Archivist

We are looking to recruit a Archivist to join our team based in London. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £31,589.51 per annum.The Royal Air Force Museum is a national museum, a Government non-departmental public body (NDPB) and a registered charity, with two sister sites at London and Midlands. Our purpose is to share the RAF story, past, present and future - using the stories of its people and our collections in order to engage, inform and inspire. Our Vision is to inspire everyone with the RAF story - the people who shape it and its place in our lives.

We have two public sites (London and Midlands) and a stored collection (Stafford). Our trading company and active fundraising supplement Grant in Aid which comes through the Ministry of Defence.

The Royal Air Force Museum is a Carbon Literate organisation and as such promotes Carbon Literacy.

Purpose of the Archivist role is to:

Our Archive collection contains both official and personal documents which reflect the experience of those who have served with the RAF and its predecessor organisations. It also includes technical drawings and material. Public Records are held and the Museum is a Place of Deposit.

The Archivist is a key member of the Archive, Library and Research team contributing to making the collection accessible to our audiences. Undertaking the full range of archival work, you will help to develop and look after the Archive collection and support the Museum’s Development Programmes. You will be supported to undertake research contributing to the Museum’s Research Programme.

Applicants should have a post-graduate qualification in archive administration. The successful applicant will have experience of working with archive collections and excellent communication skills. Experience of working in teams and with volunteers will be essential as will experience of using collections management databases. A good knowledge of RAF history is desirable.

This post is based at our London site. Travel to all Museum sites will be necessary.

As our Archivist you will lead on sharing our Archive collection with diverse audiences, ensuring its ongoing development and preservation. You will share knowledge about the collection as well as information relating to and contained within it and undertake research in support of the Museum’s programmes.

Key responsibilities of our Archivist include:

• Facilitate access to the Archive collection as well as the information relating to and contained within it according to Department policies and procedures.
• Build and enhance your knowledge of RAF history and develop expert knowledge of the Archive collection.
• Contribute to the Museum’s Research Programme by undertaking research and through the delivery of agreed and supported outputs including but not limited to academic papers, conferences, talks and blogs.
• Disseminate knowledge through the delivery of agreed and supported outputs including but not limited to the undertaking of outreach activity, exhibition and digital content.
• Professionally care for the Museum’s Archive collection in accordance with Museum policies and procedures in consultation with the Archive, Library and Research Manager, as well as sector best practice guidelines.
• Support the submission of the Museum’s Archive Accreditation application.
• Support the move of the Archive collection to a new store.
• Supervise volunteers as required.
• Provide effective, timely reporting both in writing and through presentations and discussion.
• Contribute actively to business risk management and Health and Safety management.

What we are looking for in our Archivist:

• A postgraduate qualification in archive administration.
• Experience of working with archive collections.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent ICT skills including experience of using Collections Management Systems.
• Experience of working with cross-departmental teams and with volunteers.
• Experience of undertaking independent research activity

Closing date for applications: 7 June 2024 at 12 noon

Interviews will take place on: 19 June 2024