Head of Creative in London

Are you an experienced Head of Creative looking for your next challenge? The Royal Society of Arts is the home of creativity for the common good. Since 1754 it has championed ingenuity and innovation, and turned possibility into progress. From pioneering invention and design to shaping social change, we are a place for action and connection, where the brilliance of people drives change. Creativity has always been at the heart of this unique and storied institution, which celebrates the ingenuity and inspiration of human creativity. And today, this organisation is more vital than ever.

The Opportunity

As Head of Creative, you’ll have the unique opportunity to shape how the Royal Society of Arts shows up in the world, and set the new standard for the creative brilliance of the organisation. You’ll be a guardian and leader of this standard: exciting, inspiring and intriguing audiences. This role is a crucial part of the organisation’s new chapter, using arts and creativity to help grow and inspire a diverse global Fellowship community, the wider public, and the brand itself. This role is based at RSA House in London for at least three days per week, with hybrid flexibility for the remaining days.

What you’ll do

• Uphold the creative vision for the Royal Society of Arts, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s overall goals and strategy.
• Lead a team of designers, writers and creatives, creating a working environment conducive to brilliant ideas and design excellence.
• Raise the standard of craft across design, editorial, copy, digital, social and events.
• Oversee creative output and direction, from social content and collateral, to the website and the Journal.
• Establish and engrain creative templates, guidelines and resources that are consistent with the Royal Society of Arts’ tone, voice and design principles.
• Instigate and lead creative development of new and exciting ideas and concepts.
• Collaborate with other teams including the Fellowship, events, editorial and strategy teams to input and oversee creative and design, ensuring consistency and excellence.
• Translate insights and strategy into compelling creative concepts, visuals, and campaigns that connect emotionally with our audience.
• Oversee production and delivery of creative assets, ensuring timelines, budgets, and brand quality standards are met.
• Partner with agencies and freelancers where necessary, maintaining creative standards and alignment with the organisation’s values and goals.

Who you are

• A creative and strategic thinker who loves turning ideas into powerful stories that connect with and move audiences.
• Culturally curious: on the pulse of the latest media, content, technology and audience trends and innovations.
• A champion of bold concepts, novel ideas and future-focused design thinking.
• A brilliant and motivating communicator, able to inspire teams to think bigger and bolder, championing the joy of creativity.
• Someone who is able to join the dots between the storytelling and brand of an organisation, its different audiences, and current culture and society.

Your key experience

• Creative and design leadership and direction (either in-house or agency-side) in advertising, design, content or brand.
• Strong expertise in visual design, art direction, and storytelling, with proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and relevant production workflows.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, capable of inspiring creative talent and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Mentoring and managing creatives, and building a culture of quality and innovation.

Apply

In order to apply, please click ‘quick apply’ on our recruitment page and submit your CV. You will also be required to answer a series of questions. You do not need to submit a cover letter. The closing date for receipt of applications is 6 June 2026. However, screening and interviews will be ongoing, so we may close the vacancy early if sufficient exceptional candidates apply. Please get your application in as soon as possible. Please note that we cannot accept late, incomplete applications, and we can only consider candidates who apply through the online application process.

Inclusion Statement

As a social change organisation, we believe everyone, regardless of visible or invisible differences should feel welcomed and able to contribute to creating a better future. You can read our full inclusion statement on our website. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations.