Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Special Collections, Heritage, and Archives Team at the University of Sheffield.
- Company: Join a prestigious university known for its rich history and diverse collections.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary with opportunities for progression and engaging work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cultural engagement and accessibility in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Seeking experienced managers with knowledge in libraries, archives, or heritage sectors.
- Other info: Embrace digital technologies to enhance access to unique collections.
The predicted salary is between 38900 - 46900 £ per year.
The University of Sheffield offers an exciting opportunity in The University Library to lead the Special Collections, Heritage, and Archives (SCHA) Team. This role provides strategic development and management of:
- Special Collections and Archives, which holds major collections of rare and specialised books and unique archives covering a wide range of subjects and time periods. Subject strengths include politics, poetry, 20th-century British drama, science, travel, and exploration.
- The National Fairground and Circus Archive, which holds collections embodying the history of travelling popular entertainment in the United Kingdom from the seventeenth century onwards.
- The University Heritage Collection, which consists of thousands of objects that the University has acquired since its foundation in 1905, along with two unique museums.
The role will support the delivery of the Library’s Five Year Plan by working to increase the cultural impact and engagement of our special collections, heritage, and archives through targeted outreach to local and regional communities, a significant and strategic increase in the digital and physical accessibility of our collections, and developing our capacity as research partners.
We are looking for an experienced and successful manager with practical and theoretical knowledge of the library, archive, research, or heritage sectors. If you are a motivated individual who enjoys working collaboratively and has a track record of delivering high-impact engagement activities, we would love to hear from you. You will be enthusiastic about digital technologies and their potential to increase access to our collections.
Vacancy for Head of Special Collections, Heritage and Archives at the University of Sheffield (UK) employer: Digital Preservation Coalition
Contact Detail:
Digital Preservation Coalition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vacancy for Head of Special Collections, Heritage and Archives at the University of Sheffield (UK)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Sheffield's Special Collections, Heritage, and Archives. Understanding their unique collections and recent initiatives will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the library and heritage sectors. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to connect with individuals who may provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with digital technologies and how they can enhance access to collections. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented such strategies in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Library’s Five Year Plan and think about how your vision aligns with their goals. Being able to articulate how you can contribute to their strategic objectives will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Vacancy for Head of Special Collections, Heritage and Archives at the University of Sheffield (UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Special Collections, Heritage and Archives position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your experience in library, archive, or heritage sectors. Emphasise any leadership roles and successful projects that demonstrate your ability to manage collections and engage communities.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for special collections and archives. Discuss your vision for increasing cultural impact and accessibility, and provide specific examples of past achievements that showcase your strategic thinking and collaborative skills.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a managerial role in an academic setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Preservation Coalition
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Head of Special Collections, it's crucial to highlight your previous leadership roles. Discuss specific examples where you've successfully managed teams or projects, particularly in library, archive, or heritage settings.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Collections
Familiarise yourself with the types of collections held by the University of Sheffield. Be prepared to discuss how your expertise aligns with their special collections, including rare books and unique archives, and how you can enhance their accessibility.
✨Emphasise Digital Engagement Strategies
Given the role's focus on increasing digital accessibility, come equipped with ideas on how to leverage digital technologies. Share innovative outreach strategies that could engage local communities and enhance the cultural impact of the collections.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
The job requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Think of examples from your past where you've worked effectively with others, especially in developing high-impact engagement activities. This will demonstrate your ability to work within a team-oriented environment.
