Relationship Manager, Libraries (Swb15)

Contract: Permanent, working 17.5 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: £35,225 (pro rata) per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working. 

Location: Bristol (The role will be based at the office base 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) 

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. Libraries, Museums, Music, theatre, galleries, dance, literature, – it’s about access to all of these and more. Can you help us?

Arts Council England is looking for a Relationship Manager for Libraries in the South West of England. We’re looking for someone to work alongside our current Libraries RM with our libraries portfolio across the South West of England and support more libraries across the South West to access Arts Council Funding and Support.

Here are some of the things you could expect to do in this role:

• Manage a portfolio of funded organisations including Library National Portfolio Organisations.
• Giving funding advice to libraries, individuals, and other cultural organisations, about Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants and other funds. 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.
• Support our decision-making processes, writing assessments and sit on funding panels.
• Work as part of a place team with a focus on our priority places providing wider advice to applicants.

As a Relationship Manager, Libraries you will be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and experience of the library sector.

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.

Arts Council England provides some great benefits, including:

• A final salary pension scheme, 25 days plus bank holidays and annual winter closure (three days between Christmas and New Year) plus one additional day for each year of service up to 30 days
• We also offer a buy/sell annual leave option and flexible and hybrid working and well-being support
• We also offer exclusive savings on the high street and online, as well as holidays, cinema tickets, gym membership, dining out and much more.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Arts Council are committed to building an inclusive employer and 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 help 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 at here

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. To find out more, click here.

Please note that, we are currently consulting on our Staff Code of Ethics and changes which will avoid conflicts of interest. The changes would mean that employees of the Arts Council would not be 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. 

To view the job description please click here  (Please note we have recently consulted on our SRM/RM *delete as appropriate* job description, and a revised version will be in use from 1st May 2024. A new version will be shared with applicants from 1st May 2024 which will be similar in scope and format.)

To view the recruitment pack which outlines more details about working for Arts Council please click here  

Job ref: SWB15

Closing date: 9:00 am Monday 07 May 2024.

• 1^st Interviews: (virtual) Wednesday 29 May
• 2^nd Interviews: (in person, Bristol office) Friday 7 June

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