage needs with sustainable workloads
  • Partner with newsroom leadership across desks (politics, business, sports, entertainment, international) to build visual storytelling into coverage planning from the start, not after the fact
  • Manage the department's budget, equipment, and administrative operations, including licensing and vetting of third-party imagery
  • Represent the photo department in newsroom-wide leadership conversations, advocating for visual journalism's role in the paper's coverage
  • Handle personnel matters directly, including hiring, performance management, and difficult conversations, with fairness and consistency
  • Respond to breaking news situations, providing hands-on guidance and picture-editing decisions when the moment demands it

Qualifications:
  • Significant experience managing a team in a newsroom or comparable fast-paced editorial environment, including direct people management (hiring, coaching, performance conversations)
  • Experience managing in an environment with a mix of union and non-union staff, or a demonstrated ability to learn and apply collective bargaining obligations quickly
  • A track record of strong news judgment, developed through real editorial decision-making under deadline pressure
  • Experience building or strengthening a team culture: setting standards, giving feedback that lands, and getting the best out of people with different strengths
  • Comfort making final calls on difficult content decisions and standing behind them
  • Familiarity with content management systems and standard photo editing and workflow tools (such as Adobe Photoshop and Photo Mechanic)
  • Strong relationship-building skills across departments, with the ability to collaborate and problem-solve with editors, reporters, and other leaders
  • Schedule flexibility to support a 24/7 news operation, including availability during breaking news
  • A willingness to adapt and be audience-focused, with a curious mindset and a commitment to creating an inclusive work environment

Bonus Points if You...
  • Bring experience mentoring photographers early in their careers into stronger visual storytellers
  • Have led a mixed union/non-union team through a significant organizational change (restructuring, new tools, new coverage models)

The BGMP office is located in downtown Boston, near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, and is easily accessible by MBTA and commuter rail lines. This position is based in Boston, and candidates should be based in the area or willing to move.
The annual base salary range for this role is $139,000 - $165,000
This range reflects the band for this role. We are committed to fair and market-informed compensation. It is anticipated that most qualified candidates could be hired within the midpoint of the range. Compensation for the successful candidate will be informed by their particular combination of skills, experience, and qualifications
This is a non-union management position. It oversees staff who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Boston Newspaper Guild, as well as staff who are not.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
EEO Statement: At Boston Globe Media, our mission is to empower, connect, and convene our communities with independent, trusted journalism and storytelling. We know a critical part of achieving this is by having a workforce that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive - like the communities we serve. Boston Globe Media is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes candidates and colleagues of all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and skills.
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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