Arts Council England
Relationship Manager x 3
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Relationship Manager x 3
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.
About the Role
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.
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Key Responsibilities
- 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
Required Experience and Skills
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
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 here.
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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. To find out more, click here.
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
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 here.
Job Description
To view the job description please click here.
To view the recruitment pack which outlines more details about working for Arts Council please click here.
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
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
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