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For Companies 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 and design since 1768.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to wellbeing resources.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while developing your career in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience and a knack for building strong business relationships.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
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.
About This Role
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.
About You
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 Company
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
- Exhibitions
- Reciprocal Agreements with galleries across the UK
- Enhanced Pension
- Generous employer contributions
- Enhanced Holiday: 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Wellbeing: Access to a virtual GP Service and Mental Health First Aiders
- Agile Working: The opportunity to work flexibly
- RA Staff Council: Where your views are heard and listened to
- Employee Clubs: Football, Staff Choir and more
New Business Lead (Mat Cover) 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)
✨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. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you’re chatting with decision-makers, think outside the box. Share innovative ideas on how you can help them achieve their goals while also securing funding for the RA. Make them see the value in partnering with us!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You never know when you’ll get a chance to speak to a potential sponsor. Have a clear, concise pitch ready that highlights your experience and what you can bring to the table. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll be part of a unique organisation that values creativity and innovation. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace New Business Lead (Mat Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about the Royal Academy and its mission. Share why you're excited about the opportunity to lead new business initiatives.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in sales and business development. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've secured and grown business relationships. Tailoring your application to reflect this will make you stand out!
Be Creative: Don’t be afraid to showcase your creative approach to identifying commercial opportunities. We love innovative thinkers! Use your application to demonstrate how you’ve approached challenges in unique ways in the past.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to maintain professionalism in your application. Balance your personality with a clear demonstration of your skills and achievements. And don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Academy of Arts
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you come prepared with specific examples of your past successes in securing funding and building corporate relationships. Be ready to discuss figures, targets you've met, and how you achieved them. This will show that you understand the financial side of the role and can deliver results.
✨Research the Royal Academy
Dive deep into the Royal Academy's history, current exhibitions, and their mission. Understanding their values and recent projects will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Since the role requires a creative approach to generating income, think of innovative ideas or strategies you've implemented in previous roles. Be prepared to share these during the interview to illustrate your ability to think outside the box.
✨Practice Your Pitch
As an excellent communicator, you'll need to influence senior decision-makers. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Consider role-playing with a friend to refine your pitch and ensure you can convey your thoughts effectively under pressure.
