Senior Communications Officer (COO78)
Senior Communications Officer (COO78)
Contract: Permanent, 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 Grade C plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Manchester or Leeds (The role will be based in any of the locations 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)
Introduction: We’re looking for an experienced and creative Senior Communications Officer to lead communications for Arts Council England’s Capital Investment programmes.
These programmes play a vital role in supporting the long-term sustainability of arts and culture across England—investing in buildings, infrastructure, and places that enable creativity to thrive.
Working within our Capital team and in close collaboration with Advocacy and Communications colleagues, you will develop and deliver impactful communication strategies that engage diverse audiences, raise awareness of our programmes, and ensure our investment opportunities are accessible to all.
Job Role: You will lead strategic communications for our capital programmes, including promoting the Capital Advice Service and reaching underserved communities. You’ll create content across channels, deliver campaigns, advise colleagues, and build strong stakeholder relationships—while ensuring communications are accessible, inclusive, and effectively managed.
You’ll bring experience delivering communication strategies, strong writing skills, and confidence across digital channels. You’ll be highly organised, able to manage competing priorities, build effective relationships, champion inclusion, and use data to evaluate and improve impact.
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: COO76
Closing date: 09:00am, Monday 22 June 2026
1st Interview: (virtual) 07 and 09 July 2026
2nd Interview: (virtual) 15 and 16 July 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
