At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage archives, oversee projects, and enhance public access to collections.
- Company: Join Croydon Council's dynamic team focused on heritage and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving history and engaging with the community.
- Qualifications: Qualified Archivist with experience in project management and partnership development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and inclusive setting.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 52000 £ per year.
Salary range: Grade 12 £50,058 - £52,194 p.a. plus fantastic benefits.
Contract: Fixed Term. Hours of work: 36 hours per week. Location: Croydon. This role is a 12 month fixed term maternity cover.
The London Borough of Croydon is looking for a fully qualified and experienced Archivist to join our team on a temporary basis (maternity cover). The role requires a dynamic and motivated professional, capable of managing competing workloads and projects. This is an exciting time for the Archives; we are currently undergoing a capital project to provide two new on-site storage facilities, and are recipients of two National Archive grants, aimed at furthering our understanding of collections and widening participation. The Archives has recently reunited with the Museum of Croydon to become the Croydon Heritage Service, with the added benefits of a larger staff team including Learning, Outreach, and Volunteer Co-ordinator officers.
Responsibilities
- Fundraising and budget management
- Developing and managing partnerships and projects
- Delivering the Archives Forward Plan (which will be submitted as part of a full accreditation return in March 2026), and contributing to the wider Heritage Service Forward Plan
- Monitoring archives performance and feeding into Heritage Service evaluations and reports
- Managing public access to Archive materials, including the Research Room (which will be moving to increased opening hours in April)
- Provide expert knowledge and contribute to corporate records management procedures and manage the transfer of council records into the Archives, working within the Council’s records management framework and procedure
- Broaden access to archive collections through joint outreach programmes working with a range of partners, and Culture, Leisure and Libraries colleagues
- Work with the Curator to provide holistic care for all Archive and Museum collections
- To ensure that all aspects of care, collecting, collections development, collections information and access to the archive collections meets Archives Accreditation standards
- Ensure statutory obligations are met as a formal Place of Deposit for The National Archives
The Borough Archivist has line management responsibilities for a Digital Archivist, two Heritage Officers (who work across both Museum and Archive collections), a Stock and Resources Assistant and a temporary Collections Move Assistant (funded by the TNA to assist in the storage improvement project). The role will also require overseeing the work of contractors and freelancers.
About Us
Croydon Council’s priorities include:
- The Council balances its books, listens to residents, and delivers good sustainable services.
- Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable.
- Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon’s diverse communities and businesses.
- Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors.
- Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice.
- Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities.
Key Business Plan Outcomes
- Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning.
- Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential.
- Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we’re proud to call home.
- People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer.
Croydon Council’s new ways of working
Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.
Borough Archivist employer: Croydon Council
Contact Detail:
Croydon Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Borough Archivist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the archives and heritage sector on LinkedIn or at local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Borough Archivist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for archives! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas on how to broaden access to collections or improve public engagement. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Croydon’s current projects and challenges. We recommend having a few thoughtful questions ready about their capital project or National Archive grants to show you’re genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Borough Archivist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Borough Archivist role. Highlight your relevant experience in archives management, fundraising, and partnership development to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our exciting projects and the wider Heritage Service.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well so we can easily see your strengths and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with Croydon Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Know Your Archives
Before the interview, dive deep into the history and current projects of the Croydon Archives. Familiarise yourself with their recent initiatives, like the capital project for new storage facilities and the National Archive grants. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
As the role involves line management responsibilities, be ready to discuss your experience in managing teams and projects. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed competing workloads, especially in an archival or cultural context.
✨Prepare for Fundraising Questions
Since fundraising and budget management are key parts of the role, think about your past experiences in these areas. Be prepared to share strategies you've used to secure funding or manage budgets effectively, and how you can apply those skills to benefit the Croydon Heritage Service.
✨Engage with Community Outreach
The job emphasises broadening access to archive collections through outreach programmes. Think of innovative ideas or past experiences where you've successfully engaged with diverse communities. Highlight how you can contribute to the Council's goal of working in partnership with local organisations.