Vice Principal (Academic)

GatenbySanderson; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

RADA invites applications for a senior academic leader to serve as Vice Principal (Academic), shaping our educational mission and artistic identity while safeguarding quality.

You will provide strategic leadership across the academic portfolio, champion teaching, learning and research, and build external partnerships with academia and industry.

We seek an inspirational leader with a track record in partnerships, change management and a deep commitment to student success in a conservatoire.

Job description

RADA is one of the world's leading conservatoires, renowned for preparing generations of graduates for exceptional careers across theatre, film, television and the wider creative industries. While our heritage is a source of tremendous pride, our focus is firmly on the future. As we deliver an ambitious new strategic plan, we are committed to strengthening our impact, broadening our reach and ensuring RADA remains recognised not only for excellence, but also for innovation, inclusivity, wellbeing and sector leadership.

To help realise these ambitions, we are now seeking an outstanding Vice Principal (Academic) to play a central part in shaping RADA's educational mission and artistic identity, safeguarding the quality and reputation of our training while evolving our offer to maximise its relevance. Contributing to the wider leadership of the Academy, you will help ensure RADA continues to thrive in a rapidly evolving higher education and artistic landscape.

Providing strategic leadership across our academic portfolio, you will champion excellence in teaching, learning and research, ensuring coherence and quality across all areas of provision. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Academy, you will align teaching, research and industry engagement behind a shared academic purpose, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, creativity and collaboration. You will also help shape the future development of our offer, including opportunities in areas such as digital performance, technical training and new forms of creative practice. Over and above this, you will play a leading role in developing external partnerships, both in academia and industry, increasing our reach and influence and ensuring that we continue to pioneer in the interest of artistic excellence and optimal student outcomes.

We are looking for a credible and inspiring academic leader who values what makes RADA distinctive while bringing the vision, judgement and personal gravitas to lead change where needed. You will have a strong track record of building partnerships, influencing stakeholders and delivering innovation, alongside a deep commitment to student success and the transformative power of conservatoire education.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of one of the world's most respected creative institutions. If it sounds like the opportunity for you, we look forward to hearing from you.

Closing Date: Friday 30 October 2026 @ 5pm

For an informal discussion about the role, contact our recruitment partners, GatenbySanderson: Manjit Mundair-Lalli [e-mail] or Stephanie Wilson, [e-mail]