Digital Preservation and Access Manager

The opportunity

University of the Arts London (UAL) is seeking a Digital Preservation and Access Manager to join us on a fixed-term basis. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced collections management professional to lead the digital preservation of UAL’s archives and special collections.

In this role, you will be responsible for managing and developing digital preservation across UAL’s archives and special collections, including oversight of the Preservica digital preservation system and associated policies and procedures. Working closely with collection owners and key stakeholders, you will manage the day-to-day operation of the system, including integrations, testing and planned upgrades. You will liaise with Digital and Technology (D&T) teams and the suppliers to ensure its effective and reliable operation.

You will ensure the systematic management and long-term preservation of digital assets, while maintaining awareness of emerging technologies and developments in the field. Working collaboratively with D&T teams, collection owners and external suppliers, you will support and enhance the digital collections access interface to deliver a strong user experience.

The role also involves championing digital preservation and access across the university. You will promote the value of web archiving and digital collections, engage with stakeholders, participate in relevant user groups and contribute to the wider digital preservation community to maximise the benefits of digital preservation and support the use of digital collections in teaching, learning, research and public engagement at UAL and beyond.

Your profile

You will hold a degree in a relevant subject area or possess equivalent professional experience, together with experience of managing and using digital preservation systems. You will bring up-to-date knowledge of the key trends, challenges and opportunities relating to digital collections and services, ideally gained within the academic or heritage sectors, and preferably within an arts context.

You will also have a strong understanding of collections management systems, and metadata standards. In addition, you will have a sound knowledge of copyright and rights management issues relating to the creation and use of digital assets.

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University, we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

We are a global University, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. We aim to be a university where people can be themselves and feel supported to reach their full potential. That’s why we are proud to hold a Bronze Award from the Race Equality Charter (REC), are members of the Business Disability Forum and Employers for Carers, and maintain our status as a Disability Confident Scheme and Living Wage employer.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

Start your application

Candidates are advised to submit applications early.