Project Archivist (E.H. Shepard collections)

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The role

Archives and Special Collections at the University of Surrey have an exciting opportunity for a Project Archivist (E.H. Shepard collections) to join our team and work across our fascinating collections related to illustrator E.H. Shepard (This is a part time- 18 hours/week, fixed term contract of up to 3 years). The role will focus on recent significant deposits to The Shepard Trust Archive. 

The Archivist will ensure these archive records are arranged, preserved and processed to professional standards, within a challenging timeframe, and enable discovery and access to this increased range of content related to Shepard’s life and career. They will also enhance information across all related collections (E.H. Shepard Archive and HarperCollins Publishers Limited Collection) and support department public services and engagement activities linked to these collections. 

The Archives & Special Collections team is part of the larger Library & Learning Services (LLS) department and is committed to expanding the support and experiences we provide to our student and research communities as well as broader audiences. The department’s work includes all aspects of collection care and management, access and researcher services, and engagement activities across all collections held by the University of Surrey.  Key collecting strands include the University’s institutional archive (representing over 130 years as an education institution), the varied archive collections of the National Resource Centre for Dance, the E.H. Shepard Archive (showing the life and work of this treasured illustrator) and related collections of The Shepard Trust and HarperCollins Publishers Limited Collection, as well as a range of special collections which support specialist areas of teaching and research within the University.

About you

Applicants should be committed to high standards of collections care, management and service provision. You should have a postgraduate qualification in Archives and Records Management, as well as several years’ experience working in archives environments which demonstrate development of professional skills, thorough knowledge of sector standards and related legislation/regulations and their application. 

You should have: 

•    significant experience of all stages of collections processing, from appraisal to arrangement and completed catalogue; 

•    proven ability to plan and manage project-based work, and be responsive to changing demands;

•    evidence of research skills related to collections for varied outputs or purposes;

•    excellent IT skills, preferably with experience of Axiell Calm;

•    an understanding of the broader aspects of service provision and stakeholder relationships. 

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter with your application on the university website.

The University of Surrey reserves the right to close this vacancy early/later based on Volume and Calibre of applications.

Closing Date: 19 May 2025

Area: Professional Services

Salary: £31,637 per annum pro rata (equal to £15,819 at 0.5 FTE)