Working at:         Congregation of the Sisters of Nazareth Generalate

Reports to:          Archive and Heritage Centre Manager

Location:             Nazareth House, 169-175 Hammersmith Road, Hammersmith, W6 8DB

Role:                       Assistant Archivist

Hours:                  Part Time – 4 days/week with prospect of increasing to full time.

Salary:                   £35,250 for 4 days/week

Contract:              Permanent

Job Purpose

To help manage the day-to-day operations of the CSNG Archive and Heritage Centre of the Congregation of the Sisters of Nazareth. The post is for an Assistant Archivist with the experience to deputise and represent the Archive and Heritage Centre Manager when necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities.

Archive Collection:

To help and support the Archive and Heritage Centre Manager with:

• the day-to-day operations of the Archive and Heritage Centre of the Congregation of the Sisters of Nazareth.
• Advise on the acquisition of historical records and documents from regions, local communities, Sisters in the Congregation, and former children and residents, and to undertake their accessioning and classification.
• Implementation of the policy on the accessioning, management and retention of archive material.
• Safeguard and store records in a condition which meets current professional standards.
• Identify items in need of conservation and help with the ongoing conservation programme, now in its third year.
• Maintain an archive catalogue and develop new finding aids. Help bed-in and develop the newly commissioned Axiell Collections Database.
• Advise and support the regions on the establishment and management of their archives.
• Provide materials for the Nazareth Collection, a private museum dedicated to our foundress Victoire Larmenier.
• Support the digitisation programme, now in its third year – both in-house and external.
• To build and maintain an archive library.
• Help develop ideas on how to provide innovative access to the collection.
• Respond to enquiries from former residents, the general public and other external sources in a professional and compassionate manner.
• Unlock as yet uncatalogued areas of the Collections – especially the photograph collection.
• Help establish a volunteer programme and work with the General Councillors to develop an outreach programme.

Nazareth Collection:

• Contribute to the appraisal and acquisition of the Nazareth Collection.
• Help establish a Collection classification scheme and implement it.
• Help with the preservation and conservation programme in development.
• Contribute to the interpretation and curation of future displays.

Nazareth Heritage Centre:

• Help with the housekeeping and maintenance of the building.
• Have responsibility for the environmental monitoring of the centre.
• Help facilitate visitors and support tours when necessary.

Person Profile.

• Significant experience in archive and collections administration, preferably with knowledge of the Religious, Care or a similar environment.
• Archive qualification recognised by the Archives and Records Association, or equivalent work experience.
• Empathy with the spirit and work of the Sisters of Nazareth.
• Good with a wide range of people: Sisters, professionals and the general public.
• Able to undertake research, interpret archive materials and accurately précis information with patience and care.
• Able to present information clearly and to communicate with others in writing and verbally.
• Experienced with technology including archive databases.
• Logical and organised in approach.
• Forward thinking to plan current and future needs of the collections.
• Able to work to deadlines and to manage time effectively.
• Strong commitment to confidentiality and best practice in personal data protection.
• Able to work as part of a team and independently when necessary.
• Willingness and flexibility to provide a wide variety of administrative support wherever necessary and adaptable in accordance with the needs of the archive team.
• Problem solving and handy with tools and equipment.
• Ability to undertake physical lifting and carrying, and safe handling of Collection material, according to best practice and the Congregation’s Health and Safety regulations. Training will be given.
• Committed to professional development and sharing knowledge within the team.

We offer a friendly, flexible and informal working environment with the opportunity for hybrid working where practicable.

How to Apply

If you would like to be considered for this role, please submit your CV and application with a covering letter stating:

• What attracts you to this role?
• What do you think you could contribute to the position?