Arts Manager

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. Arts Manager Important Information: Contract Duration: One (1) year fixed term Gross Salary: R52 479 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Closing Date: Applications will close on 28 May 2026 at 22:59 UK Time/ 23:59 South Africa Time Rights to work: You must have the legal right to work in the country at the time of application. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. Hybrid model: Mandatory 3 days in the office each week The Role: The Arts Manager will implement activities in South Africa delivered through one or both Arts global programmes: Arts in Action and Creative Growth. They may work with a small team in country and manage sector partner and stakeholder relationships. They will also build relationships and work closely with their peers in other countries and across the global arts network, often collaborating on global programmes. Main accountabilities but not limited to the following: Sector/subject expertise * Uses their own knowledge of South Africa’s arts and creative industries, intelligence and insight from other sector partners, to support the implementation of global arts programmes that meet the specific needs of South Africa while also providing value to UK arts and creative industry organisations. * Through ongoing relationships with Global arts colleagues, builds and maintains good understanding of UK arts and creative industry sector priorities. * Identifies opportunities for the UK Arts sector to work in and collaborate with peers in country Leadership & management * Provides specialist input and design to help ensure activities under the Arts global programmes are relevant to the Arts and creative industry sectors in country. * Actively collaborates with colleagues in Arts global teams on programmes. * Manages Arts activities day-to-day ensuring global standards on programme and contract management are achieved. Relationship & Stakeholders * Maintains partner relationships relevant to the Arts, and wider cultural sectors, to maintain a strong understanding of relevant themes and issues in the arts and creative industries. * Builds and maintains a broad, diverse and dynamic network of key creative and cultural sector representatives in country. Brand and market positioning * Promotes the diversity of the UK arts and creative industries sector in country * Ensures British Council’s value proposition and support to the UK arts sector in country is clear and communicated and that our reputation for quality and as a valued not-for-profit partner remains high and contributes to our mission. * Contributes to the development of internal and external communications materials to highlight impactful stories from the country Arts portfolio Programme management * Manages finances of small projects and activities in the Arts portfolio and will flag up issues promptly * Manages issues with internal and external partners and stakeholders and escalates them when necessary * Holds delivery partners, team members and consultants to account for agreed deliverables * Has responsibility for delivering the project management plan * Where applicable has responsibility for drawing up contracts with partners, working with specialist colleagues where needed * Manages procurement, grants management and due diligence on arts activities * Responsible for project/programme management reporting Requirements of the role: * Written and verbal proficiency in English * Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent in experience (Arts, Social Sciences or related field) * Good knowledge and understanding of current trends and practices in at least one sector of the arts and creative industries in the country * Experience of working on national arts/ creative industry projects * Strong organisation and Project management skills Desirable: * Understanding and appreciation of current arts trends and practices in the UK * Experience of working on international arts projects A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities. Safeguarding Statement The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children. If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org