Vacancy for Deputy Head of Archives and Libraries at Historic Environment Scotland

Digital Preservation Coalition; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading heritage organization based in Edinburgh is seeking a Deputy Head of Archives and Libraries to manage a dedicated team responsible for the National Collections of Scotland. This role involves strategic leadership, project management, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards. Ideal candidates will have experience in archives management and a strong commitment to access and preservation.

Qualifications

• Experience in leadership and management of archives and library services.
• Knowledge of archival best practices and standards.
• Strong project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team overseeing archives, digital repository, and library resources.
• Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans.
• Ensure compliance with professional standards and accreditation requirements.

Job description

Vacancy for Deputy Head of Archives and Libraries at Historic Environment Scotland

29 October 2025

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Full-Time

This is an exciting opportunity to manage a team of dedicated professionals who manage, care for and provide access to one of Scotland’s National Collections. With physical archives dating from the 17 th century through to the most recent digital archives, and extensive library collections, it is a remarkable collection focussed on the entirety of the historic environment.

Key Responsibilities of this role

Leadership and management of the Archives, Digital Repository, Conservation, Acquisitions and Loans teams, and resources.

As part of the Archives Department management team, contribute to the development and implementation of a strategic plan. Lead on the delivery of acquisitions, archives development, cataloguing, digital repository and conservation.

Maintenance and development of a quality archive catalogue and archive management information (acquisitions, disposals, movement and location control data etc.) which meets our professional needs and audience requirements.

Managing and monitoring projects, including developing the collection through acquisitions; increasing public access through digitisation, cataloguing and content enhancement projects; and caring for the archives through preservation activities, incident preparedness and accommodation development.

Maintenance and development of professional standards required for Archives Accreditation Service and Core Trust Seal certification.

Contribute to the development of research, exhibition, promotional articles and publications.

External liaison and partnership development.

Liaison with other Team Leaders within the Directorate and contribution to delivery of the Directorate business plan in support of the organisation’s strategic business objectives.

Other duties as delegated by the Head of Archives and Libraries including deputising when required.