Job Title

Programme Manager (Part-time, Fixed-term)

Department

Programmes

Reports to

Head of Programme Delivery

Purpose of Role

The Programme Manager will play a pivotal role in delivering Art Fund’s Empowering Curators programme — a landmark, multi-year initiative designed to accelerate the careers of Global Majority curators and support organisational change across the UK museum sector.

Working closely with the Head of Programme Delivery, Director of Programme & Policy, and colleagues across Art Fund, the postholder will oversee day-to-day‑ delivery, take ownership of defined programme elements, and develop excellent working relationships with curatorial Fellows, host organisations, programme partners, network communities, consultants and applicants.

As a member of the Programmes team, you will contribute to strengthening Art Fund’s reputation as a champion for diverse and inclusive collections, workforce and audiences. You will help ensure our grant-making is effective, strategically aligned, and able to demonstrate clear impact. You will bring curiosity, energy, and a commitment to the belief that museums and galleries can be more equitable, relevant, and representative spaces for all. You will share the energy and commitment that Art Fund staff bring to their work, as well as a belief in the importance of arts and culture.

Key Accountabilities

Programme delivery/management

·       Support the Head of Programme Delivery to deliver the Empowering Curators programme, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, clear communication, and timely delivery across all programme strands.

·       Lead on specific programme components where required, including schedules, Fellow onboarding, guidance development, events and documentation.

·       Support in the preparation of papers, briefings and materials for key meetings including decision meetings, Steering Groups, advisory panels and funder reporting.

·       Maintain and regularly update programme timetables, ensuring all key milestones, deliverables and events are clearly scheduled and communicated to the appropriate colleagues.  

·       Work with the Head of Programme Delivery to oversee programme risk registers, identifying potential issues early and supporting in mitigating these.

·       Monitor programme budgets in collaboration with the Head of Programme Delivery and Finance team, ensuring accurate forecasting, tracking of expenditure, and timely preparation of financial information for internal reporting and funders.

·       Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to streamline processes and strengthen programme operations.

Programme casework

·       Work closely with colleagues to manage casework associated with the programme, supporting host organisations and Fellows throughout application, recruitment and participation processes.

·       Ensure accurate administration, documentation and record‑keeping across all programme systems.

Evaluation

·       Support the collation, interpretation and communication of impact data to support internal reporting, funder updates, partner communications and wider sector learning.

·       Work with the evaluation consultant and Head of Programme Delivery to support programme monitoring and refinement.

Programme development, strategy and review:

·       Support the Head of Programme Delivery to develop and improve the Empowering Curators programme, ensuring it remains aligned with Art Fund’s strategic priorities around equity, diversity, inclusion and sector transformation.

·       Contribute to future strategy development for the wider Programmes portfolio.

Research

·       Carry out research that might benefit the programme, programme delivery, or the work of the Policy and Research Lead.

Internal communications

·       Share information about participating Hosts and Fellows to inform colleagues from across the organisations.

·       Ensure the organisation remains well briefed on programme learnings and opportunities.

External communications

·       Work with the Head of Programme Delivery to ensure clear, consistent external communications for the Empowering Curators programme, ensuring partners, Host organisations, Fellows and wider stakeholders are kept informed and engaged.

·       Work with Head of Programme Delivery and colleagues in Communications, Audiences and Development teams to develop and deliver programme related communications, including web content, blogs, social media updates, case studies, announcements and press releases.

·       Contribute to the creation and sharing of programme stories, insights and impact highlights, helping to amplify the experiences of Fellows and demonstrate the programme’s sector wide value.

·       Work with programme partners to coordinate the flow of accurate, timely information to external audiences, ensuring programme messaging reflects Art Fund’s values, strategic aims and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

·       Act as a point of contact for external enquiries about the programme, providing clear, professional and accessible information.

 Representing Art Fund

·       Represent Art Fund at sector events, programme sessions, and external meetings, acting as an informed, confident ambassador for the Empowering Curators programme.

·       Deliver talks, presentations and updates, deputising for senior colleagues when required.

·       Build and sustain strong relationships with museums, galleries, sector partners, consultants, funders, senior leaders and Trustees.

Management

·       Reports to the Head of Programme Delivery.

·       Works closely with colleagues across Programmes, Audiences, Development, Finance, and Senior Management Team.

PERSON DESCRIPTION

Qualifications

No specific qualifications are required. We value relevant experience, skills and lived perspectives that support excellence in this role. Qualifications may be submitted as supporting evidence where appropriate.

Knowledge

Demonstrable interest in the visual arts, heritage, museum and/or gallery sector.

Experience working on programmes connected to EDI, organisational change, leadership development or sector reform.

Experience supporting or managing programmes centred on workforce development, training, fellowships, organisational change or sector capacity building.

Delivering structured programmes involving multiple partners, stakeholders or organisations, ideally in an arts, cultural, heritage, or socially driven context.

Solid experience in arts administration and/or grant-making.

Experience managing complex budgets.

Experience of working with committees, trustees or decision-making panels.

Understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing museums and galleries today.

Skills/Abilities/Competencies

Ability to work confidently with external partners, consultants and organisations, maintaining momentum, clarity and accountability across a long-term programme lifecycle.

Ability to support participants through structured processes (e.g., application and recruitment cycles, onboarding, training, evaluation).

Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

High level of proficiency with office software and digital tools (e.g., MS Office).

Excellent time management, organisation and ability to work to deadlines.

Ability to understand and communicate complex ideas clearly and compellingly, in writing and in person.

High accuracy and attention to detail.

Strong research skills and an ability to think laterally.

Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across all levels and communicate with tact and diplomacy.

Experience using Grants Management Systems.

Experience of using finance systems

Experience evaluating projects.

Personal Attributes

Enjoys working collaboratively within a team and brings a flexible, supportive approach.

Comfortable working in an evolving programme environment, with the ability to adapt and respond to emerging needs or challenges.

Positive, proactive, and creative, with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Passion for equity, inclusion, and empowering others.