Job title: Archivist

Salary: SO2 £37,280 - £39,152

Hours: 37 hours

Contract: Fixed Term until 31 May 2027

Location: Leeds Discovery Centre and Henry Moore Institute

As the Archivist you’ll thrive on being responsible for the development, care, access to and interpretation of all archives held by Leeds Museums and Galleries, including the archive of sculptors’ papers at Henry Moore Institute.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As the Archivist for Leeds Museums and Galleries, you will bring to the role:

Experience of working with an archive collection, preferably within a museum, gallery or heritage organisation
Knowledge of internationally recognised standards and guidelines relating to archives and museums
A clear understanding of audience access and inclusion issues.
Experience of successfully managing projects on time and within budget, including ability to manage a number of projects simultaneously.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and develop excellent working relationships, including with partner organisations.
An interest in Leeds Museums and Galleries, and in particular sculpture

About the role

The Archivist is responsible for the development, care, access to and interpretation of all archives held by Leeds Museums and Galleries, including the archive of sculptors’ papers at Henry Moore Institute.
The Archivist will work closely with colleagues across Leeds Museums and Galleries (LMG) and the Henry Moore Institute (HMI) to consider how the archive of sculptors’ papers may be best utilised and accessed. This may be future exhibitions, learning or display proposals which support the best possible presentation of the archive and the access needs of audiences while ensuring the care of the archive.
The role is integral to both the Collections & Programmes team within Leeds Museums & Galleries and colleagues at the Henry Moore Institute. Working collaboratively with colleagues across Leeds Museums and Galleries, Leeds City Council, external partners and communities to maximise the impact of our programmes and the experiences of our audiences is an important aspect of the role.

Leeds Museums and Galleries is one of the largest local authority-run museum service in the country and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidancefor further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Sarah Murray, Registrar and Collections Manager – sarah.murray@leeds.gov.uk

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.   

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.  

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job description

Job purpose

To be responsible for the development, care, access to and interpretation of all archives held by Leeds Museums and Galleries, including the archive of sculptors’ papers.

To develop exhibitions, events and engagement initiatives in order to appeal to all sections of the community and visitors to the city.

To provide archival advice to the Service and partners, especially the Henry Moore Institute, with whom Leeds Museums and Galleries has a longstanding and significant partnership, as required.

Responsibilities

To be responsible for the care, maintenance and preservation of the archive of sculptors’ papers both on display and in storage.
Work closely with colleagues across Leeds Museums and Galleries (LMG) and the Henry Moore Institute (HMI) to consider how the archive of sculptors’ papers may be best utilised and accessed. This may be future exhibitions, learning or display proposals which support the best possible presentation of the archive and the access needs of audiences while ensuring the care of the archive.
To be responsible for the development of institutional archives relating to LMG in line with the Collections Development policy.
Work with colleagues and undertake research, fieldwork and visits relevant to the archive collections and their documentation, development and interpretation.
To liaise with other collections both locally and further afield holding related material and to cultivate appropriate relations with collectors.
To be responsible for the care, maintenance and preservation of the archive both in storage and on display in accordance with LMG procedures and national best practice.
Work with the Registrar and Collections Manager to adhere to all agreed Collections Management standards and procedures.
To catalogue the archive on the collections management database and in paper records.
Respond to public, professional and academic enquiries and facilitate access to stored archive collections and records.
Provide advice on acquisitions, loans and disposals in accordance with the Collections Development policy, prepare related funding applications and maintain and develop all necessary collection records both electronic and manual. Courier collection loans where necessary.
Participate in setting up of exhibitions and displays including the hanging and placing of objects working with technicians, conservators and other colleagues as required.
Work across LMG identifying and contributing to innovative collections-based projects.
Research and write accessible texts for exhibitions, online platforms, marketing and other publications as appropriate.
Promote the positive image of the Service at all times. Work with colleagues to advocate the value of the archive to key stakeholders, opinion formers, visitors and the people of Leeds through lectures, community work, tours, displays, publications, loans and online as appropriate.
To maintain and develop partnerships with a wide range of institutions and organisations to further the Service’s objectives, especially the Henry Moore Institute.
Collaborate with colleagues in the other museum and archive services and participate in appropriate professional networks for self-development and to represent the Service.
Participate in and where appropriate, lead, training for colleagues and volunteers.
Work with the Commercial Team to maximise the commercial and merchandising opportunities offered by the archive collections.
To be aware of and adhere to Leeds City Council Health and Safety Policy, being responsible for your own health and safety whilst at work and that of your colleagues and our visitors. Achieve recognised Health & Safety qualification specific to job need. Carry out risk assessments and implement safe systems of work as required.
To promote and apply consistently the principles of Leeds City Council Equal Opportunities Policies both with colleagues and members of the public to ensure fair and equal access to services and opportunities.
To undertake any other duties as commensurate with the grade.

Essential Requirements: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
Ability to prioritise and manage own workload to meet agreed targets and deadlines
Ability to develop excellent working relationships with colleagues, partner organisations and other Leeds City Council departments
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Ability to manage, motivate and develop teams and individuals, maintaining effective working relationships
Ability to monitor and control resources
Ability to communicate with a wide range of people individually and in groups at all appropriate levels
Ability to use database applications for collections management

Knowledge/Qualifications

Educated to degree level, professional vocational qualification within a relevant subject or equivalent experience.
Hold a recognised professional postgraduate qualification in archives and records management or equivalent experience.
A clear understanding of physical and intellectual access issues.
Knowledge of a range of ICT applications including Microsoft Office and collections management databases.
Knowledge of internationally recognised standards and guidelines relating to archives and museums.
Knowledge of Collections Management issues.
Awareness of the Museums Association Code of Ethics.
Knowledge of the requirements of the Heath & Safety and Equalities legislation.
An appreciation of potential of digital technologies in developing access to museum collections.

Experience

Experience of working in a museum, gallery or heritage organisation.
Experience of working with an archive collection.
Experience of research methods and techniques.
Experience of all aspects of collections management.
Experience of delivering to national standards for museums and archives.
Experience of developing and maintaining successful partnerships with a range of cultural and community organisations.
Experience of preparing and presenting reports, proposals and funding applications.
Experience of managing resources.
Experience in managing and developing staff and volunteers including training.
Experience of maintaining direct contact with users through day-to-day involvement with service delivery and promotion.
Demonstrate an interest in the work of Leeds Museums and Galleries.

Essential Behavioural and Other Characteristics

Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety policies.
Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality and diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol, and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.