COO
Royal Academy of Arts
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London
Circa £120,000
The Royal Academy of Arts (RA) is one of the UK’s most significant and distinctive cultural institutions. Founded in 1768 by a group of artists and architects with the support of King George III, it was established to promote the creation, enjoyment, and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education, and debate. For over 250 years, the RA has remained true to that purpose, while continually evolving to meet the needs of artists, students, and the public.
At the heart of the RA is its unique artist-led model. The organisation is governed by the Royal Academicians, painters, sculptors, architects, printmakers, and other artists who are elected by their peers. This ensures that practising artists shape the RA’s direction, exhibitions, and education programmes.
THE ROLE
The COO is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for creating, overseeing and tracking the Annual Operating Plan, monitoring all operating performance against agreed KPIs and targets, and, together with the CEO, formally holding all Directors regularly accountable for delivering them.
As COO of one of London’s leading public art galleries, you will oversee the RA’s day-to-day operations, ensuring excellence in strategic delivery, legal & Governance, people, digital, IT, estates and facilities.
You will be accountable for the delivery of agreed institutional KPIs. You will make the RA operationally excellent, financially disciplined and strategically aligned in a highly competitive commercial environment.
INFORMATION
Download the candidate brief to find out about the role.
DOWNLOADTimeline
Closing date: Sunday 19th April 2026
Preliminary interviews: w/c 27th April 2026
Final Panel interviews: w/c 11th May 2026
How to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV (no more than three sides).
- A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.