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- Tasks: Lead the Arts Council’s capital investment strategy and manage funding programmes.
- Company: Arts Council England champions arts and culture, promoting inclusivity and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cultural infrastructure while working in a dynamic, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in capital development and investment is essential.
- Other info: We encourage diverse applicants and offer support for those needing adjustments.
The predicted salary is between 61002 - 61002 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 31 March 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 welcomes applications from individuals who require flexibility.
Salary: £61,102 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Manchester, Birmingham, Brighton or Bristol. The role can be based at any of the offices 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.
Arts Council England is seeking a director to lead the Arts Council’s capital investment strategy and ensure the effective management of our capital funding programmes. As a senior member of the Chief Operating Officer’s management team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering capital development and investment strategies that align with the Arts Council’s Let’s Create strategy.
In this role, you will oversee our freshly restructured Capital Investment, Capital Relationships & Monitoring, and Cultural Development Fund teams. You will ensure that capital funding programmes such as the £85m Creative Foundations Fund, the £25m Museum Estate and Development Fund, and the £5.5m Libraries Improvement Fund are effectively designed, managed, and delivered. You will be responsible for ensuring that capital investment supports cultural infrastructure, meets strategic priorities, and remains accessible and inclusive.
A key part of your role will be managing relationships with Government, industry bodies, and other funders, advising on capital policy, and ensuring that risks associated with capital investment are effectively monitored and mitigated. You will also play a decision-making role on funding applications up to £1m and in providing recommendations for larger investments, ensuring a robust and transparent allocation of resources.
This role requires a strategic and influential leader with significant experience in capital development, investment, and cultural infrastructure. You will be adept at working in complex stakeholder environments, managing senior teams, and providing expert leadership on capital policy. If you have the vision and expertise to shape the future of capital investment in the cultural sector and fulfil the other duties detailed in the Job Description, we invite you to apply.
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.
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: COO46
Closing date: 09:00 am Monday 31 March 2025
1st Interviews: Friday 11 April 2025 (virtual)
2nd Interviews: Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 April 2025 – in person at our London office.
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.
Director, Capital (COO46) employer: Arts Council England
Contact Detail:
Arts Council England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Capital (COO46)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Arts Council's 'Let's Create' strategy. Understanding their vision will help you align your experience and ideas with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the cultural sector, especially those involved in capital investment. Building relationships can provide insights into the role and may lead to valuable recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing complex stakeholder environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated these situations in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current capital funding programmes like the Creative Foundations Fund and the Libraries Improvement Fund. Being knowledgeable about these initiatives will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Capital (COO46)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Director, Capital position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, particularly in capital development and investment strategies.
Tailor Your Application: Craft your application to highlight your relevant experience and achievements in capital investment and cultural infrastructure. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic leadership and ability to manage complex stakeholder environments.
Focus on Inclusivity: Reflect the Arts Council's commitment to diversity and inclusion in your application. Mention any experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that promote inclusivity within the cultural sector.
Follow Application Guidelines: Remember that Arts Council does not accept CVs or cover letters. Ensure you provide all required information in the specified format on our website, and double-check for completeness before submitting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Understand the Capital Investment Strategy
Familiarise yourself with the Arts Council's capital investment strategy and its alignment with the Let’s Create strategy. Be prepared to discuss how your experience can contribute to shaping and delivering these strategies effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a senior role, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and complex stakeholder environments in previous positions, particularly in capital development and cultural infrastructure.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about managing relationships with government bodies and other funders. Think of specific instances where you’ve navigated complex stakeholder dynamics and how you ensured effective communication and collaboration.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Inclusion
Given the Arts Council's commitment to diversity and inclusion, be ready to discuss how you have promoted these values in your previous roles. Share any initiatives you've led or participated in that support accessibility and inclusivity in capital investment.
