Job Introduction
About Us
Oxfordshire History Centre holds the historic records of Oxfordshire dating from 1150 to the present day, including archival and local studies collections. The service manages Heritage Search, our online catalogue of heritage resources, making over 1 million digital records available worldwide.
Oxfordshire County Council are seeking to appoint to three key roles at Oxfordshire History Centre on a permanent basis, following two retirements, and a subsequent review of History Service staffing.
This is an exciting time to join the service, as we develop a new management team and staffing structure, and enhance access to our collections and services.
About the Role
The Oxfordshire History Centre holds a significant and diverse range of archive and local studies collections, and their management and development is at the heart of the service. This management position will take a lead on supporting customers and will oversee the work of Archivists/Collections Officers, History Service Assistants, and volunteers as we work together to enhance provision. This role will be responsible for maintaining and developing standards of collections’ management, access and engagement. The post reports to the History Service Manager who has overall responsibility for the service. This role will form part of a new management team and will work with a range of colleagues within and beyond the Heritage Service.
About you
You will have experience of working in an archive or local studies environment. This includes working in the searchroom to deliver excellent customer service, as well as a proven track record in collections work, including acquisition, cataloguing, digitisation, storage and rationalisation. You will also have knowledge of collections software and how they can enhance access and promote the collections. You will have experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders and volunteers, showing excellent communication skills to achieve service needs. The ideal candidate should be able to work well under pressure reacting to the service’s daily requirements both as an individual and part of a team. You will also be able to demonstrate an effective track record of managing and leading staff and volunteers.
Interview date: Wednesday 28 May 2025
Rewards and benefits
We offer a comprehensive induction, supportive work-life balance including agile working, flexible working and tangible wellbeing initiatives, plus regular supervision and support available whenever you need it.
- Culture of flexible working
- Technology to support agile working where role permits
- 30 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidays
- Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
- Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
- Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
- Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.
Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to:
Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Our commitment to:
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk
