Chief Operating Officer

Royal Academy; City of London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural institution in London is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to drive operational excellence and strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in organizational leadership and a passion for the arts. This full-time role involves overseeing finance, human resources, and governance to support the Academy's mission of promoting visual arts.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading change and improving performance in complex organizations.
• Experience operating at Board level.
• Strong understanding of finance, people management, estates, IT, procurement, and governance.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic and operational excellence across the organization.
• Oversee all aspects of operational delivery including finance, people, and governance.
• Ensure the Academy runs efficiently and sustainably.

Skills

Commercial insight

Operational leadership

Strategic planning

Change management

Relationship building

Job description

Join to apply for the Chief Operating Officer role at Royal Academy of Arts

Royal Academy of Arts provided pay range

This range is provided by Royal Academy of Arts. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

The Royal Academy of Arts (RA) is one of the UK’s most significant and distinctive cultural institutions. Founded in 1768, the RA remains true to its mission to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate. Independent and artist-led, it continues to be a place where art is not only displayed but created, discussed, and advanced, shaping the cultural life of the nation.

We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to help lead the next chapter of our story, strengthening the Academy’s foundations and ensuring its continued creativity, sustainability, and impact. Working closely with our Chief Executive, Simon Wallis OBE, and the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in driving strategic and operational excellence across the organisation. You will oversee all aspects of operational delivery including finance, people, estates, IT, procurement and governance, ensuring that the Academy runs efficiently, sustainably, and with care for its people, audiences, and heritage.

We are looking for a Chief Operating Officer with strong commercial insight and a talent for shaping organisations, someone who can lead transformation with confidence, build strong relationships, and drive excellence across every area of the Academy’s work. You will be an experienced senior leader, comfortable operating at Board level, with a strong track record of leading change and improving performance in complex organisations. Above all, you will share our belief in the enduring power of art and creativity to enrich public life, and our commitment to building an organisation that reflects the excellence and inclusivity of our artistic vision.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://starfishsearch.com/jobs/raa-coo/

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Strategy/Planning
• Finance
• Human Resources

Industries

• Museums
• Historical Sites
• Zoos
• Non-profit Organizations