Archivist, ROH Collections


£28,973 per annum (full-time, 40 hours per week)

Permanent contract


At the Royal Opera House we want many more people to enjoy and engage in exceptional ballet and opera. Royal Opera House Collections collect, preserve and provide access to an extraordinary archive that records the history of the Royal Opera House. The Collections represent a journey into the diverse history of this institution since 1732, documenting all aspects of the artistic and organizational history of the three theatres that have stood on the site.

http://www.roh.org.uk/about/roh-collections


We are currently seeking an experienced Archivist to assist in the preservation, management and development of, and engagement with, the Collections. They will join the ROH Collections team, which comprises the Head of Collections and three Archivists.


Reporting to the Head of ROH Collections, the Archivist will:

  • Develop a detailed knowledge of the Collections and use this knowledge to appraise and acquire new material to enhance the Collections;
  • Undertake activities to ensure the care and preservation of the collections stored at the Egham and Purfleet site with responsibility for overseeing the collections at Covent Garden;
  • Catalogue collections to agreed standards using the Adlib database and contribute to the development of the online catalogues;
  • Encourage access by developing and participating in public engagement activities, displays and digital resources.
  • Lead on the delivery of information and reader services for internal and external users.


This is an exciting opportunity to develop your experience within a busy archive with a growing and very diverse range of materials. The successful candidate will hold a post-graduate qualification in Archives Administration/Management and be able to demonstrate experience of:

  • Working in archives, preferably special collections;
  • Appraising and acquiring new material to enhance collections;
  • Managing collections and storage areas, and identifying conservation needs;
  • Cataloguing collections to agreed standards and experience of cataloguing databases, ideally Adlib; Delivering a range of public engagement activities and digital resources to promote archives;
  • Providing reader services and assisting researchers


A full job description and information on how to apply is available below, please scroll to the bottom of the page and select `Apply Now`.


The Royal Opera House is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from those who are currently under represented in our workforce - in particular those who are ethnically diverse and/or disabled. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential minimum criteria for our vacancies.


All of our staff are expected to uphold the Royal Opera House values: respect, openness and valuing the highest standards.

For queries please contact the HR Department at hr.recruitment@roh.org.uk. You can also contact us if you have any access needs to assist you with making an application. Interviews will be held online


Closing date for applications: 8.00 am, Wednesday 5 January 2022.


Interviews will be held week commencing 10 January 2002 via Microsoft Teams.

Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies please.



Sorry, this vacancy is closed.