At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage relationships with museums, providing funding advice and support for cultural development.
- Company: Join the Arts Council, a leader in promoting arts and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the cultural sector while developing your expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in Museums and Cultural Property, strong communication and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 38689 - 38689 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent working 35 hours per week. Salary: £38,689 per annum Grade C plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Bristol (The role will be based in Bristol 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).
We are looking for candidates with specialised sector knowledge of Museums and Cultural Property to be a Relationship Manager on a permanent basis. Working as part of the South West area team with a cohort of Relationship Managers across disciplines, and closely with the national Museums and Cultural Property team, you will contribute to the shaping and delivery of the Arts Council Strategic Framework. This is a busy and exciting time to join as we undertake the significant National Portfolio Investment Programme. This post will be a key part of our assessment process, with the opportunity to contribute your expertise and develop your understanding of Arts Council grant-making.
As a Relationship Manager, you will act as the primary point of contact between regularly funded 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 delivering their business plans and operating effectively.
In this Relationship Manager role, you can expect to:
- Manage a portfolio of funded organisations and give funding advice to individuals and organisations within and beyond the museums sector.
- Support our decision-making processes, write assessments and sit on funding panels.
- Assess financial information, identifying risk, and providing feedback on artistic plans.
- Take a place-based approach to cultural development, building relationships with Local Authorities, Universities, Business Improvement Districts, Cultural Leaders Groups and other stakeholders to encourage collaboration towards positive place-based cultural working.
- Contribute to our work across the region as part of the South West area team.
- Help to improve the diversity of the projects, organisations and people we fund.
To apply for this role, you'll need good knowledge and experience working in or with Museums and Cultural Property. You will also need to have:
- Awareness of current cultural sector trends and opportunities, particularly relating to Museums and Cultural Property.
- A good understanding of organisational dynamics, including business planning, financial reporting, performance management and governance.
- Relationship development, communication and analytical skills and experience with organisations at all levels to provide advice and support on artistic and operational challenges.
- Experience of working with a range of cross-sector stakeholders towards common place-based goals.
- Experience at handling challenging conversations with senior leaders.
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.
We participate in the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they’re applying to, subject to the volume of applications received. Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and/or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme. The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility.
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.
We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent. Find out what to expect with our application Guidance: How to apply and recruitment selection process | Arts Council England and more about our commitment to diversity on our website.
Job ref: SWB57 Closing date: 30 September 2026 1st Interview: (Virtual) 21 October 2026 2nd Interview: (In person- Bristol) 28 October 2026 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
Relationship Manager, Museums and Cultural Property (SWB57) in Bristol employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With a focus on professional growth, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a final salary pension scheme, and opportunities to lead innovative digital projects in a collaborative environment. Located in Manchester, the role allows for hybrid working, ensuring a balanced approach to work and life while contributing to meaningful organisational change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relationship Manager, Museums and Cultural Property (SWB57) in Bristol
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Arts Council England.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Arts Council England.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Arts Council England.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Arts Council England. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Relationship Manager, Museums and Cultural Property (SWB57) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Arts Council England. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Relationship Manager, Museums and Cultural Property (SWB57), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Arts Council England. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
