At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver engaging communications for a new Individuals Service supporting cultural freelancers.
- Company: Arts Council England, dedicated to enhancing the creative and cultural sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, final-salary pension, and flexible hybrid working.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and community support.
- Why this job: Be a storyteller and make a real difference in the lives of artists and freelancers.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, campaign development, and content creation across various channels.
The predicted salary is between 38689 - 38689 £ per year.
Location: Manchester. The role will be based in Manchester; however, we operate a hybrid way of working and support our staff to use remote working options combined with regular on‑site contact days with the team, normally 1–2 days a week.
Are you a compelling storyteller with a passion to support cultural freelancers?
Arts Council England is seeking a professional to lead and deliver communications around the development of a new Individuals Service. You will develop and share the story of how the programme evolves, from concept to launch, and how it will support the community of artists and individual practitioners freelancing within the creative and cultural sector.
We are looking for a confident and experienced communications professional who can lead on advice, messaging, planning, delivery and enhancing impact. You will have experience devising campaigns, producing clear content, and executing across different communication channels.
As part of priorities outlined in our new Strategic Framework, we are committed to developing a new service for individuals, delivering on the recommendations in the Independent Review of Arts Council England 2026. The service will bring together and make more visible the support and work we already fund and introduce a new national funding programme for individuals. It will be a simple, intuitive one‑stop shop for artists and freelancers that combines funding programmes with improved advice, access to training and skills development opportunities, and career‑long support. It will be underpinned by user‑centred service design principles as part of our wider digital transformation. The service will build on Arts Council’s extensive investment in Individuals across programmes including the National Portfolio, National Lottery Project Grants, Develop Your Creative Practice, and a range of other sector development investment initiatives. It will provide enhanced support and guidance, alongside a simpler, more accessible approach to funding and support.
Arts Council is committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. Regardless of your identity, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council.
Salary: £38,689 per annum, Grade C, plus benefits including a final‑salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Communications Officer, Individual Service in Manchester employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions creativity and inclusivity in the heart of Manchester. With a commitment to employee growth through training and development opportunities, alongside a flexible hybrid working model, we empower our staff to thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the creative sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Officer, Individual Service in Manchester
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Arts Council England. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
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Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
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We think you need these skills to ace Communications Officer, Individual Service in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Arts Council England. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Arts Council England.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
