Founded in 1837, the Royal College of Art (RCA) is the world’s largest community of postgraduate-only art and design students. It is also the oldest art and design university in continuous operation and has been ranked as the world’s number one art & design university for a remarkable eleven consecutive years (QS World Subject Rankings 2015–25).

Under the leadership of our new President & Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christoph Lindner, we are pursuing an ambitious strategic vision for 2030. Our focus is on generating new knowledge and insights from research; enhancing our teaching excellence, which will be continuously informed by new research knowledge; and translating knowledge, skills and insights to bring about economic, societal and cultural benefit through UK and international partnerships.

It is in this context that the RCA now seeks an experienced and visionary leader for the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education and Student Success. Serving as a member of the RCA Executive Board and reporting directly to the President & Vice-Chancellor, this senior academic role will provide strategic leadership in shaping the RCA’s educational vision, ensuring the delivery of world-class education and student experience, and advancing the College’s distinctive teaching and learning environment.

The role holder will provide strategic leadership across the entire student journey, overseeing critical areas of student life and academic support including Registry, Student Experience, Academic Skills, Library Services, and Technical Services. The successful candidate will play a key role in the ongoing development and delivery of RCA’s academic strategy and in fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic academic community for all students.

The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in higher education leadership and a deep commitment to fostering an innovative, inclusive, and student-centred creative learning environment.

This is a unique opportunity to join one of the world’s leading institutions in arts, design, and communication education. If you are a visionary leader passionate about transforming the student experience and fostering excellence in education, we encourage you to apply for this pivotal role.

The Royal College of Art will be supported in this appointment by executive search firm Perrett Laver. Any initial enquiries should be directed to Xavier Thomason at xavier.thomason@perrettlaver.com or +44 (0)20 3928 7387.

For further details on how to apply, please visit https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies quoting reference number 7796. Candidates wishing to apply should submit a CV (including comprehensive details of key achievements and responsibilities) along with a covering letter which fully addresses the competencies outlined in the role description and person specification.

The closing date for applications is Midnight (GMT) on Friday 4 April.    

Process Dates

PL Interviews: Weeks commencing Monday 14 April – 21 April
Candidate Review Meeting: Thursday 1 May
First-Stage Interviews: Week commencing Monday 5 May
Final Interviews: Monday 12 May

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For a conversation in confidence or should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Xavier. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

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