On-Call Senior Image Researcher

SUMMARY

The Senior Image Researcher is responsible for sourcing, curating, and licensing compelling imagery. This position plays a critical role in ensuring our visual content is not only high-quality and on-brand, but also culturally representative, and appropriately licensed. The Senior Image Researcher is responsible for managing the image research with minimal supervision, and is accountable to the Media Studio leadership and project leadership with regards to the needs of projects. The Senior Image Researcher brings strong organizational skills and visual storytelling skills with the cultural fluency to collaborate with local photographers, videographers, artists, and image banks and stock footage libraries, including in international settings. The Senior Image Researcher works with project leadership and team members, photography, multimedia and archival team members, external clients, contractors, and advisors in support of project outcomes. This position reports to the Senior Administrative Director in the Integrated Media and Communication Division.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Image Sourcing and Curation

• Conduct extensive photo and video research to support projects, some with an emphasis on international and cross-cultural storytelling
• Lead the curation and sourcing of imagery that is visually impactful, culturally accurate, and aligned with project goals and audience
• Identify and recommend regional relevant artists, photographers, videographers, and image archives
• Organize and oversee custom and on-location shoots remotely, as needed
• Research cultural contexts to ensure accurate, ethical, and respectful use of imagery
• Collaborate with internal teams and external clients to ensure imagery reflects local norms, values, and aesthetics
• Maintain awareness of global representation trends and visual language standards, and advise project teams, as needed

Contributor Outreach and Partnerships

• Establish and nurture relationships with photographers, videographers, artists, and image banks across different regions, including international as needed
• Coordinate with photographers and videographers to request image submissions or commission new work when appropriate
• Manage contributor onboarding and data tracking in line with organizational protocols and standards

Contracting and Licensing

• Serve as the primary decision-maker for negotiating licensing fees and agreements with photographers, videographers, agencies, and image providers
• Review and manage contracts to ensure compliance with usage rights, licensing terms, and budget parameters
• Maintain clear documentation of usage rights and ensure proper crediting, and provide updates to project teams on licensing considerations as needed

Project & Workflow Management

• Create and maintain organized databases of image sources, contracts, and rights management information
• Set, track and manage multiple deadlines across concurrent projects
• Collaborate with project directors, project leads, creative and legal teams to ensure timely and accurate image delivery
• Manage and forecast the image acquisition budget and ensure all imagery needs are met within project budget guidance

Perform additional duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in photography, visual arts, journalism, media, or related field; or equivalent experience
• Five years of professional experience in curation, photo sourcing, and image research
• Advanced experience in image research, editorial photography, photo editing, or related field
• Experience working with global image libraries, stock platforms, and artist networks
• Demonstrates talent in visual storytelling, cultural representation, and inclusive media practices
• Proven ability to successfully manage custom photo shoots remotely
• Advanced negotiation and communication skills, particularly with creative contributors and agencies
• Strong understanding of image licensing, copyright, and intellectual property
• High attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to coordinate multiple deadlines simultaneously with minimal supervision
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal creative teams, project teams, leadership, external clients, and other stakeholders
• Proficiency in digital asset management systems and research tools
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, especially Bridge, Photoshop, and Lightroom

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in nonprofit, education, media, or cultural sectors
• Experience working on international or cross-cultural projects and specifically sourcing imagery from international photographers, videographers, artists, and culturally-specific image banks
• Experience working with Google suite, Basecamp, Smartsheet, Jira, Slack, and InDesign

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position is based in San Francisco, California with staff expected to work onsite a certain number of days per week based on department requirements
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time, utilize general office equipment
• Flexibility to accommodate client and team meetings as needed

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position is open until filled

HOW TO APPLY

This is an on-call non-exempt position that does not include benefits. On-call positions have varying schedules and are not guaranteed. The starting rate for this role is $41.94 per hour. This rate is step 1 of a 6 step Union pay scale.  Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.

The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect.  We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.