Project Archivist – Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Aim Museums; Stratford-upon-Avon; Remote; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Project Archivist to join our Collections team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. You will lead the arrangement and cataloguing of the Abd’Elkader Farrah Design Archive, develop descriptive metadata, and support preservation and access for researchers, creatives and communities.

Reporting to the Collections Manager, you will work with colleagues, researchers, volunteers and partners to promote public access and

Qualifications

• Qualified archivist with professional experience in heritage/archive environments.
• Proven track record in cataloguing and managing archive collections.
• Experience developing descriptive metadata and access frameworks.
• Experience in public engagement, exhibitions or community projects is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead arrangement and cataloguing of the Farrah Design Archive.
• Develop descriptive metadata and preservation workflows.
• Support access and engage researchers, practitioners and communities.

Skills

Archivist experience

Cataloguing

Metadata frameworks

Public engagement

Collaboration

Education

Qualified archivist

Tools

Digital preservation workflows

Job description

Project Archivist – Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Job Title: Project Archivist

Salary: £30,000 ~ £34,717 annually

Terms: 12 month fixed term contract

Location: The Shakespeare Centre, Henley Street Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 6QW

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Project Archivist to join our Collections team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

The Archives Revealed programme is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust, the Wolfson Foundation and The National Archives.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with the Abd’Elkader Farrah Design Archive, a rare and internationally significant collection documenting the work of one of the twentieth century’s most innovative scenographers. The successful candidate will lead a major cataloguing and access programme, helping to make this important archive more discoverable, accessible and meaningful for researchers, creative practitioners and communities.

Reporting to the Collections Manager, you will play a central role in the management, preservation and interpretation of the Farrah Design Archive. You will lead the arrangement and cataloguing of the collection, develop descriptive frameworks and metadata, support preservation activity, and contribute to a future public display of selected material. You will also work closely with colleagues, researchers, volunteers, academics and community partners, building productive relationships and ensuring stakeholders remain informed and engaged throughout the project.

As part of the Trust’s interdisciplinary collections team, you will contribute to the ongoing development of archival practice, helping to deliver sustainable, inclusive and user-focused approaches to collections management, access and engagement. You will be a qualified archivist, or possess equivalent professional experience, with a proven track record of cataloguing and managing archive collections in a heritage, cultural, academic or similar environment. Experience with theatre, performance or design archives, digital preservation workflows, public engagement, exhibitions, and innovative technologies within archive settings would be advantageous.

You will be a key part of our interdisciplinary team of museum, library and archive expertise. You work closely with museum, library and archive colleagues, providing expertise on shared projects, service delivery and development. You will be committed to working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to increase public access to, and engagement with, our collections.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and building a diverse and representative workforce.