On-Call Senior Image Researcher

SUMMARYThe 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 FUNCTIONSImage Sourcing and CurationConduct extensive photo and video research to support projects, some with an emphasis on international and cross-cultural storytellingLead 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 archivesOrganize and oversee custom and on-location shoots remotely, as neededResearch cultural contexts to ensure accurate, ethical, and respectful use of imageryCollaborate with internal teams and external clients to ensure imagery reflects local norms, values, and aestheticsMaintain awareness of global representation trends and visual language standards, and advise project teams, as neededContributor Outreach and PartnershipsEstablish and nurture relationships with photographers, videographers, artists, and image banks across different regions, including international as neededCoordinate with photographers and videographers to request image submissions or commission new work when appropriateManage contributor onboarding and data tracking in line with organizational protocols and standardsContracting and LicensingServe as the primary decision-maker for negotiating licensing fees and agreements with photographers, videographers, agencies, and image providersReview and manage contracts to ensure compliance with usage rights, licensing terms, and budget parametersMaintain clear documentation of usage rights and ensure proper crediting, and provide updates to project teams on licensing considerations as neededProject & Workflow ManagementCreate and maintain organized databases of image sources, contracts, and rights management informationSet, track and manage multiple deadlines across concurrent projectsCollaborate with project directors, project leads, creative and legal teams to ensure timely and accurate image deliveryManage and forecast the image acquisition budget and ensure all imagery needs are met within project budget guidancePerform additional duties as assigned MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelors degree in photography, visual arts, journalism, media, or related field; or equivalent experienceFive years of professional experience in curation, photo sourcing, and image researchAdvanced experience in image research, editorial photography, photo editing, or related fieldExperience working with global image libraries, stock platforms, and artist networksDemonstrates talent in visual storytelling, cultural representation, and inclusive media practicesProven ability to successfully manage custom photo shoots remotelyAdvanced negotiation and communication skills, particularly with creative contributors and agenciesStrong understanding of image licensing, copyright, and intellectual propertyHigh attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to coordinate multiple deadlines simultaneously with minimal supervisionAbility to collaborate effectively with internal creative teams, project teams, leadership, external clients, and other stakeholdersProficiency in digital asset management systems and research toolsProficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, especially Bridge, Photoshop, and Lightroom PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience working in nonprofit, education, media, or cultural sectorsExperience working on international or cross-cultural projects and specifically sourcing imagery from international photographers, videographers, artists, and culturally-specific image banksExperience working with Google suite, Basecamp, Smartsheet, Jira, Slack, and InDesign PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTThe 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 requirementsAbility to work at a computer for extended periods of time, utilize general office equipmentFlexibility to accommodate client and team meetings as needed APPLICATION DEADLINEThis position is open until filled HOW TO APPLYThis 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.ExploratoriumnnPiers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111nnWebsite:

Created: 2026-02-12