Careers

Work at First Person Arts

First Person Arts is a community. Our teams of staff and contractors represent a broad range of individuals whose talents and dedication make our work possible.


First Person Arts is a Philadelphia nonprofit organization that unleashes the power of voice by developing true personal stories from artists and everyday people for the page, stage, on-air and online. Our StorySlams, Applied Storytelling, and First Person Arts Festival programs reinforce our mission to “transform the drama of real life into memoir and documentary art to foster an appreciation for our unique and shared experiences.” By sharing these stories we connect with each other and the world.

First Person Arts does not discriminate in its hiring practices on the basis of race, age, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, or different ability.

If you don’t see any positions open below which match your skills, check out opportunities to volunteer or intern with us as well!

Two-Year Lead Archivist

First Person Arts has been recording stories collected during public programs and other activities since 2007. Our archive is composed of 9,734 stories. We may collect up to 500 stories per year. Archived materials presently exist in numerous locations including: internal audio files, hard paper copies, online video and digital files. We recognize that it is vital to preserve this material professionally in a centralized location for future generations. It gives Philly a voice for itself and the world.

The Lead Archivist will develop our archive into a quickly and easily accessible database of stories organized thematically. Our intention is to make the archive available to users outside the organization (i.e., researchers, publishers, news organizations, media outlets, producers, librarians and others) interested in compelling personal narratives. The archive is also foundational for our development of new work. This full-time, salaried, 2-year contract position is located in Philadelphia, PA. Benefits are included.

Over the two-year period, the Lead Archivist will achieve four key goals:

  • Fully digitize, centralize and catalog the First Person Arts Archive in time for our 20th anniversary (September 2021) which includes over 10,000+ stories
  • Create a standard operating procedure to share archived materials with interested parties, including but not limited to: publishers, news outlets, researchers, producers, etc.
  • Work with team to officially launch the archive with programming that will demonstrate potential uses of, and expand the size of the First Person Arts archive.
  • Work with staff, board, interns and volunteers to develop and market the archive to potential users.

Duties

  • Create a dedicated, reliable archive and backup process to ensure the safety and security of archived materials.
  • Create a plan for sharing archived materials with users wishing to document our social and cultural history using FPA’s true personal stories around the pressing issues of our time.
  • Recommend and assist in the procurement of archive hardware and software.
  • Develop industry-standard licensing policies, procedures and agreements for proper handling of archived materials.
  • Update archive with new entries per established guidelines.
  • Initiate, strategize and complete media conversion/preservation projects.
  • Create and implement backup protocols for data security.
  • Track metrics of archive growth and needs.
  • Work with FPA staff to professionalize sound recording and record new live events for the archive and work with our marketing team to develop a plan for promoting the archive to potential users.
  • Engage and manage a small group of interns.
  • Digitize and catalog at least 1,200 new stories to test our new archival practice
  • Work with a team to conduct two intimate pilot programs using stories pulled from the new archive to explore pressing local issues.
  • Officially launch the new FPA Archive to the public November 2021 during the 20th Anniversary First Person Arts Festival.

Requirements

  • MLIS or equivalent, with formal training in archival theory and practice.
  • Prior experience with audio/visual and data migration preferred.
  • Prior experience with FileMaker Pro highly preferred.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems.
  • Demonstrated job or school experience with basic preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections.
  • Demonstrated excellent oral, written and interpersonal communications and analytical ability.
  • Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups including board of directors, staff, contractors, interns and volunteers.
  • Professional level archive work and 3+ years of supervisory experience
  • Experience with digital and manuscripts materials.

If you meet the qualifications and this position interests you, then please email us to receive and complete our official application. Thank you for your interest!

Additional Salary Information: This is a grant-funded position ending August 31, 2021.

  • Education | Masters Preferred
  • Work Authorization | Philadelphia, United States (Required)

First Person Arts’ policy is to fully and effectively maintain a program of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination for all employees, to employ affirmative action for all protected classes, and to recruit and develop the best qualified persons available regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law.

Marketing Communications Intern

Marketing Communications, at First Person Arts, is responsible for all marketing activities related to external communications including performances, advertising, creative design, audience engagement via our emailing campaigns and social media activities, literature and sales aids, photography and video, brand identity, and analysis of effectiveness of marketing activities for all front-facing activities by First Person Arts.

This internship will provide the opportunity to participate in all facets of marketing for an intimate nonprofit arts organization and develop essential skills for a career in marketing or communications.

For more information about deadlines and timelines, please go here.

PRIMARY DUTIES

You will report to the Director of Marketing & Communications. Interns will assist the department in support of specific projects. You will work with personnel to participate in planning, coordinating, executing and analyzing communications activities. In addition to assisting with ongoing projects, at least one primary project will be identified for which the intern will be responsible for full completion, from start to finish, during the term of the Internship. Your duties will include but not limited to:

Over the two-year period, the Lead Archivist will achieve four key goals:

  • Website maintenance
  • Build Constant Contact emails for review by the Director of Marketing & Communications.
  • Catalog and digitally archive marketing communications assets such as images, documents, datasheets, and displays.
  • Learn how to analyze digital marketing including email, social media, web ads, and web analytics and report out.

REQUIREMENTS

  • The intern should have completed a minimum of 2 years of college and must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program studying in the fields of Marketing, Communications or Arts Administration.
  • Qualified students should have a minimum 2.75-grade point average to be considered for any position.
  • Intermediate computer skills - proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and familiarity with graphics programs (Photoshop, InDesign, Adobe, etc.) and HTML. Strong Experience with Google G Suite.
  • All positions require self-starters who are highly motivated and who have excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and passion for the arts. Candidate must demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage several projects at once. Oh...and an awesome sense of humor!

First Person Arts' policy is to fully and effectively maintain a program of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination for all employees, to employ affirmative action for all protected classes, and to recruit and develop the best-qualified persons available regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law.

How to Apply

Please submit CV and cover letter with answers the following questions:

  • I am interested in First Person Arts because…
  • I hope to develop the following skills in this internship…
  • My ideal internship or job looks like…
  • Submit your application for:

 

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