ARCHIVE MANAGER

A great opportunity for someone who is passionate about the archive world and photography and who is looking for an exciting career move. 

Located in London, RANKIN work with world-class and emerging talent across film, photography and publishing. 

Part of the Books, Exhibitions and Archive department the purpose of the role is to lead and nurture the Rankin Archive and to manage, preserve, ensure access to and promote the extensive use of image assets and documents from across The RANKIN Group. Building strong departmental and external relationships with a focus on legacy building and supporting the high-end promotion of photographic and film work.

At RANKIN you will be able to be part of a fun and friendly work environment and you will benefit from some of the best career prospects in the industry.

Come and join this unique organisation and its bunch of talented people who thrive in delivering spectacular work time and time again. 

At RANKIN we want to change the world, would you like to join us?

About us

The RANKIN Group is Rankin’s new hybrid cultural company encompassing creative services, contract publishing, production, editorial verticals/platforms, and talent representation. 

We are a fast growing, thriving cultural community creating great short and long form content on an hourly basis. 

We are a team of creatives, directors, photographers, researchers, strategists, producers and editors who collaborate with brands ranging from luxury to FMCG, charities, editorial platforms, beauty, fashion & automotive.

We help brands be culturally relevant through creative communication, campaigns, brand building & content creation.

We create work that is bold, brave & beautiful. 

Your key accountabilities at RANKIN

Digital Archive

• Managing the receipt and upload of all imagery and data on shoots into our digital archive system. 
• Building and maintaining newfiling structures for all assests as The RANKIN Group expands. 
• Maintaining and updating databases and digital archives for The RANKIN Group. 
• Leading transition of information from current archiving system to new filing and databases. 
• Liaising with clients to receive accurate information and design files for archiving. 
• Responsible for the creation and oversight of relevant captions and keywords across the archive in line with professional standards. 
• Liaising with the Production Department regarding release dates, model releases, contracts and usage agreements. Updating usage information on digital archive accordingly. Suppling such information on request regarding copyright, thrid party rights, usage and approvals. 
• Coordinating with the Picture Desk Coordinator in regards to image syndication and project promotion through social media, PR and online. 
• Organising press clipping and building a Press and Social Media Mentions archive. 

Physical Archive

• Maintaining and proactively expanding Rankin’s reference library and tearsheets logs. 
• Leading research projects to expand data held within digital databases via Rankin’s Physical Archive. 
• Preserve, review, analyse and organise the archive of physical assets (including negatives, transparencies, contact sheets and vintage magazines) through digitization adhering to professional archiving standards. 
• Oversee warehousing of assets, organising boxing, scanning and build accurate archive of pieces held off site. 

Administration

• Maintaining and creating logs and databases to professional filing standards. 
• Providing administrative support for book and exhibition projects. 
• Coordinating image releases and usage dates calendar. 
• Gaining picture usage approvals from third parties when required. 
• Support of Picture Desk Coordinator with external and internal image requests and supplying appropriate files whilst outlining allowed usage, when required. 

Team Leadership

• Lead and nurture the Photo Archive team through team meetings and one-on-one personal development. 
• Line Manager for Picture Desk Coordinator and Archive Assistant. 
• Regular reporting to Line Manager and Rankin. 
• Organising workflows and project deadlines in a fast paced creative office. 
• Other duties as required. 

Essential skills, experience and personal attributes

• Experience working with a digital archive and databases. 
• Knowledge of correct handling proccedures for physical assets (negatives, etc.) 
• Proficiency with full Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Excel. 
• Efficient with the ability to plan ahead and work to tight deadlines and schedules.
• Strong communication skills and keen attention to detail.
• Understanding of artistic practices and commitments of a creative environment. 
• Qualification in archive management and understanding of image usage rights, copyright and licensing agreements would be ideal.
• A proven interest in Rankin’s work and an interest in photography & photographic mediums. 
• Experience leading a team and managing other’s time and workflows would be a plus.