Awards Development Manager (Maternity Cover)

Awards Development Manager (Maternity Cover)

Acme Artist Studios Ltd Closing date: Mon, 17 Aug 2026

Role: Curation
Contract: Contract
London

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

The Awards Development Manager (Maternity Cover) will lead on the delivery of Acme’s Early Career Awards programme, supporting the 2026/27 artists’ artistic and professional development.

Job Description

For over 24 years, Acme's Early Career Awards programme has supported artists at a pivotal stage, helping recent graduates establish sustainable careers after leaving art school. The programme provides artists with a 12-month rent-free shared studio, a programme of mentoring and skills development workshops, and the opportunity to initiate public outcomes.

From October 2026, the Early Career Awards programme will relocate to a large, new studio with adjoining project space at Acme's Billet Road building in Waltham Forest. The move marks an exciting new chapter for the programme creating the opportunity to connect the early career artists with established artists working in the building and expand the cohort from the current size of four to nine artists over the coming years.

The Awards Development Manager (Maternity Cover) will lead on the delivery of the programme, supporting the 2026/27 artists' artistic and professional development. You will work closely with the Head of Artist Support on its strategic development by engaging the current partners. You will forge new art school and funding relationships to increase the number of artists supported from October 2027 onwards.

This role is Maternity Cover and Fixed Term from September 2026 to September 2027. Part time, 2.5 days / 17.5 hours per week. There is a requirement for this role to be based in the office for at least two days a week, with attendance at the Early Career Artists' shared studio as required.

Job Requirements

- Proven ability to think and plan creatively and strategically to sustain programmes long-term
- Experience of successfully researching and preparing fundraising applications
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of arts, higher education and funder stakeholders
- Experience of fundraising to support programme development
- Experience of managing projects to be delivered on schedule and against agreed objectives
- Knowledge of visual artists' experiences of higher education and/or alternative pathways to professional practice
- Knowledge of a wide range of contemporary practices, and the visual arts education, institutional and commercial sectors
- Effective communications skills - written and verbal
- Strong team player able to work effectively with cross departmental colleagues and client groups
- Ability to work constructively to troubleshoot issues or emergencies
- Empathy with the mission, objectives and values of Acme

Job Responsibilities

- With the Head of Artist Support, develop the strategy for the programme's long-term growth and sustainability, ensuring that it aligns with Acme's Strategic Plan and the need for career support for recent graduates
- Lead on strategies to establish the programme at Billet Road and engage with the creative communities in the building and locally
- Identify potential partners and lead on their engagement with the goal of securing at least two new awards to begin in October 2027
- Prepare and submit compelling cases for support and funding applications
- Liaise with the Early Career Artists to identify their professional developmental needs and provide individualised support through mentoring, studio visits and signposting
- Support the Early Career Artists to realise self-organised events and outcomes in their studio spaces
- Manage expenditure within agreed resources to maximise the impact for the artists
- Undertake evaluation to record the Early Career Artists' experience

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Awards Development Manager (Maternity Cover)
  • Salary: £40k-£50k (pro-rata)
  • Hours: Part time
  • Role: Curation
  • Contract: Contract
  • Closing date: Mon, 17 Aug 2026
  • Location:
    London

How to Apply

To apply, please visit our website and complete the Awards Development Manager application form along with a copy of your CV.

If you would prefer to make an application by video, it should be no longer than 5 minutes. In the video, please tell us: 

- Your name 
- Why you wish to apply for the role of Awards Development Manager and why you are interested in working for Acme 
- Why your existing experience makes you a perfect fit for the role and Acme
- Outline how you meet each of the criteria in the person specification assessed at the application stage, provide specific examples of all relevant experience including voluntary work, education, skills and attributes

There is a section in the application form to submit your video.