We are seeking a Collections Engagement Officer to join the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre team. You will work to increase knowledge, value and use of the RACE Centre’s rich library and archive collections, through creating a range of inclusive and engagement activities. While the role has a natural focus on academic audiences, you will work with schools and young people, community organisations and other cultural / heritage sector organisations and the general public. The role requires someone who can embed racial and social justice in creative and imaginative collections-based engagement work.
The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE (Race Archives and Community Engagement) Centre is a specialist library and archive focusing on the history of Global Majority communities in Greater Manchester (and beyond), as well as anti-racist activism, refugeeism and migration, and the development of thinking about race and ethnicity. Our unique historical archives, library special collections, and oral history collections contain material documenting the history of Global Majority, migrant and refugee communities particularly within Greater Manchester and North West England. Many of these collections have been drawn from community-led projects developed in conjunction with our sister organisation, the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust, and reflect our collaborative approach to archive collection and curation. We also hold significant national collections, such as papers of the Commission for Racial Equality and the Institute of Race Relations, plus material relating to US history and civil rights. Our library collection has approximately 16,000 books, pamphlets, reports and journals, covering a range of historical, national and international perspectives on race, migration, and the fight for social justice.
The Centre’s work and that of the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust (the Centre’s sister organisation and a registered charity) is focused on supporting groups and individuals of Global Majority heritage to explore and preserve their own histories whilst supporting world class research and promoting national discourse around race, ethnicity and migration.
Our vision is an inclusive, equally represented and racially just society where everyone belongs. Our mission is to make Global Majority history, heritage and culture more accessible, supporting excellence in research and learning through community partnerships and inclusive practice.
Our values and guiding principles are
The Centre is part of the University of Manchester Library’s Special Collections, alongside the John Rylands Library and Special Collections at Main Library but is housed within Manchester Central Library. We are part of the Archives+ partnership, a Central Library based partnership which brings together statutory, university and voluntary organisations to provide a holistic range of archive and heritage services in one location.
The University of Manchester Library is one of only five National Research Libraries and the third largest academic library in the UK. Our vast and rich collections (both print and increasingly digital) help us to deliver a world-class library and information service for the University of Manchester. While our primary objective is to meet the learning, teaching and research needs of University members, we are also fully committed to widening access to our services to individual researchers, local schools and others in the regional community and further afield.
Culture and Values
The University of Manchester Library strives to create a working environment that is supportive and rewarding, providing a platform from which we can achieve our ambitious strategy. This culture and our values are demonstrated through the University’s values. It’s important that all colleagues share in this vision and are committed to helping create a working environment that is both rewarding and fulfilling. Please consider this before applying for this role.
Hours & Place of Work
Normal working hours are 28 hours per week (0.8FTE). Due to the nature of the role, some evening and weekend work may be necessary, but always with appropriate notice period.
This post is hybrid, meaning it will be based both in the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre, and in community settings. There is also room to work from home. All Library employees are required to work at any Manchester University Library site, as necessary.
You should demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria required in the person specification by giving specific examples in the “additional information” section of the online application form.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview on either 10 or 11 July 2025
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Maya Sharma, Head of the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre & Education Trust
Email: maya.sharma@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
