Assistant, Development Initiatives Operations (ICF200)

Assistant, Development Initiatives Operations (ICF200)

Contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2027 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: £28,662 per annum Grade E plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working. 

Location: Manchester or Birmingham (The role will be based in Manchester or Birmingham; 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 to recruit a highly organised and proactive individual to join our Development Initiatives Operations team. This role supports the delivery of three development programmes: the Museums Accreditation Scheme, the Designation Scheme and the Libraries Development Framework.

Role Details: As Assistant, Development Initiatives Operations, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of these programmes. Working closely with colleagues, applicants and external stakeholders, you will help manage enquiries, maintain records, support decision-making meetings and contribute to the effective delivery of programme activities.

We are looking for someone with strong administrative experience who is comfortable managing multiple priorities in a busy environment. You will be an organised and detail-focused individual who enjoys supporting others and providing excellent customer service.

The main duties include monitoring shared programme mailboxes and responding to enquiries; acting as a first point of contact for colleagues and stakeholders; supporting the administration of assessment and decision-making processes; preparing meeting papers and processing outcomes; maintaining accurate records and databases; monitoring submissions and programme activity; coordinating information between internal and external partners; and supporting colleagues to identify and resolve operational issues.

Key skills for this role include:

• Strong administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain information clearly and adapt your approach for different audiences.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and its relevance to the role

An understanding of the arts and cultural sector, or experience of supporting grant funding or development programmes, would be advantageous but is not essential.

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: ICF200

Closing date: 17:00, Tuesday 18 August

Interview: (virtual) Thursday 27 August

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