Based in the Curatorial Department at Tate Britain’s Millbank offices, this dynamic and fast-paced team plays a central role in shaping Tate’s collection. They work collaboratively to deliver an ambitious acquisitions programme, ensuring new works are thoughtfully integrated and cared for. It’s a stimulating environment where precision, passion for art, and teamwork drive lasting impact.
You’ll oversee the status and progress of all acquisition causes through to their accession into the collection. This is a valuable opportunity to deepen your expertise in collection management while contributing to the growth of Tate’s collection. At Tate, we believe our success depends on motivated and skilled people, and we’re committed to supporting your development. In this team, you’ll be encouraged to share your ideas, expand your knowledge, and build new skills to help you thrive in your career.
What you will do (Main Duties and Responsibilities)
- Act as the first point of contact for updates on acquisition causes, ensuring clear and timely communication across teams
- Coordinate the preparation of agendas and meeting papers, to include Collection Group and Collection Committee. Take minutes, record decisions, circulate notes to relevant stakeholders, and follow up on agreed actions
- Commission and compile supporting documentation for acquisition causes, including curatorial texts, transport and shipping information, financial statements, and any additional materials
- Manage the timely production and distribution of formal correspondence related to acquisitions
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date acquisition records, filing systems, and entries in the collection database
- Support the Acquisitions Programme Manager and Director of Collection in compiling data and preparing strategic policy and advocacy documents, with a focus on diversity and inclusion
- Assist in the development and delivery of training sessions for curators and internal stakeholders on the acquisitions process
- Notify Collection Registrars when works are ready for collection, and coordinate with conservators and curators to ensure timely follow-up and tracking of progress
- Oversee and coordinate internal image updates to the website, working with Collection Assistants to ensure accuracy and consistency
- Process and authorise invoices, maintain commitment spreadsheets, and ensure financial records are accurate and up to date
- Reconcile monthly ledgers and end-of-year payments in collaboration with the finance team
- Provide additional support to the Acquisitions Programme Manager and Director of Collection as required.
What you will bring to the team
- Demonstrable interest in developing a career in collection management, with a strong understanding of its role in museum practice
- Excellent administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and experience in project-based work
- Strong numerical skills and confidence in overseeing large and complex budgets
- Ability to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across a wide range of colleagues and external specialists
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels
- A proactive and flexible approach, with a collaborative mindset and a willingness to contribute positively to team goals
- Ability to work independently, using initiative and sound judgement to prioritise tasks
- High level of computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and ideally experience with databases and museum collection management systems
- A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to support and promote inclusive practices across the organisation
- A genuine interest in and commitment to Tate’s mission and the work of its collection.
