At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Artsmark team in delivering an exciting arts programme for schools.
- Company: Join the Arts Council, a leader in cultural education and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available, with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team celebrating 25 years of Artsmark and making a difference.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for cultural education are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28662 - 28662 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed term until 30 September 2027, 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: £28,662 per annum Grade E plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Leeds or Manchester. The role will be based in any of the locations 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.
Introduction: Artsmark is the Arts Council’s national schools programme celebrating schools that bring learning to life through arts, culture and creativity. You will provide administrative support to the Artsmark team, supporting delivery of the Artsmark programme. The year ahead is an exciting moment for Artsmark, as the programme celebrates its 25th birthday and delivers a service redesign of the Artsmark programme developed in partnership with schools. The Artsmark Assistant role will play an important part in supporting the smooth delivery of Artsmark during this key period.
Role Details: You’ll be part of a small team helping schools progress from registration to award. You’ll act as a first point of contact for Artsmark schools, respond to queries, support meetings and administration, maintain records and systems, assist with finance processes, contribute to programme evaluation, and support marketing and communications activity. We’re looking for someone with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, confident communication, and the ability to prioritise a varied workload. You’ll be comfortable working independently and collaboratively, confident using Microsoft 365 tools such as Excel and Outlook, and committed to high-quality customer service, inclusive practice, and Arts Council England’s values. An interest in cultural education for children and young people would be welcome.
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. 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.
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.
Job ref: COO28
Interviews: (virtual) 06 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
Assistant, Artsmark (COO28) in Leeds 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.
