At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects to boost fundraising and enterprise in the cultural sector.
- Company: Join Arts Council England, a champion of creativity and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent growth opportunities and support for diverse candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on arts and culture while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong project management skills and a passion for the cultural sector.
The predicted salary is between 38689 - 38689 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed term until 30 June 2027. 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: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Nottingham. The role will be based in any of the offices listed; 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.
Arts Council England exists to foster a future in which creativity and culture sit at the heart of society - shaping our country and the lives of its people, whoever they are and wherever they live. We champion England’s exceptional artists, arts organisations, libraries and museums: helping them to flourish, innovate and deliver excellent work, and supporting everybody across the country to access that work and develop their own creativity.
That ambition can’t be sustained on public funding alone. England’s cultural sector is at a pivotal moment. Our new Strategic Framework built around three objectives: excellence, for everybody, everywhere, sets out a clear direction of travel. In our development agency role to ensure the long-term resilience of a sector, there is a recognition that we strengthen the enterprise and fundraising capabilities of arts, museums and libraries across the country.
The Government’s new place-based philanthropy strategy, Our Place to Give, proposed changes to tax incentives for giving, and opportunities to explore other funding and financing models create a genuine opportunity, and Arts Council England is working with partners, government and the sector to respond.
This role sits at the heart of that effort in the Enterprise & Innovation directorate working directly with the Business Innovation and Philanthropy team providing project management support for programmes and projects linked to Arts Council’s work in this area.
As Senior Officer in the Business Innovation & Philanthropy team, you will work directly with the Director of Business Innovation & Philanthropy and Senior Manager, Business Innovation, to deliver programmes and projects that help build the fundraising capacity, enterprise culture and investment readiness of arts, museums and libraries across England. You will work on both external, sector-facing programmes and internal Arts Council priorities collaborating across the Enterprise & Innovation directorate and with colleagues in national and area teams.
We are looking for someone who combines strong project management ability with analytical confidence, excellent communication skills, and genuine enthusiasm for the cultural sector. You will be comfortable managing a varied portfolio, working across organisational boundaries, and engaging with complex issues from policy development to financial analysis clearly and accessibly.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Arts Council is 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.
We participate in the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they’re applying to, subject to the volume of applications received. Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and/or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme. The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility. More information is included in the application guidance.
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.
We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent. Find out what to expect with our application Guidance: How to apply and recruitment selection process | Arts Council England and more about our commitment to diversity on our website.
Job ref: EIN8
Closing date: 09:00 Monday 17 August 2026
1st Interview: (virtual) 07 & 08 September 2026
2nd Interview: (virtual) 14 & 15 September 2026
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.
Senior Officer, Enterprise & Innovation 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 Senior Officer, Enterprise & Innovation
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like Arts Council England!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at Arts Council England that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Officer, Enterprise & Innovation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at Arts Council England. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for Arts Council England.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at Arts Council England!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of Arts Council England resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Senior Officer, Enterprise & Innovation position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
