At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the digitisation and preservation of Deaf heritage collections, ensuring accessibility and cultural accuracy.
- Company: Join the British Deaf Association, a champion for Deaf culture and heritage.
- Benefits: Fixed-term role with opportunities for community engagement and professional development.
- Other info: Collaborate with Deaf communities and contribute to meaningful heritage projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by preserving Deaf heritage for future generations.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital archiving and a passion for Deaf culture.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Digital Archivist will lead the development, management, and safeguarding of the BDA’s digital heritage collections. This includes the digitisation, cataloguing, preservation, and access of Deaf heritage materials such as BSL films, photographs, documents, oral histories, artefacts, and community records. The role is central to ensuring Deaf heritage is preserved by Deaf people, for Deaf people, and made accessible in British Sign Language as well as written English, in line with best practice in digital preservation and inclusive archiving.
The role includes:
- Digital Archiving & Preservation: Provide a digital archivist lead for the Heritage Lottery Fund ‘Deaf Heritage Sorted’ project. Lead the digitisation, cataloguing, and long-term preservation of Deaf heritage collections, including audiovisual BSL content, photographs, manuscripts, and born-digital materials. Implement and maintain digital preservation standards, workflows, and metadata frameworks appropriate to mixed‑media and sign language collections. Ensure collections meet recognised archival, museum, and heritage standards while reflecting Deaf cultural values and lived experience.
- Collection Management & Documentation: Develop and manage digital asset registers, catalogues, and collection management systems. Create and maintain metadata in both English and BSL, ensuring accessibility and cultural accuracy. Support accessioning, rights management, licensing, and ethical use of archival materials.
- Deaf‑Led & Community‑Centred Practice: Assist the Heritage Manager to work collaboratively with Deaf communities, historians, artists, and organisations to identify, document, and preserve heritage materials. Support community‑led collecting, co‑curation, and participatory archiving approaches. Ensure that Deaf people are meaningfully involved in decisions about how their heritage is preserved, described, and shared.
- Access, Engagement & Learning: Support the development of accessible digital platforms, exhibitions, and online resources for Deaf and hearing audiences. Contribute to public engagement, education, and research use of collections, including support for exhibitions, events, and learning programmes. Work with communications and policy teams to ensure Deaf heritage content is shared responsibly and widely.
- Governance, Ethics & Compliance: Ensure compliance with data protection, copyright, safeguarding, and ethical standards. Contribute to policies on digital preservation, access, collections development, and risk management. Support funding applications, reporting, and evaluation relating to heritage and digital projects.
This list is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive, as there may be other duties and requirements associated with the post, which BDA may call upon the post-holder to perform from time to time.
Vacancy for Digital Archivist at British Deaf Association (BDA) in Manchester employer: Digital Preservation Coalition
The British Deaf Association (BDA) is an exceptional employer that champions the preservation of Deaf heritage through innovative digital archiving. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that values Deaf voices and experiences. Located in vibrant cities like London and Manchester, the BDA offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth while making a significant impact on the Deaf community.
Contact Details:
Digital Preservation Coalition Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vacancy for Digital Archivist at British Deaf Association (BDA) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Deaf community and digital archiving field. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Digital Archivist role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous work in digital archiving or related projects. Include examples of digitisation, cataloguing, or community engagement. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When reaching out to the British Deaf Association, make sure to highlight your understanding of Deaf culture and your commitment to inclusive archiving. Show them you’re not just another applicant, but someone who truly cares about preserving Deaf heritage.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job openings, including the Digital Archivist position. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
We think you need these skills to ace Vacancy for Digital Archivist at British Deaf Association (BDA) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Digital Archivist role. Highlight your experience with digital preservation and community engagement, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at BDA!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for Deaf heritage shine through in your application. Share any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to preserving and promoting Deaf culture. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about what they do!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Preservation Coalition
✨Know Your Deaf Heritage
Make sure you brush up on Deaf heritage and culture before the interview. Familiarise yourself with key materials, like BSL films and community records, as well as the importance of preserving these collections. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the community.
✨Showcase Your Digital Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with digital archiving and preservation. Highlight any specific tools or software you've used for digitisation, cataloguing, or managing digital assets. Providing examples of past projects can really make you stand out!
✨Emphasise Community Engagement
Since this role is all about working with Deaf communities, be prepared to talk about how you've collaborated with diverse groups in the past. Share any experiences where you’ve supported community-led initiatives or co-curation projects, as this aligns perfectly with the BDA's values.
✨Prepare Questions About Inclusivity
Think of thoughtful questions regarding how the BDA ensures accessibility and cultural accuracy in their collections. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in making a meaningful impact within the Deaf community.
