Acquisitions Lead

Role Overview

The Acquisitions Lead is accountable for managing the entire process of acquiring collection assets to ensure they align with the museum's collection strategy and institutional goals. This position supervises each stage of acquisition — from research and due diligence to documentation, approvals, legal agreements, and accessioning — maintaining a compliant and robust workflow. Adherence to professional standards, ethical principles, and governance policies is paramount to guide sound acquisition decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full acquisition life cycle, including assessment, approval, documentation, accessioning, and transfer to Collections.
• Assist in creating and enforcing acquisition policies, governance frameworks, and procedures consistent with museum standards.
• Conduct thorough due diligence such as provenance verification, ownership checks, authenticity reviews, legal compliance, and risk evaluation.
• Collaborate with curators, scholars, conservation specialists, and various experts to support research and acquisition assessments.
• Compile detailed acquisition research reports, dossiers, and presentations to facilitate governance and decision-making processes.
• Establish and nurture professional relationships with donors, collectors, artists, galleries, dealers, and institutions, ensuring confidentiality and ethical interactions.
• Prepare and review essential acquisition documents including agreements, contracts, valuations, committee materials, and provenance records.
• Manage governance and approval workflows adhering to institutional requirements, maintaining thorough records.
• Maintain accurate acquisition data within the Collection Management System (CMS) and enforce documentation standards.
• Monitor acquisition budgets, procurement efforts, contracts, and relevant administrative activities to ensure effective project delivery.
• Work closely with Registration, Conservation, Legal, and Finance departments to ensure smooth integration of acquisitions into the Collection.
• Support legal due diligence by reviewing contracts and agreements to confirm compliance and proper documentation.
• Identify risks related to acquisitions and participate in developing mitigation strategies.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and updates regarding collection development initiatives.
• Offer strategic and operational guidance to align acquisitions with museum strategies and organizational objectives.
• Conduct acquisition activities with the utmost integrity, confidentiality, and adherence to policies, ethics, and legal standards.
• Follow all Collections section protocols and instructions to ensure consistent, controlled operations.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work with internal sectors such as Culture and Support Services teams.
• Engage external partners including donors, artists, galleries, auction houses, researchers, museums, legal advisors, suppliers, and government bodies as needed.

Daily Operations

• Execute assigned daily tasks as directed by the Line Manager to maintain work flow and produce quality results.
• Report operational progress, challenges, and proposed solutions regularly to the Collections Section Head.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Arts Management, Cultural Heritage, or a related field.
• Additional certifications or specific training in collections management, acquisitions, provenance research, or similar areas are advantageous.
• At least five years’ experience in museum acquisitions, collections management, or closely related roles.
• Demonstrated expertise managing acquisition processes including provenance research, ownership verification, valuations, governance approvals, and accessioning.
• Experience collaborating with specialists and researchers to evaluate acquisitions and conduct due diligence.
• Familiarity with managing acquisition documentation such as contracts, valuations, and committee papers.
• Proficient in using Collection Management Systems (CMS) to maintain acquisition records.
• Experience working alongside internal departments and external partners throughout acquisition phases.
• Experienced in managing budgets, procurement, and contract administration related to acquisitions.

Competencies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication, along with interpersonal skills.
• Strong ability to build and sustain professional relationships and negotiate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• High professionalism with discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Comprehensive understanding of museum acquisition practices, provenance verification, legal and ethical requirements, and governance.
• Sharp analytical and problem-solving aptitude capable of sound decision-making.
• Competence in identifying risks related to acquisitions and advising on mitigation strategies.
• Excellent project management and organizational capabilities to handle multiple acquisitions concurrently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Collection Management Systems.
• Ability to thrive in diverse, multidisciplinary teams while managing competing deadlines and priorities.