Under the leadership of President & Vice-Chancellor Professor Christoph Lindner, the RCA is entering a transformational phase as it works towards its bicentenary in 2037. Its ambition is to become the world’s most influential art and design community, with a renewed approach to research, education, partnerships and organisational culture, and a global footprint rooted in collaboration, curiosity, inclusion and integrity.

It is in this context that the RCA now seeks an outstanding leader for the position of Dean of the School of Architecture. Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education and Student Success, the Dean will provide academic leadership, strategic direction and financial stewardship for one of the world’s leading postgraduate schools of architecture and the spatial disciplines.

Located in Kensington, the School of Architecture provides a dynamic, postgraduate-only environment where radical ideas meet real-world impact. Its programmes span Architecture, Interior Design, Design Practice, City Design, Environmental Architecture and PhD research, engaging with the defining challenges of our era including climate resilience, material futures, spatial justice and emerging creative technologies.

Following ten successful years of leadership by Professor Adrian Lahoud, the next Dean will lead the School into a critical new phase. They will build on its distinctive international reputation for ambitious, experimental and research-led approaches while bringing their own intellectual vision to the future of architecture, studio-based pedagogy and practice-led research.

The Dean will shape the School’s strategic priorities for education, research, people, partnerships and resources; support innovation in curriculum, pedagogy and modes of learning; strengthen the School’s research culture and international visibility; and ensure it is optimally positioned for REF2029 and future research assessments. They will also contribute actively to the wider leadership of the RCA through Senate, Executive Board, Deans’ Group and other College bodies.

The Royal College of Art will be supported in this appointment by executive search firm Perrett Laver.

Application is by submission of a full curriculum vitae (CV) and a covering letter of application. The CV should include all educational and professional qualifications, full employment history, and details of key achievements. The covering letter should be between two and three sides of A4 and should address your interest in the position and the RCA, how you meet the job description and person specification, and an indication of your vision for the School if appointed.

For details of the appointment, including further information about the job description, person specification, please click on the "Request Further Information" button below.

For informal enquiries, please contact May Charratt on May.Charratt@perrettlaver.com.

The deadline for applications is 09.00 BST on Monday 5th October 2026.

Formal panel interviews will take place in November.

Please apply via Perret Laver:

Perrett Laver - Leading Global Executive Search Firm

Closing Date: 05 Oct 2026

Programme/Department: Senior Manager - Academic

School of Communication & Design | 0.4 FTE FTC to June 2029

The School of Communication & Design is seeking an outstanding Tutor (Research) to contribute to the continued development of our Design Futures master’s programme.

Design Futures brings together futures thinking, creative and strategic design approaches to explore environmental and societal challenges. Students work across disciplines to imagine multiple futures, develop future scenarios and create design-led interventions grounded in research, systems thinking, ethical practice and resilience.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced practitioner and/or researcher to contribute to a dynamic postgraduate environment at the Royal College of Art. We are looking for someone who is passionate about design futures, committed to an inclusive and positive student experience, and excited by the opportunity to work collaboratively across disciplines and cultures.

About the role

You will contribute to the shaping and delivery of the Design Futures curriculum, working closely with colleagues across the programme, School and wider College. You will deliver and contribute to lectures, workshops, seminars, tutorials and crits, providing students with high-quality academic guidance, feedback and support.

You will also contribute to assessment, student recruitment and programme development, and may lead specific projects such as exhibitions, events or field trips. There will be opportunities to develop innovative approaches to teaching and learning and to contribute to cross-College and interdisciplinary activity.

Research is an important part of the role. You will be expected to develop your research interests in alignment with the strategic direction of the College and School, disseminate your research through appropriate channels and develop opportunities for research funding and collaboration. You will contribute to the research profile and reputation of the School through high-quality research outputs.

You will be an enthusiastic advocate for the RCA, helping to build relationships with external partners and industry and contributing to the College’s international profile.

About you

You will have a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline and experience of teaching at undergraduate or postgraduate level, including designing courses and assessing student work. You will have a strong commitment to high-quality teaching and an inclusive learning environment.

You will bring expertise and/or professional experience relevant to design futures, futures thinking, strategic or critical design, systems thinking, social or environmental innovation, or a related field.

You will also demonstrate evidence of research activity and the ability, or clear potential, to produce research outputs of at least 3 REF quality*.

A PGCert in Higher Education and/or Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy is desirable, or you should be willing to undertake appropriate training. A doctorate or significant professional practice, experience of research supervision, and experience of securing research funding would also be advantageous.

Above all, we are looking for someone who is curious, collaborative and forward-thinking, with the enthusiasm and commitment to make a meaningful contribution to our students, our programme and the wider RCA community.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the Design Futures programme at an exciting time and contribute to the future of design education, research and practice at the world-leading Royal College of Art.

Please see Information Pack for more details.  Please apply using the short application with upload for CV/covering letter.

Closing for Internal Applications at 11.59pm on 18th September 2026

Closing Date: 18 Sep 2026

Programme/Department: Academic

Salary: £55,040 to £61,322 per annum pro rata
0.4FTE fixed term until June 2029

School of Communication & Design
Design Futures
0.43 FTE | Part-time – Fixed term until 31 August 2027

The School of Communication & Design at the Royal College of Art is seeking an outstanding practitioner and researcher to join the Design Futures programme as a Tutor (Research) in Design Products.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of a distinctive postgraduate programme within a world-leading art and design environment. You will bring your expertise, professional networks and research interests to the curriculum, helping students develop ambitious, critically engaged and innovative approaches to design.

You will contribute to the shaping and delivery of curriculum through lectures, workshops, seminars, critiques and tutorials, providing students with high-quality academic, pastoral and technical support. You will also contribute to assessment, student recruitment and programme development, working collaboratively with colleagues across the School and College.

A particular focus of the role will be supporting the organisation and delivery of exhibitions and events, including potentially leading designated projects such as the programme's graduate exhibition. You will be able to work independently and collaboratively, managing projects effectively and ensuring they are delivered to a high standard.

We are looking for someone who is well connected and actively engaged with the international context of design, with the ability to bring contemporary practice, research, industry perspectives and new ideas into the student experience. You will be enthusiastic about pioneering new approaches to teaching and research and developing links with industry and external partners.

About you

You will have a first degree in a relevant subject and experience of devising and teaching courses, as well as setting and assessing written work at undergraduate or postgraduate level. You will demonstrate a strong commitment to high-quality teaching and creating a positive, inclusive learning environment for students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

You will bring relevant professional, research or practice-based expertise in design, together with a commitment to continuing professional development. A PGCert in Higher Education and/or Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy is desirable, or you will be willing to undertake the appropriate training within two years of appointment.

You will have excellent communication and collaborative skills, together with the ability to build effective relationships with students, colleagues, industry and external partners. Experience of supervising academic work at Master's level and research supervision training would be advantageous.

Above all, you will be an enthusiastic and positive advocate for the Royal College of Art, its students and staff, with the energy and commitment to contribute to our ambitious and internationally connected community.

Please see Information Pack for further details.  Please apply using the short application form with upload for cv/covering letter.

Closing for applications at 11.59pm on 18 September 2026

Closing Date: 18 Sep 2026

Programme/Department: Academic

Salary: £55,040 to £61,322 per annum pro rata
0.43FTE fixed term until 31.8.27

Permanent | Full-time | Hybrid working | Battersea, London

Shape the future of executive learning at the world’s leading postgraduate art and design university.

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is seeking an exceptional commercial leader to become our Head of Executive Education and take our established Executive Education and Short Course portfolio to its next stage of growth.

Ranked number one in the world for Art & Design for 12 consecutive years, the RCA is a globally influential institution where creativity, research, technology and industry come together. With more than 30,000 alumni worldwide and an ambitious new strategic plan, this is an exciting time to join us.

Executive Education at the RCA brings our distinctive creative expertise directly to leaders, organisations and businesses around the world. Over the past decade, we have delivered more than 200 customised executive programmes, with 1,500+ participants from over 60 countries, across programmes ranging from half-day workshops to six-month modular programmes.

Now, we want to build on that success.

As Head of Executive Education, you will provide strategic and commercial leadership across our Executive Education and Short Course portfolio. You will identify new markets, develop compelling propositions, and build relationships that generate sustainable income and long-term impact.

You will lead the end-to-end commercial and operational performance of the portfolio, from business development, proposals, pricing and contract negotiation through to programme delivery, customer experience and financial performance. You will develop a robust growth strategy, establish clear KPIs, and ensure our offer remains innovative, competitive and internationally relevant.

You will also develop new international markets and strategic partnerships, while identifying opportunities to connect Executive Education with the RCA’s wider consultancy, innovation and research capabilities.

We are looking for an accomplished Executive Education, commercial learning or professional education leader with a strong track record of business development, programme development, and strategic growth.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience in a comparable senior Executive Education leadership role.
• A strong understanding of the Executive Education marketplace and commercial learning models.
• An established senior-level industry network, and experience of working with global corporations.
• Strong commercial acumen, including financial planning, pricing, business proposals and contract negotiation.
• Credibility and strong communication skills to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional leadership and change-management skills, with experience in developing high-performing teams.
• The strategic vision to identify new markets, develop innovative propositions and grow an international portfolio.

An interest in contemporary art, design, creative education and innovation would be particularly welcome, but not essential.     

This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in connecting the RCA’s extraordinary creative expertise with organisations and leaders internationally, while shaping the future growth and direction of Executive Education.

If you are an entrepreneurial, commercially driven leader who can build influential partnerships, develop innovative learning propositions and deliver sustainable growth, we would love to hear from you.

Location: Battersea, London – minimum three days onsite, with national and international travel required.

Closing Date: 20 Sep 2026

Programme/Department: Senior Manager - Non academic

Salary: Competitive salary in the region of £85,000 per annum

Tutor (0.8 FTE) – Visual Communication (School of Communication & Design)

Location: Royal College of Art, London
Department: School of Communication & Design
Reports to: Head of Programme
Contract Type: Part-time (0.8 FTE) Fixed term until 31.8.27

Please see Information Pack for further information.

Closing Date: 18 Sep 2026

Programme/Department: Academic

Salary: £55,187 to £61,469 per annum pro rata

This is a high-profile, fixed-term opportunity to play a pivotal role in a major international partnership between the Royal College of Art and the Riyadh University of Arts. The project aims to establish internationally distinctive educational provision that responds to Saudi Arabia's cultural ambitions, integrating research excellence, creative practice, industry engagement, and pedagogical innovation.

This is a fixed term role, full time for 3 years and then reducing to 0.2 (1 day per week) for the following 2 years.

As the Project Coordinator, you will operate at the intersection of applied research, strategic thinking, and structured project delivery. You will contribute to the development of innovative academic programmes and strategic initiatives across architecture, design, urban design, and visual arts.

Working closely with the Project Director, senior academics, and external partners in the UK and the MENA region, your contributions will directly influence:

Curriculum Design: Co-writing and editing strategic documentation, including Pedagogical and Research Strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement: Researching and identifying key partners across academia, government, and industry within the Saudi and MENA context.

Operational Excellence: Coordinating complex project delivery, from stakeholder meetings and workshops to the development of post-launch training content.

We are looking for an individual who moves confidently between research and structured project delivery. You possess a strong understanding of the cultural sector in the MENA region, specifically within architecture, design, and visual arts. You have a proven track record of coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder projects and demonstrate excellent research, writing, and communication skills.

While not mandatory, proficiency in Arabic or prior curatorial/editorial experience in the MENA region would be an asset.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a transformative international education project that will shape new academic programmes, research strategies, and long-term institutional partnerships. You will be contributing ideas that strengthen the intellectual and creative ambition of a partnership designed to thrive on the global stage.

We are looking for a collaborator who shares our vision of consistency, authority, and creative freedom. If you are ready to apply your skills to a high-impact, international initiative, we invite you to help us build a distinctive and innovative future.

Closing Date: 20 Sep 2026

Programme/Department: Administrative & Professional

Salary: £44,840 to £48,416 per annum
5 year post (1fte for 3 years then 0.2fte for 2 years)

0.8 FTE (28 hours per week) | Permanent

Join the Royal College of Art’s new School of Communication & Design and help shape the future of Service Design at the world’s leading postgraduate university for art and design.

We are looking for an ambitious, collaborative and forward-thinking Tutor (Research) in Service Design to join our successful, friendly and energetic team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of Service Design as an evolving discipline, bringing your own expertise, research and practice to our innovative Masters programme.

Working within our extended three-semester model, you will create opportunities for students to engage with real-world challenges, industry partners and interdisciplinary projects. You will support students to develop their practice while contributing to the research profile, influence and impact of the programme and the wider School.

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in areas such as service design ethics, data, sustainability, research methods or experience prototyping. We are also keen to hear from those bringing other relevant perspectives and specialisms to the field.

You will contribute to high-quality teaching, tutorials and assessment across the Masters programme, providing students with constructive feedback and academic support that enables them to develop their skills, ideas and practice. You may also lead designated student projects, field trips and cross-disciplinary teaching and research activities.

Alongside your teaching, you will develop your own research programme and contribute to the research strategy and reputation of the School. You will have opportunities to develop research projects, pursue funding and produce high-quality research outputs, while building meaningful relationships with industry and external partners.

You will also contribute to student recruitment, academic citizenship and the wider life of the College.

You will have a relevant first degree and experience of devising and delivering courses and assessing student work at undergraduate or postgraduate level. You will be committed to high-quality teaching and to creating an inclusive, supportive and inspiring learning environment.

You will have evidence of, or clear potential to produce, high-quality research outputs, together with a strong interest in developing your research profile. A postgraduate qualification in higher education or Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy is desirable, or you will be willing to undertake appropriate training.

Most importantly, you will be passionate about Service Design, curious about its future and excited by the opportunity to contribute to a new School and a vibrant postgraduate community at the RCA.

Bring your expertise, ideas and research to the Royal College of Art and help shape what comes next for Service Design.

Please apply using the short application form with upload for CV/covering letter.

Closes 11.59pm on 9th September 2026

Please note this role is only for Internal RCA employees at this time.

Closing Date: 09 Sep 2026

Programme/Department: Academic

Salary: £55,040 to £61,322 per annum pro rata

Royal College of Art | Research & Knowledge Exchange Office
Casual | £25.48 per hour | 0.4FTE (maximum 14 hours per week) to start mid-October 2026 until mid-February 2027.

The Royal College of Art is seeking an experienced and creative Biennale Curator to lead the curation and delivery of our Research Biennale, showcasing work by postgraduate research (PGR) students.

This is an exciting opportunity for a curator with strong knowledge of contemporary art and exhibition practice to develop an ambitious exhibition that celebrates the breadth and quality of research taking place across the RCA.

Working with the PGR Biennale Exhibition Planning Team, Technical Services and colleagues across the College, you will help shape the exhibition vision, review student submissions and oversee the presentation, installation and de-installation of the exhibition.

You will provide curatorial guidance to exhibiting students and oversee the logistics of presenting their work, ensuring appropriate standards of art handling, health and safety and exhibition presentation.

You will also work with Communications and Marketing colleagues to support publicity and public-facing activity, including the exhibition launch, talks and panel discussions.

The role is flexible, with hours varying across different phases of the project and increasing around key exhibition and installation periods.

You will have a postgraduate qualification in Curating, Art History, Museum Studies or a related discipline, alongside demonstrable experience of curating exhibitions and managing exhibition projects.

You will have:

• Strong knowledge of contemporary art and exhibition practice.
• Experience of exhibition planning, installation and art handling.
• Experience managing budgets, timelines and project delivery.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, artists, academics and technical teams.
• An understanding of relevant health and safety requirements.
• The flexibility to work effectively within a variable, part-time schedule.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a high-profile RCA research exhibition and work with our vibrant community of postgraduate researchers, artists, academics and technical specialists.

Please see the Information Pack for further details.

How to apply: Please apply via the RCA website using the short application form and upload your CV and covering letter outlining your relevant experience and how you meet the requirements of the role.

Closing date: 11.59pm on 18 September 2026 with interviews expected to take place w/c 28 September 2026

Closing Date: 18 Sep 2026

Programme/Department: Administrative & Professional

Salary: Casual Worker - hourly paid at £25.48 per hour (inc holiday pay)
Maximum 14 hours per week (0.4fte) from Mid October 2026 to mid February 2027

This is a key senior professional services role, providing high-quality planning, analysis, reporting and coordination to support institutional decision-making across the College. Working closely with the Academic Registrar and senior academic and professional services colleagues, you will help ensure that planning and performance activity is well coordinated, evidence-informed and aligned with the RCA’s strategic ambitions.

The RCA is a world-leading specialist postgraduate institution of art, design, architecture, communication and creative practice. Operating within a complex and fast-changing higher education environment, robust planning, high-quality evidence and insightful performance reporting are essential to supporting academic, operational and strategic delivery.

You will coordinate key institutional and academic planning cycles, including student number planning, recruitment and admissions monitoring, academic portfolio planning, quality cycles, student outcomes reporting and performance monitoring.

You will analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data from a range of sources, translating complex information into clear insights, briefings, dashboards, reports and recommendations for senior leaders and committees.

A key element of the role will be developing and maintaining planning models and analytical tools, including scenario modelling and options analysis to support student number planning, admissions and enrolment monitoring, programme viability, portfolio planning and resource considerations.

You will provide trusted planning and performance advice to the Academic Registrar, PVC Education and Student Success, Deans, Heads of Programme and senior professional service colleagues, providing constructive challenge and helping colleagues understand trends, risks and implications.

You will work collaboratively across Academic Registry, Schools and professional services including Finance, Recruitment, Technical Services, Data and Insight and Strategy, supporting joined-up planning and performance activity across the College.

You will have significant experience in planning, performance reporting, data analysis, academic administration, governance, business planning or strategy support, ideally within higher education or another complex organisation.

You will have strong analytical and numerical skills, advanced Excel capability and experience producing high-quality reports, briefings, dashboards or committee papers for senior audiences.

You will be confident engaging with senior stakeholders, able to influence and advise colleagues, provide constructive challenge and translate complex information into clear, practical and actionable insight.

An understanding of the UK higher education environment, including governance, assurance, quality, student outcomes, regulatory expectations and institutional performance, is essential.

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a role with significant institutional influence, helping to connect data, planning and performance with strategic priorities at one of the world’s leading specialist postgraduate universities.

Please see Information pack for further details of this exciting new role.

Closing for applications: 11.59pm, 14 September 2026 with interviews expected to take place 24 September 2026

Closing Date: 14 Sep 2026

Programme/Department: Administrative & Professional

Salary: £49,533 to £53,609 per annum
Full time and permanent role

Permanent | Full-time | Grade 9 | Hybrid, with regular on-campus delivery

The Royal College of Art is looking for an experienced and inspiring Learning Development and Academic Literacies Coordinator to lead the development, coordination and enhancement of in -sessional learning development, academic literacies and academic communication provision for our postgraduate students across the College.

Working within Library and Academic Enhancement, this is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a high-profile, College-wide area of student support and help shape how our diverse postgraduate community develops the critical, reflective, communicative and independent learning practices needed to thrive at the RCA.

You will lead the planning and delivery of a comprehensive programme of in-sessional learning development support, spanning workshops, tutorials, embedded teaching, online resources, induction activity and targeted interventions. You will work closely with academic programmes and Schools to ensure support is relevant, timely and connected to disciplinary, studio, research and assessment contexts.

The role combines strategic service development with hands-on teaching and student support. You will design and deliver high-quality learning development and academic literacies provision, while also providing leadership and direction to teaching staff, including line management of the In-Sessional Associate Lecturer.

You will play a key role in developing a coherent model that brings together academic literacies, research and information literacy, learning development and academic communication. Using student feedback, engagement data and evaluation evidence, you will identify emerging needs, measure impact and drive continuous improvement.

You will also build strong relationships across the College, working with Programme Leaders, School leadership, Library colleagues, Registry, Student Support, EAP and Digital Learning teams to contribute to wider priorities around student success, inclusion, progression, attainment, belonging and academic integrity.

You will have substantial experience of coordinating and developing learning development, academic skills, academic literacies, EAP or related provision within higher education, alongside experience of teaching postgraduate learners and developing engaging, inclusive learning resources.

You will bring excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to influence colleagues across academic and professional services environments. You will be confident managing staff, interpreting evidence, making informed decisions and translating insight into meaningful service and educational enhancement.

A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline and a recognised teaching qualification, or equivalent professional experience, are essential.

Experience within art, design, creative arts or practice-based higher education would be particularly welcome.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant contribution to the academic experience and success of students at the world’s leading university of art and design.

Join us and help shape learning development at the RCA.

Closing for applications 11.59pm on 27 September 2026

Interviews are expected to be held on 14 October 2026

Closing Date: 27 Sep 2026

Programme/Department: Administrative & Professional

Salary: £55,187 to £61,469 per annum

Philanthropy plays a significant role in the life of the RCA. Working with alumni, donors, companies, trusts and foundations, we raise vital support that enables our students and staff to perform at their best and helps deliver the College’s vision for the future.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Advancement & Alumni, you will manage a portfolio of high-value prospects and donors, developing relationships and securing six- and seven-figure gifts that support the RCA’s strategic priorities, including capital projects, academic ambitions and scholarships.

You will develop and implement creative cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies, working closely with senior colleagues, academics and other stakeholders to develop compelling cases for support. You will represent the RCA at meetings and engagement activities, including international travel where appropriate, and provide expert advice to senior colleagues on fundraising approaches and donor relationships.

A key part of the role will be identifying new philanthropic opportunities, developing high-quality proposals and cases for support, and ensuring donors receive excellent stewardship throughout their relationship with the College. You will also work collaboratively across Finance, Academic, Marketing & Communications and Advancement & Alumni to ensure a seamless and inspiring donor experience.

We are looking for a highly motivated and entrepreneurial fundraising professional with significant experience working with high-net-worth individuals and securing major philanthropic gifts, including experience managing a portfolio and soliciting seven-figure donations. You will have excellent relationship-building, communication and influencing skills, alongside the ability to develop fundraising strategies and deliver multiple complex activities to demanding deadlines.

Experience of working in higher education, particularly with international donors, would be advantageous. Knowledge of Raiser's Edge or a similar fundraising CRM is also desirable.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a genuine and direct impact on the future of the RCA, working within a small, ambitious and highly collegiate team.

If you are an accomplished fundraiser with the credibility, creativity and drive to secure transformational philanthropic support, we would love to hear from you.

Please see Information Pack for further details of this exciting new role at the No. 1 University for Art and Design.

Closing for applications at 11.59pm on 27th September 2026

Closing Date: 27 Sep 2026

Programme/Department: Administrative & Professional

Salary: £49,533 to £53,609 per annum