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- Tasks: Build relationships with library services and funded organisations to enhance arts and culture delivery.
- Company: Join Arts Council England, the development agency for libraries, promoting diversity in arts and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community engagement in arts and culture while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in library services or cultural organisations, with strong collaboration and advocacy skills required.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and offer support for adjustments during the application process.
The predicted salary is between 31400 - 46400 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed Term until 31 March 2026, 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: £39,398 (pro rata) per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: London. The role will be based at the London 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.
Do you want to help shape and influence the way arts and culture is delivered today? Help more people in more places take part in arts and culture? Help arts and cultural organisations better reflect the diversity of our communities?
We are looking for a Relationship Manager, Libraries to join a mixed team in the Arts Council’s London office which includes Combined Arts, Dance, Literature and Libraries. Arts Council England is the development agency for libraries in England. Our focus is on public libraries which operate within a wider framework of library provision and local and national government services.
In this key role you’ll have a focus on building empowering and enduring relationships with library services and a portfolio of funded organisations. This will include awareness of their performance against their business plan, their funding agreement with Arts Council England, and of their cultural work to identify their investment needs. This role will support libraries in contributing to priority places and work with colleagues in integrating London’s libraries into all of our funding streams.
You will manage relationships with designated National Portfolio Organisations relevant to libraries and specific projects supported by strategic funds. You will take a London area lead on our relationships with the libraries sector, and work with other Arts Council colleagues as a member of the Libraries national team. You will lead on specific funded projects with national library stakeholders (e.g. CILIP and the British Library) and attend regular meetings with regional library colleagues (e.g. London Libraries meetings). You will report to the Senior Relationship Manager who holds the area overview on Strategic Partnerships and Priority Places.
You will have specific knowledge of the libraries sector, along with a good understanding of the cultural sector in England and of the current challenges and opportunities facing it. You’ll also have excellent skills in collaboration, influencing and advocacy, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
The successful candidate will have significant experience of working within a library service or engaging with library services, as well as with artists and arts and cultural organisations. You will need a good understanding of organisational dynamics including business planning, financial reporting, performance management and governance. With a diverse portfolio of external partner relationships to maintain, you will be self-reliant and enjoy both frequent travel and meeting new people. Experience of working with local authority and other strategic partners would also be an advantage.
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. If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application.
Disabled, D/deaf and/or neurodivergent people and those from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse backgrounds are underrepresented in our workforce so we particularly encourage applications from people in these groups.
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.
We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent. Find out what to expect with our application guidance and more about our commitment to diversity on our website.
Job ref: LL40
Closing date: 09:00am 19 May 2025
1st Interviews: (virtual) 11 June 2025
2nd Interviews: (virtual) 26 June 2025
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, Libraries (LL40) employer: ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND.
Contact Detail:
ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relationship Manager, Libraries (LL40)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and opportunities facing the libraries sector in England. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the libraries and cultural sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders, which can provide insights and possibly even referrals for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your collaboration and influencing skills by preparing examples of past experiences where you've successfully built relationships with library services or cultural organisations. Be ready to discuss these in detail during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Arts Council England's recent initiatives and projects related to libraries. Showing that you are informed about their work and how it aligns with your values can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Relationship Manager, Libraries (LL40)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements for the Relationship Manager, Libraries position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these aspects.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your significant experience working within library services or engaging with them. Provide specific examples of your collaboration with arts and cultural organisations, showcasing your understanding of the sector's dynamics.
Demonstrate Skills: Clearly outline your skills in collaboration, influencing, and advocacy. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've successfully managed relationships and projects in the past, particularly in a library or cultural context.
Follow Application Guidelines: Since Arts Council does not accept CVs or cover letters, ensure you follow their application process precisely. Prepare any required documentation in the specified format and submit it through our website before the closing date.
How to prepare for a job interview at ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND.
✨Know Your Libraries Sector
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the libraries sector and its current challenges. Research recent developments and trends in library services, as well as the role of Arts Council England in supporting these services.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your experience in building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders. Highlight your collaboration and influencing skills, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Cultural Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the broader cultural sector in England. Be ready to discuss how libraries can contribute to arts and culture, and how you can support organisations in achieving their goals.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle specific situations related to library services and partnerships.
