Assistant, Artsmark (COO28)

THE ARTS COUNCIL OF ENGLAND; Leeds, Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Final salary pension scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Artsmark Assistant role in Leeds or Manchester offers 35 hours per week under a fixed-term contract until 30 September 2027. Hybrid working is supported with on-site days; salary £28,662 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme and generous annual leave.

The role provides administrative support, first point of contact for schools, records management, and involvement in programme evaluation and communications. Flexibility and strong organisational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail are essential.
• Confident communication and the ability to prioritise a varied workload.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
• Commitment to high-quality customer service and inclusive practice.

Responsibilities

• Be first point of contact for Artsmark schools; respond to queries.
• Support meetings and administration; maintain records and systems.
• Assist with finance processes and contribute to programme evaluation.
• Support marketing and communications activity.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Prioritisation

Microsoft 365 (Excel, Outlook)

Tools

Microsoft 365

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Assistant, Artsmark (COO28)

Assistant, Artsmark (COO28)

Contract: Fixed term until 30 September 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: Leeds or Manchester (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

Artsmark is the Arts Council’s national schools programme celebrating schools that bring learning to life through arts, culture and creativity. You will provide administrative support to the Artsmark team, supporting delivery of the Artsmark programme.

The year ahead is an exciting moment for Artsmark, as the programme celebrates its 25th birthday and delivers a service redesign of the Artsmark programme developed in partnership with schools. The Artsmark Assistant role will play an important part in supporting the smooth delivery of Artsmark during this key period.

Role Details

You’ll be part of a small team helping schools progress from registration to award. You’ll act as a first point of contact for Artsmark schools, respond to queries, support meetings and administration, maintain records and systems, assist with finance processes, contribute to programme evaluation, and support marketing and communications activity.

We’re looking for someone with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, confident communication, and the ability to prioritise a varied workload. You’ll be comfortable working independently and collaboratively, confident using Microsoft 365 tools such as Excel and Outlook, and committed to high-quality customer service, inclusive practice, and Arts Council England’s values. An interest in cultural education for children and young people would be welcome.

This is a fantastic one year opportunity whilst the current postholder is on a secondment within the Artsmark team.

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.

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.

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 [e-mail].

We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent.

Job ref: COO28

Closing date: 09:00am, Wednesday 23 September 2026

Interviews: (virtual) 06 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 [e-mail]