Relationship Manager, Museums and Cultural Property (SWB57)
Relationship Manager, Museums and Cultural Property (SWB57)
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: Bristol (The role 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)
We are looking for candidates with specialised sector knowledge of Museums and Cultural Property to be a Relationship Manager on a permanent basis.
Working as part of the South West area team with a cohort of Relationship Managers across disciplines, and closely with the national Museums and Cultural Property team, you will contribute to the shaping and delivery of the Arts Council Strategic Framework. This is a busy and exciting time to join as we undertake the significant National Portfolio Investment Programme. This post 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.
In this Relationship Manager role, you can expect to:
- Manage a portfolio of funded organisations and give funding advice to individuals and organisations within and beyond the museums sector
- 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
To apply for this role, you'll need good knowledge and experience working in or with Museums and Cultural Property. You will also need to have:
- Awareness of current cultural sector trends and opportunities, particularly relating to Museums and Cultural Property
- 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
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: SWB57
Closing date: 30 September 2026
1st Interview: (Virtual) 21 October 2026
2nd Interview: (In person- Bristol) 28 October 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
