Organization Name: Royal BC Museum

Location: Victoria

Compensation: $108,500 - $144,300

Organization Homepage (URL): https://rbcm.ca//

About the Organization: The Royal BC Museum, which includes BC 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. The museum celebrates the province’s diverse landscapes and the lives of the people who live here, enables research and knowledge sharing that advances our understanding of our world, and provides a dynamic place for discussion and reflection. IMAX® Victoria delivers educational and entertaining experiences that accompany the learning journey the museum offers.

The Royal BC Museum is located on the traditional territory of the the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) peoples, known today as the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations.

Social Media: N/A

Description and Duties: 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

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:

o Leads project teams to deliver major projects in accordance with project management standards

o Develops and determines project goals, objectives, and outcomes to align with the direction of the Royal BC Museum

o Determines the appropriate resourcing levels (e.g., staff, contractors, budget) to deliver the project

o Develops and maintains partnerships with internal and external partners and stakeholders to achieve the operational mandate

o Manages the financial resources for the project

o 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:

o Managing an annual operating budget 

o Preparing and managing project budgets in close liaison with departmental staff and in strict accordance with standards set out by the Finance Department

o Preparing and/or negotiating contracts, monitoring performance and authorize payment of contractors

Staff Supervision

• Directly supervises 5 staff

• Supervises 20+ staff through subordinate supervisors

Qualifications: 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.

o An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be considered.

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.

Application Webpage: RBCMapplications@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

How to Apply: Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed in the job profile. Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying on.

Please submit your resume and cover letter in pdf format by Wednesday August 5, 2026 at 11:59 pm (PST) with the following subject line: “Last Name, First Name, RB2026-09 Director Archives” via email to: RBCMapplications@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Application Deadline: August 5, 2026 at 11:59pm (PST)

Additional Information: This position requires a Criminal Records Check under the BC Public Service Screening Policy and the Criminal Records Review Act. All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada (i.e., have Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status). 

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Inuit or Métis) applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

Use of AI: No

Job Poster: PCWS PCWS

Job Poster Email: peopleanddevelopment@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca