Director of Brand & Audiences

Royal Academy of Arts; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent cultural institution in London is seeking a senior leader to direct brand strategy, oversee audience development, and lead a collaborative culture. The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with strategic vision and a passion for the arts, capable of amplifying the institution's presence globally. Applications are open until November 24, 2025.

Qualifications

• Proven leader with strategic vision, creativity, and data-driven insights.
• Ability to translate complex organisational goals into inspiring and measurable initiatives.
• Passionate advocate for the arts with the ability to amplify the RA’s global presence.

Responsibilities

• Direct the RA’s brand strategy across various activities.
• Oversee audience development, marketing, and communications programmes.
• Lead and enhance a collaborative culture using technology and AI.

Skills

Strategic vision

Creativity

Data-driven insights

Fostering collaborative culture

Technology leverage

Job description

Overview

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.

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.

Role and responsibilities

• Direct the RA’s brand strategy to inform all activities, from exhibitions and education to new commercial and digital initiatives.
• Oversee audience development, marketing, communications, and membership programmes with the aim of growing and diversifying audiences while maintaining brand integrity.
• Lead a high-performing, collaborative culture; leverage technology and AI to enhance engagement and experience.
• Balance artistic and commercial priorities with authenticity and discernment, while amplifying the RA’s presence, relevance, and reputation globally.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to shape and deliver a comprehensive brand and audience strategy across the organisation.

Qualifications and experience

• Proven leader with strategic vision, creativity, and data-driven insights.
• Ability to translate complex organisational goals into inspiring and clearly measurable initiatives.
• Experience fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture and leveraging technology to enhance engagement.
• Passionate advocate for the arts with the ability to amplify the RA’s presence, relevance, and reputation globally.

Closing and application

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

For more information and to apply, please visit:

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