REF29 Strategy Leader for Art & Design Research

Royal College of Art; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal College of Art seeks an experienced and credible academic leader to serve as Executive Academic Lead for REF29. You will shape and lead RCA’s REF29 Strategy, aligning submissions with research quality, impact, and environment across art and design.

You will guide preparation through Schools and Centres and chair governance groups. You will provide strategic leadership, engage with Deans and Directors, and represent RCA in national REF networks, balancing rigorous assessment with

Qualifications

• Senior academic with a strong research profile and substantial leadership experience in higher education.
• Credible track record in research assessment, quality assurance or large-scale academic processes.
• Experience of previous REF cycles is highly valuable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the RCA REF29 strategy and implementation.
• Oversee curation of outputs, environment statements and impact case studies.
• Provide governance leadership through REF29 committees and groups.
• Represent RCA in external REF networks and related forums.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Consensus building

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

The Royal College of Art seeks an experienced and credible academic leader to serve as Executive Academic Lead for REF29. You will shape and lead RCA’s REF29 Strategy, aligning submissions with research quality, impact, and environment across art and design.

You will guide preparation through Schools and Centres and chair governance groups. You will provide strategic leadership, engage with Deans and Directors, and represent RCA in national REF networks, balancing rigorous assessment with