Archivist

Founded in 1988, Glyndebourne’s Archive safeguards and champions the company’s rich artistic, organisational and cultural heritage. Its collections encompass a wide range of historical records and mixed-media objects, including designs, artworks, props, costumes, programmes and photography, offering a unique record of Glyndebourne’s history and creative life. The Archive is part of the Art & Collections department, which connects audiences with Glyndebourne’s legacy through exhibitions, the commissioning of new artworks, and a programme of talks, events and collaborative projects. Recent partnerships have included working with the National Trust, V&A and the Royal College of Music, and with world-renowned artists including Lubaina Himid, William Kentridge, Maggi Hambling and Conrad Shawcross.

As Archivist, you will play a central role in safeguarding and championing these collections while ensuring they remain accessible and relevant to a wide range of audiences. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you will facilitate access to archival material to support artistic, operational and strategic priorities. You will also enable researchers, writers, journalists and members of the public to engage with the Archive, maximising opportunities for learning and public engagement through displays, talks, filming and press activity. The role requires you to develop an in-depth knowledge of the collections and Glyndebourne’s history, while building strong relationships with partners and stakeholders across the UK and internationally to enhance the Archive's profile and impact.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Collections Management

• Oversee the cataloguing and preservation of Archive holdings, working with both physical objects and born-digital files.
• Manage the extensive photography archive, including clearing copyright and picture licensing.
• Facilitate records management, information and fact-checking clarity for internal departments.
• Manage complex and specialist enquiries, including assisting and widening public access to the Archive.
• Implement and maintain archival policies and procedures, including the security and accessibility of the physical Archive.
• Drive collecting strategies, including identifying acquisitions and deacquisitions, and conducting due diligence research.
• Develop and contribute to strategic projects and policies, in line with archival best practices and the broader business priorities of Glyndebourne.
• Recruit, train and supervise Archive Assistants, Project Archivists, Interns and Archive volunteers, providing direction and support.

Engagement

• Undertake research and contribute to printed and digital publications, including articles, essays, interviews and social media content.
• Contribute to outreach activities, including talks, tours and press visits.
• Collaborate with the Head of Art and Collections to realise collections-based displays, exhibitions, loans and other curatorial projects.
• Contribute to the execution of special projects, including publications, films, oral history projects and events.
• Liaise and maintain relationships with peers in regional, national and international theatres and related collections, and participate in relevant networks.

Commercial Development

• Identify and support work to commercialise gross annual income from products and commissions inspired by the Archive’s holdings.
• Manage key commercial relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Degree and a postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
• Minimum 5+ years of archive experience, with experience of developing or contributing to archival policies and procedures.
• Comprehensive and up to date knowledge of archival best practices including ISAD(G).
• Demonstrable experience of handling physical and digital archival holdings in a professional setting.
• Comprehensive understanding of GDPR and the discretion and sensitivity needed to handle and share Archive holdings.
• Demonstrable understanding of IP and copyright in relation to images.
• Demonstrable interest in telling stories about collections through all or some of the following: temporary and permanent collection displays, exhibitions, films, events, digital projects, publications, learning and engagement activities.
• Proven experience of contributing to research and content development.
• Experience of managing others, including project archivists, volunteers and interns.
• Practical and organisational skills: meticulousness, a keen attention to detail in all aspects of work, particularly record keeping.
• Demonstrable computer skills and ability to manage information systematically and accurately, and a thorough understanding of online collections management systems.
• Working knowledge of cloud-based storage systems, Adobe Suite and WordPress.
• Key holder, security and housekeeping experience for archive buildings, spaces and storage areas.
• Ability to work independently and in a team with confidence and initiative, and to work flexibly and calmly under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, a diplomatic manner and first-rate customer service skills.
• Effective written and verbal communications skills, with an ability to adapt outputs for different audiences.
• Budget management experience.

Desirable

• Experience of driving digitisation projects.
• Experience of using Collections Index+ (SSL).
• Knowledge and understanding of British theatre, opera and the performing arts, with an awareness of historical contexts and contemporary practice.
• Driving licence and car ownership, as some storage is off-site.
• An ability to present to camera and in front of a live audience.

Salary and Benefits

We can offer a salary of up to £38,000 per annum. Salaries are reviewed annually on 1st January.

The contractual hours of work are 35 per week, Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, with an hour for lunch. However you may be required to work additional hours, including some evenings and weekends, to meet the demands of the role.

We offer 6.6 weeks holiday per year including public holidays.

We have excellent on site catering facilities, can offer a beautiful working environment, and the opportunity to see world class opera.

We can offer a beautiful working environment, and the chance to see world-class opera. 

We also offer:

• Free Pilates and Zumba classes, once a week
• Corporate Gym memberships
• An onsite Physiotherapist
• Subsidised electric car charging
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Subsidised dining at our onsite restaurants
• Free tea and coffee
• Discount at the Glyndebourne shop
• Free on-site parking
• Discount at various highstreet retailers through the Glyndebourne benefits hub

How to Apply

Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for vacancies, including ethnically diverse and disabled candidates, who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

Please apply by clicking ‘Apply Now;’ to submit your application. Candidates must be able to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.

The closing date for applications is Friday 14 August 2026 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you, please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this please contact a member of the HR team at recruitment@glyndebourne.com.

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