At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage communities in culture and creativity, supporting local artists and organisations.
- Company: Arts Council England, a champion for creativity and culture across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and cultural enrichment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by empowering communities to shape their cultural experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and a passion for creativity.
The predicted salary is between 38689 - 38689 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week. Arts Council recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcomes applications from individuals who require flexibility.
Salary: £38,689 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Manchester. The role will be based in Manchester; however, we operate a hybrid model and support staff to use remote working when combined with regular on-site contact days, normally 1-2 days a week.
About the role
Arts Council England is looking for a collaborative and inclusive Relationship Manager, Engagement & Communities, to join our North West team at an exciting time for the region. You will bring experience of engaging communities from a wide range of backgrounds in culture and creativity, particularly those who may be less likely to take part. You will be confident in advising and supporting creative practitioners and organisations, and passionate about broadening engagement through co‐creation, co‐production and empowering community voice.
As a Relationship Manager, you will play a key role in delivering our strategy, Let's Create, supporting our ambition for a country transformed by creativity and culture. Relationship Managers support a thriving cultural sector by working closely with funded organisations, creative practitioners and local partners. You will guide investment, monitor performance, offer developmental support and champion the value of creativity and culture. This role involves building strong, trust‐based relationships, understanding local cultural ecology, and ensuring our strategic ambitions are delivered across communities.
A significant part of this role will involve supporting our Creative People and Places (CPP) programme. CPP focuses on increasing participation in creativity and culture in areas where engagement is below the national average. It empowers communities to shape the cultural activity they want to experience, placing local people at the heart of decision‐making. The programme supports long‐term collaboration between communities, artists and organisations, and is made possible through National Lottery funding.
Typical responsibilities (standard week)
- Give funding advice, assess grant applications, understand project information, and monitor the performance of funded organisations and projects including National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs) and CPP programmes.
- Analyse financial information, identify investment risks, and provide feedback to applicants.
- Share expertise and advocate internally and externally related to Communities and Engagement, and work outside your specialism on a range of Arts Council initiatives.
- Support the Arts Council's place‐based approach by undertaking development activities in designated Priority Places.
About Arts Council England
Arts Council England is what is known as an Arm's Length Body and is the national development agency for creativity and culture. We champion, develop and invest in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people's lives. We support activity across the arts, museums and libraries, helping artists and communities across the country to access high‐quality creative opportunities. Guided by our strategy, Let's Create, we work locally, regionally and nationally to ensure that creativity is valued, talent can flourish, and everyone in England can enjoy a rich cultural life.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council regardless of your background. We offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role, subject to the volume of applications received. The definition of disability is based on the Equality Act 2010.
Practical information
Online Recruitment Drop‐In Session for Applicants:
When: Wednesday 15 April, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Where: Zoom Meeting – please reserve your spot via Eventbrite.
Interview schedule:
1st Interview (virtual): Monday 11 May
2nd Interview (in person, Manchester office): Thursday 21 May
Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require documentation in an alternative format, please contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk.
Relationship Manager, Communities and Engagement, Arts Council England in Manchester employer: Art In Liverpool
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and culture, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Manchester. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee development, we empower our staff to engage with diverse communities and make a meaningful impact in the arts sector. Join us in shaping a vibrant cultural landscape while enjoying the benefits of a final salary pension scheme and a collaborative team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relationship Manager, Communities and Engagement, Arts Council England in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Arts Council England and their mission. Familiarise yourself with their strategy, Let's Create, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you speak their language during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the role and the culture at Arts Council England. Building connections can give you an edge in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to community engagement and relationship management. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills and passion for creativity and culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Arts Council England.
We think you need these skills to ace Relationship Manager, Communities and Engagement, Arts Council England in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of a Relationship Manager. Highlight your community engagement skills and any relevant cultural experience.
Be Authentic:When you're crafting your application, let your personality shine through! We love seeing genuine passion for creativity and culture. Share your unique experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to community engagement.
Follow the Guidelines:Remember, we don’t accept CVs or cover letters, so make sure you stick to the application format specified. This shows us that you can follow instructions and pay attention to detail, which is super important in this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Art In Liverpool
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into the communities Arts Council England serves. Understand their cultural backgrounds and the challenges they face in engaging with the arts. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with diverse groups or organisations in the past. Highlight your ability to build trust-based relationships and how you’ve empowered community voices in previous roles. This will resonate well with the role's focus on co-creation and partnership.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CPP
Get to grips with the Creative People and Places programme. Be ready to discuss how you would support its goals of increasing participation in creativity and culture. Think about innovative ideas you could bring to the table that align with the programme’s objectives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life situations. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, especially in contexts involving funding advice and performance monitoring.
