Principal and Chief Executive

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

London

  • Location London
  • Sector Education
  • Client Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Salary/Remuneration £175,000 - £200,000 per annum, dependent on experience
  • Reference GSe130477
  • Closing Date Friday 5 June 2026 @ 9am

For over 120 years, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art has been at the forefront of worldleading conservatoire training, shaping generations of artists who define theatre, film and television globally. We remain committed to being world class in all that we do. At a pivotal moment in RADA’s evolution, we are now seeking an exceptional Principal and Chief Executive to lead the Academy confidently into its next chapter.

This is a rare opportunity to steward one of the UK’s most respected cultural institutions, balancing deep respect for RADA’s craftbased heritage with the vision and leadership required to ensure continued relevance, sustainability and impact within a rapidly changing creative and highereducation landscape.

The Principal and CEO combines academic and artistic leadership with executive accountability. Working in close partnership with the Chair and Council, you will lead RADA’s educational mission and artistic identity, while also providing strategic, financial and organisational leadership across the Academy and its commercial and philanthropic activities.

We are seeking a leader of credibility, empathy and ambition, with senior executive experience gained within higher education, the creative or cultural sectors, or a closely aligned missionled environment. You will bring strong commercial and financial acumen, experience of working effectively with a governing board in a regulated context, and a genuine commitment to equity, inclusion and wellbeing. Above all, you will value people, partnership and purpose, leading change with care and clarity.

RADA is committed to inclusive leadership and welcomes applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented at this level, including Black, Asian and Global Majority candidates, and D/deaf and disabled candidates.

For a confidential discussion, please contact maliha.ahmed@gatenbysanderson.com.

Closing date: 9am, Friday 5 June 2026

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