Senior Archivist

About Cameron Mackintosh Ltd

Cameron Mackintosh Limited is a theatre production company that has been presenting shows in the UK since 1967 and worldwide since the 1980s. The Cameron Mackintosh Archive was established on an official basis in March 1995 with the primary remit of collating, cataloguing and making accessible material relating to all these shows. This material includes press cuttings, programmes, posters, promotional materials, photographs, recordings, scripts and scores, plans and designs, correspondence, business records and all associated ephemera.

About Delfont Mackintosh Theatres

Running in adjunct with this is the remit of collating data and materials about the architectural and production histories of the eight West End theatres owned by Delfont Mackintosh Theatres Limited, and answering enquiries about those theatres, which are the Prince Edward, Prince of Wales, Novello, Wyndham’s, Noël Coward, Sondheim, Gielgud and Victoria Palace.

Role description

We are seeking a senior archivist with a minimum of 10-years’ experience to oversee the management and preservation of the Cameron Mackintosh Archive comprising thousands of historical records, documents and artifacts related to Cameron Mackintosh theatrical productions, Delfont Mackintosh theatres and the wider business affairs of the company. In addition to the day‑to‑day safeguarding of an extensive physical and digital body of material, the senior archivist will be responsible for liaising with Marketing, Licensing, Production and Technical teams, and Cameron Mackintosh himself, to provide essential access to documents, data and audio‑visual content which serves a multiplicity of important functions across the organisation.

The capacity to multi‑task and respond effectively to requests at a fast pace is key, as is a willingness to embrace the frequent changes which come with working in theatre. The archive plays an active role in enabling the current and ongoing work of Cameron Mackintosh Ltd. and is also a live resource referenced by researchers, authors and the public on request. The senior archivist is responsible for maintaining the archive as a repository of knowledge, assembling tailored information in response to wide-ranging enquiries.

In addition to a pre-existing interest in musical theatre, the appointed archivist will need to build an in‑depth knowledge of the contents of the archive and the people and productions represented within it. Whilst this role requires exceptional diligence and attention to detail it is also a highly dynamic position, involving regular project work such as the sourcing of materials for publications, TV productions and exhibitions. A strong understanding and sensitivity to issues of IP and copyright in relation to photographs, artworks and audio‑visual material is required, as is previous experience of engaging with digitisation and conservation specialists, picture libraries and other similar repositories.

Given the breadth of material in the archive, experience of working in a curatorial capacity and of handling 2 and 3D artworks would be an additional benefit. As well as physical materials in the archive, there are recordings in analogue digital formats, and more recent born‑digital material produced by different departments for which archival policies will need to be implemented by the archivist. A strong knowledge of digital asset management and GDPR regulations is required, as is experience of using archival databases.

As we are keen to make the history of the company and its shows more accessible, the archivist may be required to co‑ordinate digitisation projects with external specialists. Such projects would build upon previous digitisation, which has included a significant portion of the Cameron Mackintosh video collection and original cast albums together with translations of show scripts and piano vocal scores.

This unique opportunity would suit a multi‑skilled individual with the capacity to work with initiative and independence at the heart of a busy and constantly moving organisation. The appointed individual will need to demonstrate both expertise in archival best practice and a desire to work with flexibility in a creative sphere.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the acquisition, cataloguing and preservation of archival materials
• Manage born‑digital files and implement archival policies and procedures to ensure the future safekeeping of recent records
• Manage physical archives across two key sites in London and Somerset ensuring their accessibility and security
• Manage analogue digital materials including an extensive photography archive, also involving the clearing of copyright for image use
• Conduct research and provide reference services to internal and external stakeholders
• Work cross‑departmentally and with external organisations and individuals to realise publications, TV productions, exhibitions and other major projects
• Develop and manage strategic projects including digitisation initiatives
• Train and supervise interns and other archivists
• Stay attuned to the latest in archival best practice, emerging technologies and the theatre industry nationally and internationally

Skills and Experiences

Essential

• 10+ years of archival experience in senior positions including management of junior archivists, interns and/or volunteers
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of archival best practice standards including ISAD(G)
• Discretion and sensitivity in the handling and sharing of archival materials, including examples of the practical application of GDPR regulations and the data protection act
• Demonstrable experience of managing a high volume of physical, analogue and born‑digital materials in professional settings
• Strong technical proficiency across a range of programmes, including Microsoft Office, Acrobat Adobe, SharePoint, archival database systems and digital storage solutions
• Strong knowledge of IP and copyright in relation to images and audio‑visual materials
• Clear and effective written and verbal communications skills when dealing with internal enquiries and external stakeholders, including public relations
• Experience of working with external partners and stakeholders towards the realisation of major projects i.e. publications, exhibitions, films or TV productions
• Capacity to work with independence, confidence and initiative in a fast‑paced, creative environment
• Meticulous attention to detail including the management of written, visual and numerical data
• Flexibility and commitment to the role, including occasional weekend days or evening work as required
• Physical capacity to manoeuvre archival materials and boxes including use of ladders
• An active interest in performance and musical theatre

Desirable

• Professional qualification in Archives and Records Management would be highly desirable, and equivalent experience is essential
• Experience of producing archival strategies and/or the implementation of archival policies
• Experience of working with theatre and performance archives, and a detailed knowledge of the industry
• Experience of managing digitisation projects with external suppliers
• Experience of delivering website projects with developers
• A strong network of external stakeholders including relationships with conservation, digitisation specialists and picture libraries
• Experience of working in curatorial contexts
• Driving license and car ownership would be highly advantageous

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and have an equal opportunity approach across all personal characteristics. Please note that previous applicants need not apply.