Director of Archives

Director of Archives

Archives Department

Archives, Research and Collections Division

Full Time, Permanent

Band 4, Excluded

Annual Salary Range: $108,500 - $144,300

Context

The Royal BC Museum, which includes the provincial archives and IMAX® Victoria, is one of the oldest continually operating museums in Canada. A cultural centre of learning and research, it strives to broaden our understanding of British Columbia through collections, exhibits, outreach and community engagement. Through community collaboration, the museum works to share the stories of BC and provides a dynamic space for discussion and reflection.

Located in Victoria on the territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) peoples, known today as the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations, the RBCM cares for more than 7 million objects, belongings, specimens, and millions of significant government documents and records; substantial photographic, audio and video collections; artworks; and an extensive library of publications. IMAX® Victoria delivers educational and entertaining experiences that accompany the learning journey the museum offers.

The museum is also building PARC Campus—the provincial archives, research and collections building in Colwood, BC. The majority of the province’s collections and archives will move to the new building, except for the Indigenous collection which will remain at the downtown site where repatriation and community consultation will continue to guide the future of the collections. During this complex process of reimagination, not only of the future of the museum’s physical presence and facilities but also of its responsibilities to the public, our team is undergoing organizational changes as well. As we go through this transformational phase, our organization strives to adhere to a standard of conduct that prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility and continues to value curiosity and innovation.

Department overview

The BC Archives is part of the Archives, Research, and Collections Division and works closely with peers to ensure the evidence and stories revealed in our documentary heritage are incorporated into Museum programming, exhibits, events and learning. The BC Archives is the provincial archives, and collectively we acquire, preserve and make publicly accessible the documentary heritage of the province, and provide physical and digital access to collections of historical photographs, documents, sound recordings, film, art, maps and publications.

Modernization is not confined to revitalizing and improving our physical collections space, the BC Archives is focused on our visitors and transforming our services to the public, as well as the development of a digitization and digital preservation strategy that will ensure we can continue to preserve and provide access to our collections for centuries to come. BC Archives is working to build strong, respectful relationships with BC communities, address our colonial legacy, and implement the Reconciliation Framework for Canadian Archives. We are committed to reconciliation-based and trauma-informed archival practice.

Job overview

Under the direction of the Vice President, Archives, Research and Collections, and in accordance with the Royal BC Museum’s mandate and strategic plan, the Director of Archives inspires, promotes, develops, and manages a department that:

• Provides exceptional stewardship of, and access to, the province’s archival collections
• Contributes to audience-focused public programs, exhibitions and websites
• Collaborates effectively with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to deepen knowledge and widen understandings of British Columbia
• Oversees the move of the archives collection to the Provincial Archives, Research and Collections building (PARC Campus)
• Works with Indigenous communities, residential school survivors, their families and other partners to provide access to residential school records

Qualifications

We are currently looking for a Director who will bring a wealth of expertise to our team. The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree in Archival Studies or Library & Information Science with a specialty in archives PLUS at least five years of experience providing leadership within an archives, museum, library, gallery or other cultural organization including managing, mentoring and developing staff; AND at least five years of experience as an archivist or librarian in an archival setting, with increasing levels of responsibility. Other equivalent combinations of related education and experience may be considered.

Ideally, the successful candidate will have experience establishing collaborative relationships and partnerships with municipal, provincial, territorial and/or federal governments on matters related to archival records and/or cultural heritage, as well as experience working in partnership with Indigenous governments, communities and/or organizations. Strong leadership, collaboration skills and project management will be key for this role along with a user centred service philosophy.

If you meet these criteria, we invite you to review the job profile in detail and apply for this opportunity to contribute your expertise as a member of our dynamic team.

 Organizational responsibilities

The Director of Archives is responsible for providing expert knowledge about archival and other historical records in a variety of formats and strategies to gain access to their content. This position manages the staff responsible for the appraisal, acquisition, arrangement and description of - and access to - records as well as preservation department.

Other responsibilities include:

• Support the Museum’s mission, vision, values and core commitment to being user-centred, respecting staff expertise, supporting Indigenous voices, and embedding institutional relevancy for the future
• Contribute to and support the Museum and Archive’s strategic roadmap, annual priorities and institutional initiatives such as EDIA advancement
• Contribute to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, a spirit of collegiality, cooperation and openness to many perspectives
• Participate in a culture of ongoing learning, collaboration, innovation, creativity and community engagement

• Undertake initiatives in the spirit of and according to the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the B.C. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
• Contribute to the leadership of the organization as a cooperative member of the Directors’ Circle

 ACCOUNTABILITIES

Oversight of the Archives Department

• Establishes department priorities and objectives under the Royal BC Museum’s strategic plan and reports on status of program initiatives
• Ensures integrity, authenticity and security of information in digital archival collections
• Manages digital archival collections, including metadata creation and delivery, intellectual property rights including scholarly and commercial licensing, and assuring the preservation of materials
• Maintains knowledge of and ensures adherence to national and international standards and legislation associated with archival information
• Creates and implements a partnership strategy to ensure adequate resources for digitization and digital conversion
• Oversees the management of audio-visual and film collections and implementation of preservation strategy (may or may not be digitization) for multi-media formats
• Oversees the preservation department and creates and implements a digitization strategy
• Oversees the licensing function and provides customer focussed support on external requests
• Conducts negotiations and enters into agreements with individuals and organizations for the acquisition of records of historical significance
• Ensures the BC Archives and its patrons adhere to relevant legislation including copyright legislation and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation

Leadership

• Provides effective, consistent and accessible management by clearly and regularly communicating work requirements in accordance with department plans, delegating responsibilities as appropriate, seeking ideas and feedback from staff to encourage a team-based environment, and monitoring and directing multiple teams as required
• Provides leadership and direction and implements the departmental plan ensuring the respect and acknowledgement of staff expertise from across the organization
• Conducts regular performance reviews, annual appraisals and other such performance reviews as may become necessary; manage holidays, illness and other issues arising; recruit and induct new staff; and ensures all staff are provided with appropriate professional development opportunities
• Develops and implements a departmental plan and associated policies and procedures monitoring and amending them as required
• Proposes, develops and manages short and long-term projects that have clear goals, objectives and deliverables, in accordance with the project management processes
• Provides regular communications including collection and project status updates to staff, the Directors’ Circle, the Executive Committee and external partners
• Collaborates on the development, implementation and routine review of the institutional policies related to archives, research, and collections
• Maintains a collaborative approach to collections management through effective communication and planning with staff, the Directors’ Circle and Executive Committee, other collecting institutions, Indigenous communities, academic institutions, external partners and the public

Archival Practices

• Provides senior leadership and strategic direction for the management of current and archival records
• Participates as a member of the Information Management Advisory Committee to administer the Information Management Act by reviewing and endorsing record retention schedules of all public service organizations, from a government-wide perspective and making recommendations to the Records Officer

• Fulfils a number of legally mandated responsibilities. BC Archives is integral to the operational areas of most public service organizations (e.g. Legal Services Branch, Commissions, Queen’s Printer, OCG, Vital Statistics, Elections BC). This position provides advisory services to the Legislative Assembly, Government House, Executive Council and individual members
• Develops and maintains mutually supportive contacts and manages agreements across a wide range of institutions including academic and cultural institutions
• Provides leadership to the archival community (including museums and Indigenous organizations) by facilitating training for capacity development, coordination of collection mandates and leading shared initiatives. Works with partner organizations such as UBC’s Indian Residential School Centre for Dialogue and History and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and with Indigenous communities and residential school survivors to provide access to residential school records

Moving the Archives

• Responsible for completing the preparation and the move of the archival collections into PARC Campus, a new purpose-built collection and research building in Colwood BC
• Collaborates across the organization to ensure the successful transition to PARC Campus, and oversee and support permanent and auxiliary staff through all stages of this project
• Collaborate with the IT department to barcode collections and to participate in collection data projects such as implementation of a new collection location system

Project Management

• Plans, develops, implements and oversees short and long term projects:
  • Leads project teams to deliver major projects in accordance with project management standards
  • Develops and determines project goals, objectives, and outcomes to align with the direction of the Royal BC Museum
  • Determines the appropriate resourcing levels (e.g., staff, contractors, budget) to deliver the project
  • Develops and maintains partnerships with internal and external partners and stakeholders to achieve the operational mandate
  • Manages the financial resources for the project
  • Reviews and approves project evaluation and post-implementation reviews, including implementation of any required business changes

Financial Responsibility

• Prepares and/or negotiates contracts, monitors performance and authorizes payment of contractors
• Exercises full financial responsibility by:
  • Managing an annual operating budget
  • Preparing and managing project budgets in close liaison with departmental staff and in strict accordance with standards set out by the Finance Department
  • Preparing and/or negotiating contracts, monitoring performance and authorize payment of contractors

Staff Supervision

• Directly supervises 5 staff
• Supervises 20+ staff through subordinate supervisors

 JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Archival Studies or Library & Information Science with a specialty in archives PLUS at least five years of experience providing leadership within an archives, museum, library, gallery or other cultural organization including managing, mentoring and developing staff; AND at least five years of experience as an archivist or librarian in an archival setting, with increasing levels of responsibility.

Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following:

• Experience establishing collaborative relationships and partnerships with municipal, provincial, territorial and/or federal governments on matters related to archival records and/or cultural heritage
• Experience working in partnership with Indigenous governments, communities and/or organizations
• Experience cultivating strategic relationships and collaborative projects with institutions in the Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM) sector
• Experience providing reference services, with a demonstrated user-centered service philosophy and client focus
• Experience managing projects, including budget planning and monitoring
• Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) with the required combination of education and experience

 PROVISO/WILLINGNESS STATEMENTS

• Successful completion of security screening requirements of the BC Public Service, which may include a criminal records check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) check, and/or enhanced security screening checks as required by the organization (Note: It is important that you read the job posting carefully to understand the specific security screening requirements pertaining to the position)
• Willingness to work from more than one work location is required.
• Must have and maintain a valid BC driver’s licence or equivalent.
• Travel, as necessary, is a requirement. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the organization.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Comprehensive current knowledge of national and international standards related to the description and management of archival information
• Demonstrated understanding of issues related to both digitized and born-digital formats, media, and migration
• A strong understanding of current and potential future trends for archives and how to incorporate them into planning
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to positively change a work culture
• Ability to forge relationships with colleagues, public, partners and stakeholders
• Ability to work with initiative, prioritize tasks and work to deadlines
• Ability to hold others accountable for delivering on goals
• Ability to both lead and work collaboratively as part of a team
• Ability to encourage the development of unique approaches and creative solutions
• Ability to carry out primary and secondary source research
• Ability to engage in public relations and communicate with a wide variety of people
• Ability to use office tools and equipment such as computers, scanners, and computer databases and software

INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Cultural Agility is the ability to work respectfully, knowledgeably and effectively with people with different cultural backgrounds.
• Building a Trust-based Relationship requires a fundamental understanding that “relationship” is the foundation from which all activities happen, and that building a good relationship takes time and commitment.
• Building Strategic Alliances involves knowledge and skills to engage in internal and external stakeholder analysis and to negotiate agreements and alliances based on a full understanding of power and politics.
• Change Management is the ability to support a change initiative that has been mandated within the organization. It involves helping the organization’s members understand what the change means to them and providing the ongoing guidance and support that will maintain enthusiasm and commitment to the change process.
• Holding People Accountable involves setting high standards of performance and holding team members, other government jurisdictions, outside contractors, industry agencies, etc., accountable for results and actions.
• Leadership implies a desire to lead others, including diverse teams. Leadership is generally, but not always, demonstrated from a position of formal authority. The 'team' here should be understood broadly as any group with which the person interacts regularly.
• Innovation indicates an effort to improve performance by doing or promoting new things, such as introducing a previously unknown or untried solution or procedure to the specific area or organization.