At a Glance
- Tasks: Build empowering relationships with libraries and support cultural organisations in England.
- Company: Join the Arts Council, a leader in promoting arts and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and meeting diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on arts and culture while shaping community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in library services and strong collaboration skills required.
The predicted salary is between 41211 - 41211 £ 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: £41,211 per annum Grade C London plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: London. The role will be based in London; 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.
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. For more information on this, please talk to the recruiting manager or contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk.
Job ref: LL40
1st Interview: (virtual) Thursday 22 October 2026
2nd Interview: (In Person) Friday 6 November 2026
Relationship Manager, Libraries (LL40) 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relationship Manager, Libraries (LL40)
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Arts Council England, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Arts Council England and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Relationship Manager, Libraries (LL40)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Arts Council England and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Arts Council England, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Arts Council England.
