Relationship Manager, Music (LL30)
Relationship Manager, Music
Contract: Permanent (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: £41,211 (pro rata) per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: London (The role will be based in London; 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)
Introduction / Role Details:
Do you believe in the power of culture to transform lives?
Arts Council England is seeking a Relationship Manager to join our busy London music team. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with knowledge and experience in touring, new technologies, digital practice, or emerging models of music creation and distribution. We are also interested in applicants who work with diverse grassroots genres and scenes that have historically been underrepresented within public funding. Experience in one or more of these areas is desirable, but not essential.
We know that talent exists in every part of society. Currently, D/deaf and Disabled people, people from Black and ethnically diverse backgrounds, and those under 30 are under‑represented in Arts Council England’s workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from people in these groups. Arts Council England is committed to ensuring that all Disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
The role
Based within the London music team, you will be responsible for investing in, supporting and developing a portfolio of music‑related organisations and individuals, helping them to realise ambitious artistic work and strengthen their sustainability.
You will bring knowledge and experience in one or more music genres, as well as a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. You will be confident supporting others to make positive change and comfortable communicating with colleagues and external partners at all levels.
Your responsibilities will include:
Giving funding advice and guidance
- Assessing grant applications
- Understanding and monitoring project delivery and performance
- Assessing financial information and identifying risk
- Providing constructive feedback on artistic and organisational plans
Full training and ongoing development will be provided to support you in all aspects of the role.
The team and context
You will join a diverse London‑based team consisting of ten Relationship Managers, one Assistant, two Senior Relationship Managers and a Director. The team manages funding relationships with around 60 regularly funded organisations, as well as individual musicians and project‑funded organisations. We also lead and support a range of place‑based initiatives and strategic projects across the capital.
You will contribute to the development and delivery of Arts Council England’s national and London strategies, working with colleagues across the organisation, and should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the London and/or national music ecology.
As a Relationship Manager, you will engage with a broad range of activity including touring, place‑based development, digital and technological innovation, and environmental sustainability.
If this sounds like you, we would really like to hear from you.
Online Recruitment Drop-In Session for Applicants:
Want to find out more?
Before the deadline we are holding an informal drop-in with people currently working at Arts Council in similar roles where we’ll share what it’s like to work at the organisation and answer any questions people may have about the role. Relationship Managers come from lots of different backgrounds: musicians, music educators, composer / creators, performers, producers, administrators, from the broadcast / recording industry, venue managers, publishers and we are keen reach out to those who may not have considered a job at Arts Council before.
Date: Wednesday 11th February 5pm (1 hour).
Please click here to sign up for the informal drop-in session.
Session will be BSL interpreted
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
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. 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: How to apply and recruitment selection process | Arts Council England and more about our commitment to diversity on our website here.
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: LL30
Closing date: 09:00 18 February 2026
1st Interview: 4 & 5 March 2026 (virtual)
2nd Interview: 12 & 13 March (In person – London Office)
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
