Chief Operating Officer
Royal Academy of Arts
London with hybrid working.
Up to £140,000
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
Having recently joined the Academy myself, I am both energised and inspired by the opportunity to lead this remarkable and much-loved institution alongside a talented, ambitious, and entrepreneurial senior team. The RA is unique: artist-led, independent, and steeped in more than 250 years of excellence in the creation, display, and understanding of art and architecture. Yet we are equally forward-looking – determined to reimagine how we operate, deepen our engagement with audiences, and ensure our extraordinary estate and resources are used to their fullest potential in service of our artistic and public mission.
The Chief Operating Officer will play a central role in this transformation. You will work closely with me and the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the Academy runs with exceptional efficiency, creativity, and care. You will oversee all aspects of operational delivery; spanning finance, people, estates, facilities, and governance to ensure that the RA’s structures, systems, and culture fully support our ambition. This is a role that demands both strategic vision and operational excellence: someone who can connect the big picture to the detail and translate ambition into delivery.
INFORMATION
Download the candidate brief to find out about the role.
DOWNLOADHow 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.
Closing date:
Friday 28th November 2025
Preliminary interviews:
w/c 8th December and w/c 15th December 2025
Final Panel interviews:
Early January 2026