Relationship Manager - Diversity & Communities (Midlands)

Arts Council England; England; On-site; Full time

Job description

Relationship Manager x 2 (specialist sector knowledge of Diversity or Communities & Engagement)

Contract 1: Relationship Manager, Diversity (MBN6), Permanent, Full Time, 35 hours per week
Contract 2: Relationship Manager, Communities & Engagement (MN15), Permanent, Full Time, 35 hours per week

Salary: £38,689 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.

Location: Birmingham or Nottingham. Hybrid working model with regular on-site days.

We are looking for candidates with specialist sector knowledge of Diversity or Communities & Engagement and prior experience of place‑based working.

Key Responsibilities (both roles)

• Manage a portfolio of funded organisations in the Arts Council’s National Portfolio, monitoring their performance against funding agreements
• Take part in decision‑making processes through written appraisals and participation in panels for open funding streams
• Provide credible funding advice to organisations and individuals
• Analyse financial information, identify investment risks, and provide feedback to applicants
• Share expertise internally and externally, and engage on arts‑council initiatives beyond the specialism
• Contribute to regional work as part of the Midlands Area team

Relationship Manager, Diversity (Midlands)

• Act as the area lead for diversity, sharing specialist knowledge with national teams and other relationship managers
• Participate in cross‑discipline meetings to embed diversity themes in strategic objectives
• Lead on diversity‑related development work to support widening access to funding programmes
• Provide insights and data‑driven decision‑making support to the Midlands Management Team

What you will bring (Diversity)

• Diversity & Inclusion expertise with a track record of improving outcomes for underrepresented groups
• Deep understanding of structural barriers affecting diverse freelancers, practitioners, and cultural organisations
• Collaborative leadership skills for area‑lead responsibilities and cross‑national team work
• Strong analytical, communication and presentation skills for strategic alignment

Relationship Manager, Communities & Engagement (Midlands)

• Key member of the Midlands Communities & Engagement team with oversight of a mixed portfolio across the Midlands
• Support progress of Creative People and Places programmes (CPPs)
• Demonstrated track record in broadening engagement through co‑creation, co‑production, and community empowerment
• Support development of best practice in community engagement and widen access to funding

What you will bring (Communities & Engagement)

• Proven experience delivering outcomes for underrepresented groups and communities
• Deep understanding of structural barriers to access for communities across the Midlands
• Collaborative leadership skills for area‑lead functions and national team collaboration
• Strong analytical, communication and presentation skills for data‑driven decision‑making

Additional Requirements (both roles)

• Awareness of current cultural sector trends and opportunities
• Understanding of organisational dynamics, including business planning, financial reporting, performance management and governance
• Relationship development skills and ability to advise on artistic and operational challenges
• Experience working with cross‑sector stakeholders toward common place‑based goals
• Ability to handle challenging conversations with senior leaders

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Arts Council is committed to an inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially disabled, D/deaf, neurodivergent, and BAME communities.

Applications should include an indication of the role applied for.

Closing date: Monday 10th August 2026, 12 noon