Vice Principal (Academic)
About the role
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.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
We are very interested in hearing from Black, Asian, and Global Majority candidates as well as candidates who identify as D/deaf or disabled, who are under-represented at this level at RADA.
We are taking positive action by guaranteeing progress directly to the second interview stage of the process, to any applicant who self-identifies as being from a Black, Asian or Global Majority background, and/or who self-identifies as D/deaf or disabled, and has professional experience in a leadership role, either at a Conservatoire, in Higher education or in industry.
How to apply
- Applications are made here through our recruitment partner GatenbySanderson.
- Closing Date: Friday 30 October 2026, 5pm
Key contacts
For an informal discussion about the role, contact our recruitment partners, GatenbySanderson:
- Manjit Mundair-Lalli
Contact via manjit.mundair-lalli@gatenbysanderson.com - Stephanie Wilson
Contact via stephanie.wilson@gatenbysanderson.com
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art is dedicated to Equal Opportunities in employment and seeks to achieve diversity amongst its staff to reflect the community it serves.