Voluntary Non-Executive Director, Adelphi Board

RSA (The royal society for arts manufactures and commerce); United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The RSA seeks a Voluntary Non-Executive Director for the Adelphi Board, integral to overseeing commercial hospitality at RSA House. Required is senior expertise in hospitality and commercial income generation, strategic thinking, and effective communication. The role supports RSA's mission to enhance visitor experience while maximizing returns to fund social impact initiatives.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in commercial hospitality, catering, and/or venue hire.
• Understanding of how hospitality intersects with brand, experience, and organisational mission.
• Willingness to engage with and support the RSA's social impact goals.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of RSA House's hospitality and commercial strategy.
• Monitor financial performance to maximise commercial potential.
• Provide insight on hospitality and venue hire trends and best practices.
• Advise on income opportunities across events, partnerships, and ventures.
• Champion quality, accessibility, and ethical standards in operations.

Skills

Senior-level experience in the hospitality or catering sector

Proven expertise in commercial income generation

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

Interpersonal and communication skills

Job description

Voluntary Non-Executive Director, Adelphi Board

Recruiter RSA (The royal society for arts manufactures and commerce)

Voluntary Non-Executive Director, Adelphi Board - Commercial Hospitality and Events Business

Location: RSA House
Time Commitment: Usually 3 meetings per year (1-2hrs) + occasional advisory input to define the strategic direction of the commercial business
Term: 3 years

Role Description

We are seeking a Voluntary Non-Executive Director with extensive experience in commercial hospitality, catering, and/or venue hire to join the Adelphi Board. This Board governs the commercial hospitality and events strategy for the trading business operating out of RSA House. The profits from Adelphi directly contribute to the RSA charity, with a third of all hospitality and private events income going back to the charity.

This role is vital in helping us ensure we see maximum value from and unlock new opportunities for commercial returns in our building of heritage. There is considerable opportunity to expand the reach of RSA House as a unique London visitor destination and leverage the various assets of: 13 diverse commercial spaces for hire, the luxury hospitality offering, exclusive cocktail bar, coffee house, library and workspaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of RSA House's hospitality and commercial strategy
• Monitor financial performance to maximise commercial potential
• Provide insight on hospitality and venue hire trends and best practice
• Advise on income opportunities across events, partnerships, and ventures
• Champion quality, accessibility, and ethical standards in operations
• Act as a critical friend to RSA teams and commercial partners
• Uphold RSA values and strategic objectives in all activities

Person Specification

Essential:

• Senior-level experience in the hospitality or catering sector

• Proven expertise in commercial income generation, ideally within a values-led or cultural organisation

• Strategic thinker with strong financial acumen and commercial judgment

• Understanding of how hospitality intersects with brand, experience, and organisational mission

• Willingness to engage with and support the RSA's social impact goals

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to work collaboratively with trustees and executive leadership

Desirable:

• Experience in venue operations, visitor destinations, or heritage/cultural spaces

• Knowledge of ESG and sustainability practices in hospitality

• Previous board/trustee or advisory experience

How to Apply

Please submit your CV. You're welcome to get in touch with Sascha Taylor, Chief Operating Officer - [e-mail] - if you would like an informal conversation about the role.

Inclusion Statement

As a social change organisation, we believe everyone, regardless of visible or invisible difference, should be welcomed to participate in creating a better future.

We aspire to maximum inclusionin our work and endeavour to challenge systemic inequity and all forms of discrimination. We therefore welcome applications from everybody who is committed to our vision and values and can demonstrate the skills, competencies and experience required for the role applied for.

Read full our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion here .

We are the RSA, where world-leading ideas are turned into world-changing actions. We're committed to a world that is resilient, rebalanced and regenerative, where everyone can fulfil their potential.