Archivist

Archivist

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Closing date: Sun, 29 Nov 2026

Artform: Museums
Role: Curation
Contract: Permanent
West Midlands

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

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.

Job Description

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.

Job Requirements

Degree level education
Postgraduate qualification in Archives and Records Management or equivalent experience in a heritage environment or Record's Office
Experience in and understanding of the requirements of archival practice, including cataloguing, accessioning, appraisal, preservation management, conservation and handling of archival materials, and legislative compliance
Familiarity with UK and International record-keeping legislation and archive standards (copyright, data protection, intellectual property, freedom of information, ISAD(G), ISAAR(CPF) v.2, BS5454)
Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications and archive cataloguing software or collections management systems, preferably Qi.
Ability to communicate effectively with external stakeholders and colleagues across all levels of the organisation
Accuracy and attention to detail
Strong time management skills, with the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines
Ability to assimilate new information an

Job Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with the Cataloguing Archivist in the development, processing and cataloguing of the archive collections. Accession, sort, arrange and catalogue archive collections, including local collections, deposited records and performance histories, in line with agreed priorities and national and international archive standards.
Create clear catalogue records and finding aids to make collections accessible to the widest possible audience.
Liaise with collection depositors and external stakeholders.
Recommend acquisitions and support collections development, applying archival theory and selection criteria in line with the SBT's Collections Management Policy.
Ensure high-quality care of archive collections.
Work with the Collections Manager, Curatorial team and Digitisation Officer to identify and prioritise materials for digitisation initiatives and conservation treatment.
Support compliance with data protection requirements (including GDPR), copyright and othe

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Archivist
  • Salary: £30k-£40k
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Museums
  • Role: Curation
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Sun, 29 Nov 2026
  • Location:
    West Midlands
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Archivist

Job: Archivist

Organisation: Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Postcode: CV37 6QW

How to Apply

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

If you would like to know more and to apply please go to our jobs website: https://shakespearebtrust.jobs.people-first.com/jobs/search

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