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- Tasks: Engage communities in culture and creativity, supporting local artists and organisations.
- Company: Join Arts Council England, a champion for creativity and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by empowering communities to shape their cultural experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and a passion for creativity.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 38689 - 38689 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent, 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: £38,689 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Manchester. The role will be based in Manchester; 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.
About the role: Arts Council England is looking for a collaborative and inclusive Relationship Manager, Engagement & Communities, to join our North West team at an exciting time for the region. You will bring experience of engaging communities from a wide range of backgrounds in culture and creativity, particularly those who may be less likely to take part. You will be confident in advising and supporting creative practitioners and organisations, and passionate about broadening engagement through co‑creation, co‑production and empowering community voice.
As a Relationship Manager, you will play a key role in delivering our strategy, Let’s Create, supporting our ambition for a country transformed by creativity and culture. Relationship Managers play a key role in supporting a thriving cultural sector by working closely with funded organisations, creative practitioners and local partners. You will help guide investment, monitor performance, offer developmental support and champion the value of creativity and culture. The role involves building strong, trust‑based relationships, understanding local cultural ecology, and ensuring our strategic ambitions are delivered across communities.
A significant part of this role will involve supporting our Creative People and Places (CPP) programme. CPP focuses on increasing participation in creativity and culture in areas where engagement is below the national average. It empowers communities to shape the cultural activity they want to experience, placing local people at the heart of decision‑making. The programme supports long‑term collaboration between communities, artists and organisations, and is made possible through National Lottery funding.
Standard week example:
- Giving funding advice, assessing grant applications, understanding project information, and monitoring the performance of funded organisations and projects including National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs) and Creative People and Places (CPP) programmes.
- Analysing financial information, identifying investment risks, and providing feedback to applicants.
- Sharing your expertise and advocating internally and externally related to Communities and Engagement as well as working outside your specialism on a range of Arts Council initiatives.
- Supporting the Arts Council’s place‑based approach by undertaking development activities in designated Priority Places.
About Arts Council England: Arts Council England is what is known as an Arm’s Length Body and is the national development agency for creativity and culture. We champion, develop and invest in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people’s lives. We support activity across the arts, museums and libraries, helping artists and communities across the country to access high‑quality creative opportunities. Guided by our strategy, Let’s Create, we work locally, regionally and nationally to ensure that creativity is valued, talent can flourish, and everyone in England can enjoy a rich cultural life.
Online Recruitment Drop In Session for Applicants: We will be holding an online drop‑in on Zoom for potential applicants to find out more about the role and what it is like to work as a Relationship Manager for Arts Council England. When: Wednesday 15 April, 12.30pm – 1.30pm Where: Zoom Meeting – please reserve your spot via Eventbright.
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. We welcome applicants of any background. If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak is able to provide support with your application. For further information please visit their website.
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, 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. The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility. More information is included in the application guidance.
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: NM19
Closing date: 09:00 Wednesday 22 April
1st Interview: (virtual) Monday 11 May
2nd Interview: (In person, Manchester office) Thursday 21 May
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.
Relationship Manager, Communities and Engagement (NM19) in Manchester employer: Arts Council England
Contact Detail:
Arts Council England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relationship Manager, Communities and Engagement (NM19) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Arts Council and its mission! Familiarise yourself with their strategy, Let’s Create, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out in conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend events, webinars, or drop-in sessions related to the role. Engaging with current employees can give you insider knowledge and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to community engagement. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to building trust-based relationships and empowering communities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Arts Council team and contributing to the cultural landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Relationship Manager, Communities and Engagement (NM19) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Relationship Manager role is all about. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion for Community Engagement: We want to see your enthusiasm for engaging diverse communities in culture and creativity. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully connected with different groups or supported creative initiatives. Let your passion shine through!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor your responses to reflect the values and goals of Arts Council England. Use language from the job description to demonstrate that you’re a perfect fit for our team and mission.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure you submit your application there. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to track your application status. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into the local cultural landscape of Manchester. Understand the communities that Arts Council England serves and be ready to discuss how you can engage with diverse groups. This shows your commitment to the role and your understanding of the community's needs.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
As a Relationship Manager, collaboration is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked with various stakeholders, especially in creative settings. Highlight how you’ve empowered community voices and fostered co-creation.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to community engagement and funding advice. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Inclusivity
Arts Council values flexible working and inclusivity. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these values in your role. Share any experiences you have in creating inclusive environments or adapting your approach to meet diverse needs within communities.