Collection Coordinator (Visual Arts) (47242) bei British Council

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Collection Coordinator (Visual Arts)

 
The Role:

We are looking for a highly organised and motivated Collection Coordinator (Visual Arts) to join the British Council Collection team on a full-time basis for an 8-month temporary contract. This hybrid role, based in West London, will support the team as it prepares for a major relocation of the Collection to a temporary storage site. The postholder will provide administrative support to the Collections Manager, including coordinating operational logistics, liaising with contractors and suppliers, processing financial information, and responding to general enquiries. The role will also assist in updating and maintaining accurate records using the collections management system, coordinating audits and annual returns from British Council offices, and carrying out condition checks on artworks. This is a unique opportunity for an early career professional to gain hands-on experience working with a significant collection and to develop a broad understanding of best practices in collections care and management within the sector.

Accountabilities:  

Collection care support

• Supports the care and maintenance of the British Council Collection by implementing procedures aligned with UK sector standards for storage, handling, and packing, while collaborating with the technical team to ensure accurate artwork care records.
• Maintains and improves Collection documentation on our collection management system, including data cleansing, provenance research, conservation records, artist files and resources for both internal and external use.
• Coordinates Collection audits, including physical checks of artworks, and assists with the annual return process for British Council offices.
• Provides general administrative and financial processing support to the Collection Manager and team, contributing to the smooth delivery of Collection-related projects.

Sector/subject expertise

• Maintains an up-to-date understanding of key developments, issues, and stakeholders in the Visual Arts sector to enhance professional credibility and insight.
• Keeps informed of best practices in collection care, documentation, handling and transportation of artworks internationally. 

Relationship & stakeholder management

• Responds professionally to operational and collection-related queries, ensuring high service standards and upholding the team’s reputation.
• Builds strong working relationships across internal teams and external partners, including Estates, IT, Finance, and contractors, to support collaborative and efficient operational delivery.
• Works closely with the Technical Team, Loans Coordinator, and Collection Access Coordinator to support collaborative working practices.

Finance & resource management

• Administers British Council financial processes, including raising purchase orders, processing invoices, and setting up new vendors to ensure effective resource management.
• Actively seeks to ensure value for money in the procurement of resources, goods or services.
• Applies British Council risk management procedures in all relevant operational activities.

Manages self and others

• Plans and prioritises own workload effectively, adapting to shifting requirements and deadlines.
• Coordinates and supports others in the completion of tasks in line with project milestones.
• Contributes to the British Council’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and anti-racism, embedding these principles in both organisational culture and programme delivery.

Role specific knowledge and experience: 

Essential:

• Knowledge of the UK visual arts and museum sector, with a demonstrable interest in contemporary art and public collections
• Proven experience working in a visual arts or museum environment, with hands-on involvement in museum documentation, collection care, and an understanding of conservation principles, including condition reporting.
• Strong knowledge of SPECTRUM standards and workflows, with experience applying documentation policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Experience using a collection management system with excellent data management skills.
• Proficient in a range of software applications including Microsoft Office, and an understanding of GDPR-compliant data handling.
• strong relationship management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Experience of using a financial system to raise purchase orders, process invoices, and manage basic procurement tasks
• Knowledge of UKRG guidelines and international museum standards relating to the handling, transportation and care of artworks.

Role Specific Skills:

• Attention to detail – crucial for documentation and inventory accuracy
• Problem-solving – especially when dealing with logistical or system issues
• Flexibility and adaptability – needed in a relocation context with changing priorities
• Team collaboration – ability to work effectively across departments
• Initiative and independence – able to manage own tasks and make decisions when needed
• Commitment to EDI and inclusive practices – as embedded in the British Council's values

Education: Graduate

Closing Date:   Applications will close at 23:59 IST/19:29 UK Time on Friday, 7 November 2025

You must have the legal right to work in UK at the time of application.

Important Information:

Department: Arts sectors and programmes 

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (8 months)

Contract Hours: Full time - 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday. 

Pay Band: 6

Country/Location: London, UK (Please note, you will be required to work in the office for 3 days per week.)

Salary: £25,520 - £26,995 (Plus an additional £3,300 per annum London Market Allowance if you are based in London area only)

Benefits for the UK include, but are not limited to:

•  32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays

•  3 days volunteering leave

•  Career average defined benefit pension scheme 

Requirements:
Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in UK.

Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. 
 
British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service.  This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email [email protected]