The Market Theatre Foundation
Archives and Collections Manager
Employment Type: Fixed-Term Contract (Ending 31 March 2030)
Location: South Africa
Experience Level: 3 – 5 years
About the Market Theatre Foundation
The Market Theatre Foundation is dedicated to providing an authentic South African cultural experience. We are committed to artistic excellence in the performing and visual arts while fostering the development of artists, technicians, and audiences. We are currently looking for a dedicated Archives and Collections Manager to preserve and promote our rich institutional and artistic history.
Role Purpose
The Archives and Collections Manager will lead the implementation of our Archival Strategy. This role involves the systematic collection, preservation, and digitisation of both tangible and intangible materials that record our artistic and social history. You will manage archival workflows, ensure legal compliance regarding copyright, and facilitate access for research, exhibitions, and public storytelling.
Key Responsibilities
Collection and Acquisition
- Manage the acquisition and donation of archival materials from productions, departments, and external contributors.
- Implement policies for donations, donor agreements, and accessioning procedures.
- Oversee cataloguing, metadata entry, and database management.
- Secure necessary copyright and intellectual property permissions.
Preservation and Digitisation
- Maintain storage standards for both physical and digital collections.
- Oversee digitisation workflows and ensure quality control of digital assets.
- Manage archival management systems and secure backup processes.
- Coordinate conservation and repair work for heritage assets.
Access and Public Engagement
- Provide access to archives for internal staff, researchers, and students.
- Support marketing campaigns, documentaries, publications, and exhibitions.
- Develop public initiatives such as online showcases and heritage storytelling.
Reporting and Compliance
- Develop annual work plans and budgets for the Archives Unit.
- Produce performance reports and maintain asset inventories.
- Ensure compliance with archival standards, heritage legislation, and privacy laws (POPIA).
- Supervise and mentor interns and volunteers.
Requirements
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Archives and Records Management, Museum Studies, Library Science, Heritage Studies, or History.
- A postgraduate qualification in preservation, digitisation, or intellectual property is an advantage.
Experience:
- 3 to 5 years of experience in an archival, museum, or cultural heritage environment.
- Proven experience in cataloguing, digitisation, and using archive database systems.
- Experience handling copyright permissions and donor agreements.
- Strong track record in administration and stakeholder engagement.
Competencies and Skills
- Excellent research and formal report-writing skills.
- Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.
- Knowledge of archival standards (such as ISAD(G) and Dublin Core).
- Understanding of IP, licensing, and heritage legislation.
- Proficient in MS Office and digital asset management systems.
- Ethical, professional, and passionate about heritage preservation.
How to Apply
If you meet the above requirements and are interested in this position, please submit your application through the official Market Theatre Foundation website.