Archivist - Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd (closes 19/6)

Written By Deborah Mason

Archivist            

Position Overview

The Archives of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, Ireland, preserve the history of the Good Shepherd Sisters and Our Lady of Charity dating back to 1848. The congregation seeks a qualified Archivist to manage and develop its archival services.

The role is based in Dublin and requires monthly travel to the Limerick archive repository and when required.

Key Information

  • Position Type: Full-time / Permanent – 4 days per week

  • Salary: Will meet ARA salary recommendations

  • Location: Dublin (with monthly travel to Limerick and when required)

  • Reporting To: Province Community Leader

Main Purpose of the Role

The Archivist holds overall responsibility for the development of the congregation's archival policies and the execution of its archival programme. The successful candidate will maintain a professional and secure archive service while ensuring compliance with modern preservation and data protection standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Collections Management & Preservation

  • Cataloguing: Accession, arrange, and catalogue historic collections according to international archival standards.

  • Digitization: Select, prioritize, and manage records for digital preservation to reduce physical handling of fragile materials.

  • Appraisal & Acquisition: Assess incoming materials and systematically dispose of non-archival records lacking long-term value in line with the congregations Retention Schedule.

  • Conservation: Ensure the permanent physical preservation of records through proper boxing, housing, and environmental protection.

2. Information Management & Systems

  • Database Administration: Maintain, create, and update collection databases to streamline information retrieval.

  • Data Protection & Security: Safeguard archival data against unauthorized access, loss, or alteration in strict compliance with Data Protection (GDPR) policies.

  • Policy Development: Regularly review and update the institutional Archive Policy, Data Protection, Retention Schedules, and Access Guidelines.

3. Research, Access & Administration

  • Inquiry Services: Handle internal and external research queries, including family history and genealogical searches.

  • Administrative Support: Provide a dedicated records retrieval and research service for the Province Administration.

  • Reporting: Prepare and present an annual report on the status and progress of the archives to the Province Community Leader.

  • Professional Development: Stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and legislation within the archival profession.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

  • Postgraduate qualification in Archives and Records Management (or recognized professional equivalent).

Experience

  • Minimum of 3 years of post-qualification experience in a similar archival or records management role.

  • Proven track record of managing religious, institutional, or historical collections is highly desirable.

Technical & Professional Skills

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Access

  • Strong knowledge of genealogical research and historical records

  • Deep understanding of Irish Data Protection legislation (GDPR) regarding historical and sensitive personal data.

Core Competencies

  • Autonomy: Ability to work independently, manage a dual-site collection, and drive projects forward.

  • Discretion: High level of integrity and sensitivity when handling confidential or historical records.

  • Organization: Excellent project management skills to balance daily cataloguing with ongoing research requests.

Applications can be sent by email to limerick.archives@rgs.ie along with a CV and covering letter. The closing date for applications is Friday, 19th of June

Deborah Mason