Senior Archivist - Cameron Mackintosh Ltd (closing date 2nd June)
Job Title: Senior Archivist
Location: Cameron Mackintosh Ltd., London. Occasional work on site in Somerset
Contract: Full-time, permanent with occasional evenings and weekends
Office Hrs: Monday – Friday, 10:00 – 18:00
Application deadline: 2nd June 2025
Apply via the Cameron Mackintosh website here
Job description and person specification here and below:
Role description
Cameron Mackintosh Ltd are seeking a senior archivist with a minimum of 10-years’ experience to oversee the management and preservation of the Cameron Mackintosh Archive comprising thousands of historical records, documents and artifacts related to Cameron Mackintosh theatrical productions, Delfont Mackintosh theatre buildings and the wider business affairs of the company.
The archive plays an active role in enabling the current and ongoing work of Cameron Mackintosh Ltd. and is also a live resource referenced by researchers, authors and the public on request. The senior archivist is responsible for maintaining the archive as a repository of knowledge, assembling tailored information in response to wide-ranging enquiries. In addition to a pre-existing interest in musical theatre, the appointed archivist will need to build an in-depth knowledge of the contents of the archive and the people and productions represented within it.
This unique opportunity would suit a multi-skilled individual with the capacity to work with initiative and independence at the heart of a busy and constantly moving organisation. The appointed individual will need to demonstrate both expertise in archival best practice and a desire to work with flexibility in a creative sphere.
About Cameron Mackintosh Ltd
Cameron Mackintosh Limited is a theatre production company that has been presenting shows in the UK since 1967 and worldwide since the 1980s. The Cameron Mackintosh Archive was established on an official basis in March 1995 with the primary remit of collating, cataloguing and making accessible material relating to all these shows. This material includes press cuttings, programmes, posters, promotional materials, photographs, recordings, scripts and scores, plans and designs, correspondence, business records and all associated ephemera.
Key responsibilities
Oversee the acquisition, cataloguing and preservation of archival materials
Manage born-digital files and implement archival policies and procedures to ensure the future safekeeping of recent records
Manage physical archives across two key sites in London and Somerset ensuring their accessibility and security
Manage analogue digital materials including an extensive photography archive, also involving the clearing of copyright for image use
Conduct research and provide reference services to internal and external stakeholders
Work cross-departmentally and with external organisations and individuals to realise publications, TV productions, exhibitions and other major projects
Develop and manage strategic projects including digitisation initiatives
Train and supervise interns and other archivists
Stay attuned to the latest in archival best practice, emerging technologies and the theatre industry nationally and internationally
Essential
10+ years of archival experience in senior positions including management of junior archivists, interns and/or volunteers
Up-to-date knowledge of archival best practice standards including ISAD(G)
Discretion and sensitivity in the handling and sharing of archival materials, including examples of the practical application of GDPR regulations and the data protection act
Demonstrable experience of managing a high volume of physical, analogue and born- digital materials in professional settings
Strong technical proficiency across a range of programmes, including Microsoft Office, Acrobat Adobe, SharePoint, archival database systems and digital storage solutions
Strong knowledge of IP and copyright in relation to images and audio-visual materials
Clear and effective written and verbal communications skills when dealing with internal enquiries and external stakeholders, including public relations
Experience of working with external partners and stakeholders towards the realisation of major projects i.e. publications, exhibitions, films or TV productions
Capacity to work with independence, confidence and initiative in a fast-paced, creative environment
Meticulous attention to detail including the management of written, visual and numerical data
Flexibility and commitment to the role, including occasional weekend days or evening work as required
Physical capacity to manoeuvre archival materials and boxes including use of ladders
An active interest in performance and musical theatre
Desirable
Professional qualification in Archives and Records Management would be highly desirable, and equivalent experience is essential
Experience of producing archival strategies and/or the implementation of archival policies
Experience of working with theatre and performance archives, and a detailed knowledge of the industry
Experience of managing digitisation projects with external suppliers
Experience of delivering website projects with developers
A strong network of external stakeholders including relationships with conservation, digitisation specialists and picture libraries
Experience of working in curatorial contexts
Driving license and car ownership would be advantageous