Executive Academic Lead - Research Excellence Framework 2029 (0.5fte, FTC) - Internal Vacancy For Rca Employees Only

Royal College of Art; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal College of Art seeks an experienced and highly credible academic leader to become Executive Academic Lead for REF29. You will develop and lead the RCA's REF29 strategy, ensuring the submission reflects the breadth and quality of research across art and design, including outputs, impact and the research environment.

You will chair the REF29 Strategy Group, guide governance, liaise with Deans and Directors, and represent the RCA in external REF networks and forums, keeping a sharp

Qualifications

• Senior academic with a strong research profile.
• Significant experience of academic leadership within higher education.
• Experience of research assessment, quality assurance, or large-scale academic processes.
• Previous REF cycle experience is highly valuable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the RCA's REF29 strategy.
• Oversee curation of research outputs and development of environment statements.
• Select and prepare Impact Case Studies and ensure an ambitious institutional submission.
• Provide governance leadership through REF29 governance arrangements and chair the REF29 Strategy Group.
• Collaborate with Deans and Directors to coordinate preparation across Schools and Centres.
• Represent the RCA in external REF networks and related forums and monitor national landscape.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Academic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Governance

Job description

The Royal College of Art is seeking an experienced and highly credible academic leader to take on the role of Executive Academic Lead for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029.

This is a significant strategic opportunity to shape and lead the RCA's approach to REF29, working closely with the PVC Research & Innovation, Executive Professional Services Lead, Deans, Directors and colleagues across the RCA.

The Executive Academic Lead will develop and lead the implementation of the RCA's REF29 Strategy, ensuring that our submission reflects the breadth, quality and distinctiveness of research across art and design, including the excellence of our research outputs, the impact of our research and the quality of the research environment that supports it.

You will provide academic leadership and oversight throughout the REF preparation process, including the curation and selection of research outputs, the development of environment statements and the selection of Impact Case Studies. You will work closely with Deans and Directors to support preparation within Schools and Centres, while ensuring a coherent and ambitious institutional approach to the submission.

The role will also provide strategic leadership through the RCA's REF29 governance arrangements, including chairing the REF29 Strategy Group and reporting to the Research & Innovation Committee. You will represent the RCA in relevant external networks and REF-related forums, maintaining a strong understanding of the evolving national research assessment landscape.

We are looking for a senior academic with a strong research profile and significant experience of academic leadership within higher education. You will have a credible track record of research excellence and substantial experience of research assessment, quality assurance or comparable large-scale academic processes. Experience of previous REF cycles would be highly valuable.

You will bring exceptional strategic thinking, analytical and communication skills, together with the ability to build consensus and influence colleagues across a complex institution. A detailed understanding of the UK research landscape, REF requirements and research excellence in art and design practice is essential.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in shaping how the RCA presents and demonstrates its research excellence, impact and research environment through REF29.

If you are an experienced academic leader who can bring strategic vision, research expertise and collaborative leadership to this important institutional priority, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Closing for applications at 11.59pm on 18th October 2026