At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage relationships with funded organisations and provide expert funding advice.
- Company: Join the Arts Council, a leader in cultural development and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity; we welcome all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while developing your expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in arts sectors and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38689 - 38689 £ per year.
Contract 1: Relationship Manager, Touring (SWB18) Fixed Term contract until 30 April 2027, working 35 hours per week.
Contract 2: Relationship Manager, Combined Arts (SWB16) Fixed Term contract until 30 June 2027, working 35 hours per week.
Contract 3: Relationship Manager (SWB20) Fixed Term contract until 30 September 2027, working 35 hours per week.
(Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcome 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: Bristol (The roles 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. Some travel to the organisations and places we work with will also be required).
We are seeking to appoint 3 Relationship Manager roles. Your application will be considered for all roles, however if you have a preference, please include this in your supporting statement. If open to all positions, there is no need to include a preference.
We are looking for candidates with specialised sector knowledge of Touring (contract 1) and Combined Arts (contract 2). We welcome applicants from any of our other specialisms for the other RM post (contract 3). Previous experience of place-based working, particularly in the South West, would be beneficial across all three roles.
This is a busy and exciting time to join as we undertake the significant National Portfolio Investment Programme. These posts 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, about Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants and other funds
- 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
To apply for this role, you will need experience of working in or with organisations working across Touring, Combined Arts and/or another specialism at a senior level. You will also need to have:
- Awareness of current cultural sector trends and opportunities, particularly relating to your specialism
- A good understanding of organisational dynamics, including business planning, financial reporting, performance management and governance
- 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
If you’re looking to make a positive impact and create change, possessing an inclusive and committed approach, you will be rewarded with an excellent salary and benefits package.
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. For further information please visit their website. Disabled, D/deaf and/or neurodivergent people and those from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse backgrounds are underrepresented in our workforce; 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.
Job ref: SWB18, SWB16 & SWB20
Closing date: 11:59pm on Sunday 6th September 2026
1st Interviews: (Virtual) Wednesday 16th & Thursday 17th September 2026
2nd Interviews: (in-person at Bristol office) Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th September 2026
Relationship Manager x3 employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and creativity. With flexible and hybrid working arrangements based in Manchester, employees are empowered to manage diverse projects while receiving ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the arts education sector. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people through the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relationship Manager x3
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Relationship Manager x3
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Arts Council England.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Arts Council England that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
