At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage relationships with funded organisations and support the visual arts sector in Yorkshire.
- Company: Join Arts Council England, a leader in promoting inclusive cultural activities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace a dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the visual arts community while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Passion for visual arts and experience in leadership roles like gallery management or curation.
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: Leeds (The role will be based in the Leeds Office; 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 on a mission to make sure that the arts and cultural activities we fund are high quality, inclusive and that everyone in England has the chance to lead creative and cultural lives no matter what their background. We are looking for someone who is passionate about visual arts and has an in-depth, working knowledge of the visual arts sector, its challenges and opportunities. Ideally you will have had leadership experience running a gallery, studios or as a curator.
As a Visual Arts Relationship Manager, you will bring your expertise and knowledge to build empowering and effective relationships with a portfolio of funded organisations. You will support and develop the wider sector in Yorkshire to meet Arts Council England’s strategic aims of ‘excellence for everybody everywhere’. You will also have a good understanding of the wider cultural sector in England and of the current challenges and opportunities facing it, and excellent skills in collaboration, influencing and advocacy, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. You’ll be comfortable working with data and taking an evidence-based approach to developing new initiatives.
Here are some of the things you could expect to do in this role:
- Manage a portfolio of funded organisations and give funding advice to individuals and organisations about Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants and other funds.
- Support our decision-making processes, writing assessments and sit on funding panels.
- Assess financial information, identifying risk, and providing feedback on artistic plans.
- Take a place-based, creativity-led approach to cultural development by working with local stakeholders in targeted places.
- Help to improve the diversity of the projects we fund by giving feedback to applicants and looking to support a wide range of first-time applicants.
If this Relationship Manager job sounds like the right fit for you, please contact Arts Council England today. We look forward to hearing from you.
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.
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.
Job ref: ND11 Closing date: 09:00 Monday 10 August 2026 1st Interview: 25 August 2026 (virtual) 2nd Interview: 8 September 2026 (In person)
Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process.
Relationship Manager, Visual Arts (ND11) in Leeds employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Leeds, where flexibility and hybrid working are embraced. With a commitment to employee growth, generous benefits including a final salary pension scheme and ample annual leave, we empower our staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the visual arts sector across Yorkshire and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relationship Manager, Visual Arts (ND11) in Leeds
✨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, Visual Arts (ND11) in Leeds
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, Visual Arts (ND11), 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!
