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- Tasks: Manage relationships with funded organisations and support their artistic goals.
- Company: Join the Arts Council, a leader in promoting arts and culture across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in the arts while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in museums or arts organisations at a senior level is essential.
- Other info: We encourage applications from underrepresented groups to foster diversity.
The predicted salary is between 30990 - 41000 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed Term until 31 May 2026, working 35 hours per week. Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcome applications from individuals who require flexibility.
Salary: £36,987 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Cambridge. The role will be based at the office base listed; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week.
As a Relationship Manager, you will act as the primary conduit and point of contact between these organisations and the Arts Council. You will broker internal and external relationships to ensure that funded organisations have access to appropriate sources of expertise and knowledge to support them in achieving great art in the context of meeting their business plans and operating effectively.
We are looking for candidates with specialised sector knowledge of museums, combined arts or literature (multiple specialisms not required). The successful post holder will become a member of the Norfolk & Suffolk sub-regional place group. That role will require regular travel across these two counties to meet organisations and attend events. We are looking for candidates with previous experience of place-based working.
In this relationship management role, you can expect to:
- Manage a portfolio of funded organisations through our National Portfolio of Organisations.
- Maintain an awareness of their performance against their funding agreement with the Arts Council.
- Depending on your specialist knowledge, advise museums, literature or combined arts organisations on their resilience, how to deliver against our strategy ‘Lets Create’ and apply for grants from our funding programmes.
- Build relationships with Local Authorities, Universities, Business Improvement Districts, Cultural Leaders Groups and other stakeholders and encourage collaboration towards positive place-based working.
- Read funding applications and write assessments about them to inform our decision-making panels.
- Make decisions about whether to fund applications by reading applications and taking part in decision panels.
- Contribute to our work across the region as part of the South East area team.
- Help to improve the diversity of the projects, organisations and people we fund.
To apply for this role, you will need experience of working in or with museums, combined arts or literature organisations at a senior level. You will also need to have:
- Awareness of current cultural sector trends and opportunities.
- A good understanding of organisational dynamics, including business planning, financial reporting, performance management and governance.
- Relationships development skills and experience with organisations at all levels and have strong communication and analytical skills to provide advice and support on artistic and operational challenges faced.
- Experience of working with a range of cross sector stakeholders towards common place-based goals.
- Experience at handling challenging conversations with senior leaders.
If you’re looking to make a positive impact and create change, possessing an inclusive and committed approach, you will be rewarded with an excellent salary and benefits package.
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. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council. If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application.
Disabled, D/deaf and/or neurodivergent people and those from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse backgrounds are underrepresented in our workforce so we particularly encourage applications from people in these groups.
About us: Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme.
Our Code of Ethics requires that employees of the Arts Council are not able to receive an Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding - either in person, as a member of a partnership, or for any organisation they own. There are also limitations on board or CEO positions employees can hold in organisations we fund. For more information on this, please talk to the recruiting manager or contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk.
We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent. Find out what to expect with our application guidance and more about our commitment to diversity on our website.
Job ref: SECB19, SEC8
Closing date: 09:00am Monday 23 June 2025
1st Interviews: (Virtual) 03, 04 and 07 July 2025
2nd Interviews: (Virtual) Friday 18 July 2025
Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk.
2x Relationship Manager (SECB19), (SEC8) employer: ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND.
Contact Detail:
ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2x Relationship Manager (SECB19), (SEC8)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Arts Council's current strategies and initiatives, especially 'Let's Create'. Understanding their goals will help you align your experience and ideas with what they are looking for in a Relationship Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the cultural sector, particularly those involved with museums, literature, or combined arts. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with place-based working and how you've successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to foster collaboration and drive positive outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current trends and challenges within the cultural sector. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only help you in interviews but also show your commitment to making a positive impact in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace 2x Relationship Manager (SECB19), (SEC8)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Relationship Manager position. Highlight your relevant experience in museums, combined arts, or literature to align with what the Arts Council is looking for.
Tailor Your Application: Craft your application specifically for this role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate how your skills and experiences match the expectations outlined by the Arts Council.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Provide concrete examples of your previous work in relationship management, particularly in the cultural sector. Discuss your experience with cross-sector stakeholders and any successful projects you've led that relate to place-based working.
Follow Application Guidelines: Remember that the Arts Council does not accept CVs or cover letters. Ensure you submit your application through the specified format on our website, including any required documentation as outlined in the job posting.
How to prepare for a job interview at ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND.
✨Research the Arts Council
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research the Arts Council and its current initiatives. Understanding their mission, values, and recent projects will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
As a Relationship Manager, your ability to build and maintain relationships is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships, particularly in the cultural sector, to illustrate your skills during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenging conversations with senior leaders. Think of specific situations where you navigated complex dynamics and be ready to discuss your approach and outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Sector Knowledge
Since the role requires specialised knowledge of museums, combined arts, or literature, be prepared to discuss current trends and challenges in these areas. This will show your awareness of the sector and your capability to advise organisations effectively.
