At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage relationships with museums and cultural organisations, providing funding advice and support.
- 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 professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the cultural sector while developing your expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in museums or cultural property, strong communication and analytical skills.
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 Grade C plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Bristol. The role will be based in Bristol; 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 looking for candidates with specialised sector knowledge of Museums and Cultural Property to be a Relationship Manager on a permanent basis. Working as part of the South West area team with a cohort of Relationship Managers across disciplines, and closely with the national Museums and Cultural Property team, you will contribute to the shaping and delivery of the Arts Council Strategic Framework. This is a busy and exciting time to join as we undertake the significant National Portfolio Investment Programme. This post will be a key part of our assessment process, with the opportunity to contribute your expertise and develop your understanding of Arts Council grant-making.
As a Relationship Manager, you will act as the primary point of contact between regularly funded organisations and the Arts Council. You will broker internal and external relationships to ensure that funded organisations have access to appropriate sources of expertise and knowledge to support them in achieving great art in the context of delivering their business plans and operating effectively.
In this Relationship Manager role, you can expect to:
- Manage a portfolio of funded organisations and give funding advice to individuals and organisations within and beyond the museums sector.
- Support our decision-making processes, write assessments and sit on funding panels.
- Assess financial information, identifying risk, and providing feedback on artistic plans.
- Take a place-based approach to cultural development, building relationships with Local Authorities, Universities, Business Improvement Districts, Cultural Leaders Groups and other stakeholders to encourage collaboration towards positive place-based cultural working.
- Contribute to our work across the region as part of the South West area team.
- Help to improve the diversity of the projects, organisations and people we fund.
- Maintain awareness of current cultural sector trends and opportunities, particularly relating to Museums and Cultural Property.
- Have a good understanding of organisational dynamics, including business planning, financial reporting, performance management and governance.
- Demonstrate relationship development, communication and analytical skills and experience with organisations at all levels to provide advice and support on artistic and operational challenges.
- Experience of working with a range of cross-sector stakeholders towards common place-based goals.
- Experience at handling challenging conversations with senior leaders.
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: SWB57
1st Interview: (Virtual) 21 October 2026
2nd Interview: (In person- Bristol) 28 October 2026
Relationship Manager, Museums and Cultural Property (SWB57) 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, Museums and Cultural Property (SWB57)
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Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Relationship Manager, Museums and Cultural Property (SWB57) at Arts Council England!
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Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Relationship Manager, Museums and Cultural Property (SWB57) role at Arts Council England!
We think you need these skills to ace Relationship Manager, Museums and Cultural Property (SWB57)
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Arts Council England. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
