Collections Manager

Collections Manager

London

£40,000

Full Time – 35 hours a week

Onsite

Sue Hill is delighted to be working in partnership with The Athenaeum Club, who house the finest and largest library of its kind in the UK, dating back to its foundation in 1824. It includes many items donated by early members, together with valuable printed books from earlier periods. In addition, there is a continuing programme of acquisitions of current material of a scholarly nature or of interest to members. The archive of the Club also dates from its foundation, and more material is continually being added.

The Club are now looking to recruit a Collections Manager with appropriate knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications in the fields of printed books, archives and other historical collections. The successful candidate will have professional responsibility for the archives, books and other collections of the Athenaeum Club, with particularly reference to the core library of historical books and records and will be supported by a small team.

The Collections Manager is responsible for the care, conservation and management of the Club’s collections and for delivering exhibitions, creative events programming and projects that support the Club’s values and respond to the needs of its membership.

Main Activities:

· Ensure the Club’s collections are managed and cared for in line with all relevant standards and best professional practice.

· Provide strategic and creative leadership, setting benchmarks of best practice in collections and display development & design, interpretation, and digital media.

· Undertake all aspects of collections development and management, including acquisitions, collections care, security, environment, conservation, documentation, access, interpretation and presentation.

· Modernise our approach to the collection, including digitisation, engagement and accessibility.

· Develop, recommend and implement a programme of continuous rationalisation to ensure that our resources and collections reflect who we are and what we do.

· Report regularly on progress to the Secretary and to the Club’s Library Committee of members.

· Agree and manage an annual budget.

· Raise the profile and use of the collections for member engagement and research.

· Manage a small collections team and ensure the achievement of our organisational aims.

· Be aware of and exercise personal and corporate responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act and other relevant statutory legislation and guidance.

· Take and manage the minutes of relevant committees and other meetings as required.

· Coordinate Library evenings at the Club, build greater interactions between Members and the Collections team both face to face and digital.

· Ensure complete digitising of archives.

Person Specification:

· A sector-related degree and further relevant qualifications (e.g. MA or equivalent in Archives Management or Collections Management)

· Ability to successfully introduce innovative and development through effective project management.

· Ability to deliver a range of exhibitions and programmes which engage members and promote clubs’ collections.

· Knowledge and interest in 19th and 20thcentury social history, politics, religion, science, literature and culture would be advantageous but not essential

· Understanding of best practice in the sector and of relevant national agendas

· Strong track record in producing excellent results in a similar position

· Experience of delivering digital projects

A comprehensive benefits package is also available

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £40,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• London: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Experience:

• Library Collections: 5 years (required)
• Archives: 5 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• MA or equivalent in Archives or Collections Management (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: ML26533