At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the hunt for new corporate sponsors and secure funding for exciting art projects.
- Company: Join the Royal Academy of Arts, a historic institution promoting art since 1768.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, enhanced pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the art world while developing your business skills.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience and a knack for building strong business relationships.
- Other info: Be part of a creative team in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Please note that this role is being offered on a 12 month fixed term contract as it is maternity cover. The successful candidate will be available to start in April 2026.
The Royal Academy of Arts is currently looking to recruit a New Business Lead to join our Sponsorship and Corporate Partnerships team on a fixed term contract basis. This role will lead on the identification, cultivation and conversion of new corporate sponsors and secure six figure incomes from new funding partners, with a particular focus on the funding of Royal Academy exhibitions, RA Schools and wider projects. The New Business Lead will be key to supporting new ways of generating income for the RA, considering both the development of existing income streams and new business plans.
To be considered for this role you will have considerable experience in sales and business development roles with corporate clients, along with a successful track-record of securing, retaining and growing (new) business relationships, and achieving challenging new business targets. With a creative approach to working, you will be able to identify commercial opportunities and be innovative in your approach to new business. You will be an excellent communicator, comfortable speaking with and effectively influencing senior decision makers and potential sponsors.
The RA dates way back to 1768 when a group of artists and architects persuaded King George III to help them to ‘establish a society for promoting the Art of Design'. The original academy, in Pall Mall, was less than 10 meters long. Since then, there have been many changes, though the RA’s core purpose of bringing art and design to a broad audience and championing art and artists still holds true. Today we are a contemporary art organisation hosting internationally acclaimed exhibitions and through investment in employee training and development, with courses such as Unconscious Bias, LGBTQ+ Awareness, Bystander, and Mental Health First Aid training, we are striving to foster a safe space for everyone through positive action. We also have Employee Network Groups, Ways In Groups, and an Employee Council so every employee has a voice and a way to feel heard by colleagues through the CEO.
The RA is truly a unique place, both as an attraction to our visitors, but also as a workplace. Our people are at the heart of all we do, and we support a broad and inspiring mix of departments; from exhibitions, curators, art handlers, researchers, publishers, and digital to schools and education, visitor welcome, fundraisers, and corporate support.
Benefits include:
- Exhibitions
- Reciprocal Agreements with galleries across the UK
- Enhanced Pension
- Generous employer contributions
- Enhanced Holiday
- 25 days annual leave
New Business Lead (Mat Cover) in London employer: Royal Academy of Arts
Contact Detail:
Royal Academy of Arts Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Business Lead (Mat Cover) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential sponsors on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare your pitch! You’ll want to have a killer elevator pitch ready that highlights your experience in sales and business development. Make it engaging and tailored to the art world, so you can easily grab the attention of senior decision-makers.
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Before any meeting or call, do your homework on the companies you’re targeting. Understand their values, past sponsorships, and how your role could align with their goals. This will help you craft a compelling case for why they should partner with the Royal Academy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do at the Royal Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace New Business Lead (Mat Cover) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the New Business Lead role. Highlight your experience in sales and business development, especially with corporate clients, to show us you’re the right fit for this position.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your successes! Include specific examples of how you've secured and grown business relationships, and any impressive targets you've hit in the past.
Be Creative and Innovative: This role requires a creative approach, so let your personality shine through! Share any unique strategies or ideas you've implemented in previous roles that could translate well to generating income for the RA.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Academy of Arts
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your sales figures and achievements. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've secured six-figure deals or grown business relationships. This will show that you not only understand the role but also have a proven track record.
✨Research the Royal Academy
Dive deep into the Royal Academy's history, current exhibitions, and their approach to corporate partnerships. Understanding their mission and values will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like identifying new funding opportunities or overcoming objections from potential sponsors. Practise articulating your thought process and strategies clearly, as this will showcase your creative approach to business development.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an excellent communicator, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to influence senior decision-makers. Practise articulating your ideas succinctly and confidently, and consider using examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with high-level stakeholders.