Governance Administrator (Academic)

The Royal College of Art, a global leader in art & design education, is seeking a talented Governance Administrator (Academic) to join our newly established Secretariat team. This pivotal role will play an integral part in supporting our academic and corporate governance structures, helping the College achieve its ambitious strategic goals.

About the Role

As the Governance Administrator (Academic), you will provide essential administrative support to the Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic (PVC Academic) & work closely with Senate and other key academic committees. Your role will ensure the smooth operation of governance processes, facilitating effective decision-making and contributing to the College’s high standards of corporate governance.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team led by the College Secretary that champions professional excellence and fosters collaboration, inclusion, & innovation across the College community.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Governance Administration (80%)

• Provide personal administrative support to the PVC Academic, including complex diary management, correspondence handling, and prioritisation of their commitments.
• Serve as the secretariat for Senate and a selection of committees, preparing agendas, coordinating documentation, taking minutes, & ensuring follow-up on actions.
• Coordinate projects within the PVC Academic’s portfolio, maintaining accurate records and tracking progress.
• Analyse data to produce internal and external reports.
• Liaise with the College Executive Group and academic leadership teams.
• Manage national and international travel arrangements, ensuring adherence to policies and efficient itinerary planning.

Governance Support for the Central Secretariat (20%)

• Assist with board and committee meetings, including booking venues, arranging AV and catering, and coordinating schedules.
• Provide administrative support for governance-related processes, such as maintaining the Register of Interests for Council members.
• Contribute to planning the annual cycle of meetings and assist with ad hoc working groups.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience in administrative roles, preferably within higher education or the not-for-profit sector.
• Strong diary management & minute-taking skills.
• High digital literacy and the ability to manage workflows effectively using MS Office, G-Suite, or similar tools.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to interact with senior executives and stakeholders.
• A proactive, team-oriented approach with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.

Why Join The Royal College of Art?

This is your chance to contribute to a world-class institution that values Curiosity, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Integrity. You’ll be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking team committed to professional excellence and diversity.

Apply now to help shape the future of the Royal College of Art and be part of an inspiring journey in higher education governance.

RCA Benefits available here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/more/work-at-the-rca/staff-benefits/

The Royal College of Art (RCA)  aims to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity & maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students and stakeholders are respected. 

We recognise the broad range of experiences that a diverse staff and student body brings and how this  strengthens our research and enhances our teaching. In order for RCA to remain a world-leading institution we are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles throughout all of our processes, from application through to appointment.

Please tell us if you need any assistance in applying or if you need the information in a different format.

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