Celebrating Shakespeare is at the heart of everything we do.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) is looking for a full-time Archivist to join the Collections department. We will consider applications for employment on a part-time basis, despite the position being advertised as full-time.
SBT cares for over one million museum, library and archive items in Shakespeare's town of Stratford-upon-Avon. The collections encompassing archives, manuscripts, rare books, photographs, performance histories and documentary records that illuminate the life, works and enduring legacy of William Shakespeare, alongside the history of Stratford-upon-Avon and its global cultural influence.
In this role, you will help ensure these internationally important archive collections are accessible, documented and preserved for future generations. Working across a diverse range of material, you will support the preservation, cataloguing and development, creating high-quality records and finding aids that enable researchers, visitors and online audiences engage with our collections.
You will report to the Collections Manager and work closely with the Cataloguing Archivist and wider Curatorial team to contribute to collections development, digitisation initiatives, and ensure compliance with relevant legislation including copyright and data protection requirements. You will also play an important role in supporting reader and enquiry services and provide joined-up access to SBT's archive, library and museum collections both on site and remotely.
To be successful in this role you will be a qualified Archivist with practical experience of cataloguing archive collections. You will have a sound knowledge of archival descriptive standards and be highly computer literate, including experience of archive collections management software and digital discovery tools. You will possess strong research, analytical and written communication skills. You will demonstrate close attention to detail and be manage complex workloads while maintaining accurate documentation and achieving project deadlines.
You will become a key member of our interdisciplinary team comprising archive, library and museum professionals. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will contribute to collections research, exhibitions, learning activities, digital engagement and public programmes that bring the SBT's remarkable collections to life. Above all, you will share our commitment to increasing public access to, understanding of and engagement with SBT's collections, ensuring they continue to inspire audiences locally, nationally and internationally.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 29 November 2026, and interviews will take place on Tuesday 8 December 2026 in-person in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) in our recruitment practices and in the working practices of our staff and volunteers.
Please download to view supporting documents below.
GI - Archivist - FT, Perm - November 2026.pdf
JD - Archivist - November 2026.pdf
Skills for the job
- Archival theory
- Archivist
- Cataloguing
- Collection Management
- Managing cataloguing projects
- Written and verbal communication skills
Company Events
- Employee Discounts
- Free Parking
- Health and Wellbeing Programme
- Employee Assistance programme
Archivist in Stratford-upon-Avon employer: Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, where you can engage with visitors from around the globe while contributing to the legacy of one of the world's greatest playwrights. As a Retail Supervisor, you'll benefit from flexible part-time hours, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive team culture that values creativity and customer service excellence. Join us in making every visitor's experience memorable while enjoying the unique charm of our historic locations.
Contact Details:
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Recruitment Team
