At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage funded organisations and provide expert funding advice in diversity or community engagement.
- Company: Join the Arts Council, a leader in promoting diversity and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in diversity or community engagement with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 38689 - 38689 £ per year.
Contract 1: Relationship Manager, Diversity (MBN6), Permanent, Full Time, 35 hours per week
Contract 2: Relationship Manager, Communities & Engagement (MN15), Permanent, Full Time, 35 hours per week
Salary: £38,689 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Birmingham or Nottingham. Hybrid working model with regular on-site days.
We are looking for candidates with specialist sector knowledge of Diversity or Communities & Engagement and prior experience of place‑based working.
Key Responsibilities (both roles)
- Manage a portfolio of funded organisations in the Arts Council’s National Portfolio, monitoring their performance against funding agreements
- Take part in decision‑making processes through written appraisals and participation in panels for open funding streams
- Provide credible funding advice to organisations and individuals
- Analyse financial information, identify investment risks, and provide feedback to applicants
- Share expertise internally and externally, and engage on arts‑council initiatives beyond the specialism
- Contribute to regional work as part of the Midlands Area team
Relationship Manager, Diversity (Midlands)
- Act as the area lead for diversity, sharing specialist knowledge with national teams and other relationship managers
- Participate in cross‑discipline meetings to embed diversity themes in strategic objectives
- Lead on diversity‑related development work to support widening access to funding programmes
- Provide insights and data‑driven decision‑making support to the Midlands Management Team
What you will bring (Diversity)
- Diversity & Inclusion expertise with a track record of improving outcomes for underrepresented groups
- Deep understanding of structural barriers affecting diverse freelancers, practitioners, and cultural organisations
- Collaborative leadership skills for area‑lead responsibilities and cross‑national team work
- Strong analytical, communication and presentation skills for strategic alignment
Relationship Manager, Communities & Engagement (Midlands)
- Key member of the Midlands Communities & Engagement team with oversight of a mixed portfolio across the Midlands
- Support progress of Creative People and Places programmes (CPPs)
- Demonstrated track record in broadening engagement through co‑creation, co‑production, and community empowerment
- Support development of best practice in community engagement and widen access to funding
What you will bring (Communities & Engagement)
- Proven experience delivering outcomes for underrepresented groups and communities
- Deep understanding of structural barriers to access for communities across the Midlands
- Collaborative leadership skills for area‑lead functions and national team collaboration
- Strong analytical, communication and presentation skills for data‑driven decision‑making
Additional Requirements (both roles)
- Aware of current cultural sector trends and opportunities
- Understanding of organisational dynamics, including business planning, financial reporting, performance management and governance
- Relationship development skills and ability to advise on artistic and operational challenges
- Experience working with cross‑sector stakeholders toward common place‑based goals
- Ability to handle challenging conversations with senior leaders
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Arts Council is committed to an inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially disabled, D/deaf, neurodivergent, and BAME communities.
Applications should include an indication of the role applied for.
Closing date: Monday 10th August 2026, 12 noon
Relationship Manager - Diversity & Communities (Midlands) in England employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and creativity. With flexible and hybrid working arrangements based in Manchester, employees are empowered to manage diverse projects while receiving ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the arts education sector. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people through the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relationship Manager - Diversity & Communities (Midlands) in England
✨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 - Diversity & Communities (Midlands) in England
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 - Diversity & Communities (Midlands), 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!
