Seize the extraordinary opportunity to shape a world-class cultural institution's brand and audience strategy

Overview

Salary

£50000

Location

London, UK

Expires

Expires 25-11-25 - Applications reviewed after this date

Role snap shot

Full job description

Organisation Summary

This exciting position is for the Royal Academy of Arts (RA), a renowned and inspiring social hub in the heart of Mayfair that employs the complete RA's exceptional estate in creative and commercially prosperous ways.

Role Summary

Shape and deliver a comprehensive brand strategy that drives the RA's efforts.
Oversee development, marketing, communications, and membership programmes.
Translate complex organisational objectives into inspiring and clearly measurable initiatives.
Growth and diversification of the audience while preserving the brand's image.

Role Requirements

Effective leader with strategic vision and creativity.
Able to transform data insights into actionable strategies.
Foster a high-performing, collaborative team culture.
Comfortable with technology; harness AI to enhance engagement.
Balance artistic and commercial priorities.
Passionate advocate for the arts.

Application Process Details

In association with Starfish Search, applicants must visit https://starfishsearch.com/jobs/raa-dir-bra-aud/ to apply.

This is a newly shaped role on the senior leadership team, reporting into Simon Wallis, our recently appointed Chief Executive. Together, you will make the RA a compelling and inspiring social hub in the heart of Mayfair that uses the entirety of the RA's superb estate in inventive artistic and commercially successful ways.

The Director of Brand & Audiences will play a central role in this mission. You will be responsible for shaping and delivering a comprehensive brand strategy that informs everything the RA does, from exhibitions and education to new commercial and digital initiatives. This role will also oversee audience development, marketing, communications, and membership programmes, ensuring that we grow and diversify our audiences while maintaining the integrity and strength of our brand.

We are looking for a proven leader with strategic vision, creativity, and data-driven insights, someone who can translate complex organisational goals into inspiring and clearly measurable initiatives. The ideal candidate will be able to foster a high-performing, collaborative culture, leverage technology and AI to enhance engagement, and balance artistic and commercial priorities with authenticity and discernment. Above all, regardless of what sector you are in now, you will be a passionate advocate for the arts who can amplify the RA's presence, relevance, and reputation globally.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to help shape the Academy's future and to lead brand and audience strategy at a world-class cultural institution.

The RA is proud to be working in partnership with Starfish Search on this important appointment. For more information and to apply, please visit:

https://starfishsearch.com/jobs/raa-dir-bra-aud/

Closing date: Monday 24th November 2025 (10am)