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- Tasks: Manage relationships with funded theatre organisations and provide funding advice.
- Company: Join Arts Council England, dedicated to making arts accessible for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to enhance cultural diversity and creativity in the North.
- Qualifications: Experience in the theatre sector and strong collaboration skills are essential.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and offer support for adjustments.
The predicted salary is between 30900 - 41000 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed term until 31 May 2026, working 35 hours per week. Salary: £36,987 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 at 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).
We are on a mission to make sure that the arts and cultural activities we fund are inclusive and that everyone in England has the chance to lead creative and cultural lives no matter what their background. Music, theatre, galleries, dance, literature, museums, libraries – it’s about access to all of these and more. Can you help us?
As a Relationship Manager, Theatre, you will be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and experience of the Theatre sector, particularly in the North of England. You’ll have a focus on building, empowering and enduring relationships with a portfolio of funded organisations and helping to develop the sector in the north to maintain its vibrant, innovative and diverse range of opportunities.
You will also have a good understanding of the cultural sector in England and of the current challenges and opportunities facing it, and excellent skills in collaboration, influencing and advocacy, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. You’ll be comfortable working with data and taking an evidence-based approach to developing new initiatives.
Here are some of the things you could expect to do in this role:
- Manage a portfolio of funded organisations and giving funding advice to individuals and organisations, about Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants and other funds.
- Support our decision-making processes, writing assessments and sit on funding panels.
- Assessing financial information, identifying risk, and providing feedback on artistic plans.
- Take a place-based, creativity-led approach to cultural development by working with local stakeholders in targeted places.
- Helping to improve the diversity of the projects we fund by giving feedback to applicants and looking to support a wide range of first-time applicants.
If this Relationship Manager job sounds like the right fit for you, please contact Arts Council England today. We look forward to hearing from you.
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: NM5
Closing date: 09:00am Monday 07 July 2025
1st Interviews: (virtual) Tuesday 22 July 2025
2nd Interviews: (in person) Friday 08 August 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.
Contact Detail:
ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relationship Manager, Theatre (NM5)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and opportunities in the theatre sector, especially in the North of England. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the arts and cultural sector. Attend local theatre events or workshops to build relationships and gain insights into the industry, which can be invaluable when discussing your experience and ideas in the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would approach building and maintaining relationships with funded organisations. Think about specific strategies you could implement to support diversity and inclusion within the projects you manage.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your data analysis skills. Consider examples from your past experiences where you've used data to inform decisions or develop initiatives, as this is a key aspect of the Relationship Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Relationship Manager, Theatre (NM5)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Relationship Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, particularly in relation to the Theatre sector in the North of England.
Tailor Your Application: Craft your application to highlight your relevant experience and knowledge of the Theatre sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and support cultural development.
Focus on Inclusivity: Given the emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the job description, ensure your application reflects your commitment to these values. Mention any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that promote inclusivity in the arts.
Follow Application Guidelines: Remember that Arts Council does not accept CVs or cover letters. Instead, focus on completing the application form as instructed. Pay attention to detail and ensure all sections are filled out accurately before submission.
How to prepare for a job interview at ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND.
✨Show Your Passion for the Arts
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the theatre sector and the arts in general. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to promoting inclusivity and access to cultural activities.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of the Sector
Be prepared to discuss current challenges and opportunities within the cultural sector, particularly in the North of England. Research recent developments and be ready to share your insights on how they impact the organisations you will manage.
✨Highlight Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since the role focuses on building enduring relationships, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully collaborated with diverse stakeholders in the past. Emphasise your ability to empower others and foster a supportive environment.
✨Prepare for Evidence-Based Discussions
As the role involves working with data and assessing financial information, be ready to discuss how you have used evidence to inform decision-making in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've developed initiatives based on data analysis.
