Archivist

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust; Stratford-upon-Avon; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Discounts

Free Parking

Health and Wellbeing Programme

Employee Assistance programme

Job summary

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is seeking a qualified Archivist to join the Collections department in Stratford-upon-Avon. The role covers preservation, cataloguing and development of the archive collections, creating finding aids and enabling access for researchers and the public.

You will report to the Collections Manager and work with the Cataloguing Archivist and Curatorial team, supporting digitisation initiatives and ensuring compliance with copyright and data protection regulations.

Qualifications

• Qualified Archivist with practical experience in cataloguing archive collections.
• Knowledge of archival descriptive standards.
• Computer literacy with archive management software and discovery tools.
• Strong research and analytical abilities with good written communication.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage complex workloads.

Responsibilities

• Help ensure archive collections are accessible, documented and preserved.
• Support preservation, cataloguing and development of the collections.
• Create high‑quality records and finding aids for researchers and readers.
• Enable on-site and remote access for researchers, visitors and online audiences.
• Collaborate with the Collections Manager, Cataloguing Archivist and Curatorial team on development and digitisation initiatives.

Skills

Archival theory

Archivist

Cataloguing

Collection management

Cataloguing projects

Written communication

Verbal communication

Job description

Celebrating Shakespeare is at the heart of everything we do.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) is looking for a full-time Archivist to join the Collections department. We will consider applications for employment on a part-time basis, despite the position being advertised as full-time.

SBT cares for over one million museum, library and archive items in Shakespeare's town of Stratford-upon-Avon. The collections encompassing archives, manuscripts, rare books, photographs, performance histories and documentary records that illuminate the life, works and enduring legacy of William Shakespeare, alongside the history of Stratford-upon-Avon and its global cultural influence.

In this role, you will help ensure these internationally important archive collections are accessible, documented and preserved for future generations. Working across a diverse range of material, you will support the preservation, cataloguing and development, creating high-quality records and finding aids that enable researchers, visitors and online audiences engage with our collections.

You will report to the Collections Manager and work closely with the Cataloguing Archivist and wider Curatorial team to contribute to collections development, digitisation initiatives, and ensure compliance with relevant legislation including copyright and data protection requirements. You will also play an important role in supporting reader and enquiry services and provide joined-up access to SBT's archive, library and museum collections both on site and remotely.

To be successful in this role you will be a qualified Archivist with practical experience of cataloguing archive collections. You will have a sound knowledge of archival descriptive standards and be highly computer literate, including experience of archive collections management software and digital discovery tools. You will possess strong research, analytical and written communication skills. You will demonstrate close attention to detail and be manage complex workloads while maintaining accurate documentation and achieving project deadlines.

You will become a key member of our interdisciplinary team comprising archive, library and museum professionals. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will contribute to collections research, exhibitions, learning activities, digital engagement and public programmes that bring the SBT's remarkable collections to life. Above all, you will share our commitment to increasing public access to, understanding of and engagement with SBT's collections, ensuring they continue to inspire audiences locally, nationally and internationally.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 29 November 2026, and interviews will take place on Tuesday 8 December 2026 in-person in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) in our recruitment practices and in the working practices of our staff and volunteers.

Please download to view supporting documents below.

GI - Archivist - FT, Perm - November 2026.pdf

JD - Archivist - November 2026.pdf

Skills for the job

• Archival theory
• Archivist
• Cataloguing
• Collection Management
• Managing cataloguing projects
• Written and verbal communication skills

Company Events

• Employee Discounts
• Free Parking
• Health and Wellbeing Programme
• Employee Assistance programme