Director, Funding Programmes (ICF2)
Director, Funding Programmes (ICF2)
Contract: Fixed term until 31 December 2026, 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: £61,927 per annum Grade A plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Manchester (The role will be based in Manchester; 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 seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join us as Director, Funding Programmes. This is a key senior role within the Chief Operating Officer’s leadership team, with responsibility for shaping and delivering our investment strategies and funding programmes, and ensuring they align with our organisational priorities and values.
The postholder will lead the development of funding programmes across our investment channels, oversee key relationships with funded organisations, and provide strategic leadership on risk, accessibility and safeguarding. Working closely with senior colleagues across the organisation, you will help ensure our funding approach is effective, forward-looking, and responsive to the needs of the sector.
You will bring significant senior-level experience of developing and managing complex public funding programmes, alongside strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively across a wide range of stakeholders. Excellent communication skills, sound judgement, and a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion will be essential.
This is an excellent opportunity for an internal candidate looking to make a significant contribution to our future funding strategy and organisational leadership. If you are interested in the role, please apply through the internal recruitment process.
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: ICF2
Closing date: 09:00am, 12 June 2026
Interviews: (Virtual/in-person) 26 June 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
