At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Churchill Archives Centre, guiding its development and enhancing public engagement.
- Company: Renowned institution preserving significant historical collections in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape a new archive building and engage with diverse audiences.
- Other info: Join a vibrant collegiate community and make a lasting impact on history.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a pivotal moment for one of the world's great archives.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Churchill Archives Centre is one of Britain's foremost archives. As custodian of some 640 collections of modern personal papers, including those of Sir Winston Churchill and Lady Margaret Thatcher, it occupies a unique position at the intersection of history, scholarship and contemporary political significance. The Churchill papers are inscribed on the UNESCO International Register of the Memory of the World. Situated within the grounds of Churchill College, Cambridge, the Centre is embedded in the life of one of the University's most distinctive institutions, a combination that gives the role of Director a character unlike almost any other in the archival world.
The Centre exists to preserve these unique collections and make them available to the widest possible range of audiences: in person, online, through academic and public engagement, and through original research and publication. Its collections continue to grow, with born-digital material an increasingly significant part of its work, and its public and academic reach expanding year on year. The Centre holds accredited status with the National Archives. Alongside its core collections, the Centre is actively committed to broadening the representation of its archives, reflecting the full diversity of modern political and public life.
Churchill College is seeking an outstanding individual to lead the Archives Centre at a pivotal moment in its development. The Governing Body has approved, in principle and subject to funding, plans for a new, purpose-designed archive building within the College grounds, a once-in-a-generation investment in facilities that will serve these remarkable collections for the next fifty years, providing outstanding resources for sustainable preservation and greatly enhanced capacity for researcher and public engagement.
The incoming Director will play a leading role in guiding the Centre through a period of significant ambition and change, shaping the transition plan and ensuring the opportunities presented by a new building are fully realised. This will include identifying and implementing innovations enabled by the new facilities, and maximising their potential to strengthen research activity and public engagement.
The Director leads a team of professional archivists, conservators and specialist staff, holds operational and budgetary responsibility for the Centre, and serves as Secretary to three charitable trusts, including the Sir Winston Churchill Archive Trust and the Margaret Thatcher Archive Trust. As a By-Fellow of Churchill College, the Director is an integral part of the collegiate community, and carries a significant public-facing responsibility as a national and international ambassador for the Centre and its collections.
The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of senior leadership and operational management, exceptional communication and influencing skills, and the ability to build and sustain relationships at the highest levels. They will possess the knowledge of the archival and heritage world to command the confidence of their team and the wider profession, alongside an engagement with modern British history. Of equal importance will be the interpersonal range and collegiate sensibility to operate across a wide variety of contexts, from the fellowship of a Cambridge college to the offices of former Prime Ministers and major international donors, alongside the vision to lead the Centre through a defining chapter in its history.
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the world's great archives at an exceptional moment. Churchill College welcomes applications from outstanding candidates.
For details of the appointment, including further information about the job description, person specification and how to apply, please visit this link.
For informal inquiries please contact Thomas Cameron at Thomas.Cameron@perrettlaver.com. The deadline for the receipt of applications is 09:00 am BST on Monday 29th June. Applications should consist of a CV and supporting statement which includes a brief overview of your experience with relevance to the personal specification as well as an indication of the reasons for your motivation and interest in the opportunity.
Longlisted candidates will be invited to Perrett Laver interviews over July and August 2026, and Formal Interviews are expected to take place in late September/early October 2026.
Director of Archives Centre in Cambridge employer: University of Cambridge, Churchill College Cambridge
The Churchill Archives Centre offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of one of Britain's most prestigious archives, where history and scholarship converge. With a commitment to preserving diverse collections and enhancing public engagement, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth. Located within the vibrant community of Churchill College, Cambridge, the Centre is poised for significant development, providing an inspiring environment for those passionate about modern history and archival excellence.
Contact Details:
University of Cambridge, Churchill College Cambridge Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Archives Centre in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the archival and heritage sector, especially those connected to Churchill College. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for history! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or colleagues, share your thoughts on modern British history and how it shapes our understanding today. It’ll make you memorable!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to the Archives Centre and express your interest in contributing to their mission. We love enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! Keep an eye on our job listings and apply through StudySmarter. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Archives Centre in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience relevant to the role of Director at the Archives Centre. We want to see how your background aligns with the unique collections and responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to express your motivation for applying and how your skills can contribute to the Centre's mission. We love seeing genuine passion and clear connections to our work.
Showcase Leadership Experience:Since this role involves leading a team, be sure to showcase your senior leadership and operational management experience. We’re looking for examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage diverse teams effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge, Churchill College Cambridge
✨Know Your Collections
Familiarise yourself with the key collections at the Churchill Archives Centre, especially those of Sir Winston Churchill and Lady Margaret Thatcher. Understanding their historical significance and how they relate to contemporary issues will show your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed teams or projects, particularly in an archival or heritage context. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Centre through its upcoming changes.
✨Engagement Strategies
Think about innovative ways to enhance public and academic engagement with the archives. Be ready to share your ideas on how to utilise the new building's facilities to broaden access and representation within the collections, which is a key focus for the Centre.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across various contexts. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with diverse stakeholders, from academic institutions to government officials, as this role requires strong networking abilities.
