Dear Candidate,
Thank you for expressing an interest in applying for the post of the next Director of Finance and Operations at the Royal Academy of Dance.
Founded in 1920 to improve standards of teaching of dance, the Royal Academy of Dance is dedicated to advancing standards of dance education and training. Based in Battersea, London, the Academy has a presence in 83 countries and over 12,000 members worldwide. Granted a Royal Charter in 1935, the Academy is governed by a Board of Trustees and is a registered charity, a Higher Education establishment and an awarding body. The Academy has an annual turnover of £12m
This is an exciting time to be joining the Royal Academy of Dance. In early 2022 we move to a brand new purpose-built global headquarters, with the opportunities that presents while balancing this with the challenges of our recovery from the pandemic.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in continuing the modernising and streamlining of the Academy’s financial processes and operations. ICT, Facilities and the Academy’s commercial arm, RAD Enterprises, fall under the responsibility of the Director of Finance and Operations, as will leadership of all areas of financial management and corporate governance. Your membership of the Executive Board will enable you to play a central role in the day to day running and future strategic development of the Academy.
After 23 years as CEO of the Academy, I will be retiring on 30th April 2022. I will be succeeded by Tim Arthur, who joins us on 1st March 2022. I am of course sad to be leaving this remarkable organisation but am excited for its future. The appointment of Tim, who is a talented and experienced CEO, will ensure the Academy is set fair for the future.
It is hoped the successful candidate will bring experience gained in almost any sector. Proven financial experience and ability at a senior level are the only non-negotiable aspects of the person specification. I invite you to look closely at this opportunity, even if you have not previously considered joining an organisation like ours where commitment, dedication, enthusiasm and respect for all are what make the Academy a rewarding place to work.
Within the rest of this site, you will find further information about the Director of Finance and Operations position, our mission, values, and plans for the future. If you recognise yourself in our vision, leadership description, and person specification, do contact our advisors, Anderson Quigley, for a confidential conversation.
The Royal Academy of Dance is an organisation dedicated to advancing standards of dance education and training. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn to dance.
With a global headquarters in Battersea, London, the Academy has a presence in 83 countries and over 12,000 members worldwide. Established in 1920, the Academy was granted a Royal Charter in 1935. It is governed by a Board of Trustees and has an annual turnover of £20 million. We are a registered charity, a higher education establishment and an awarding body.
The RAD’s patron is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our Vice Patron is HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and our President is Dame Darcey Bussell, DBE.
Our higher education programmes are regulated and a recent Ofsted inspection found the RAD to be an ‘outstanding’ provider of initial teacher education. The RAD’s examinations are recognised by Ofqual and contribute to UCAS points.
There are currently over 1,000 students in full-time or part-time dance teacher training programmes and each year the RAD’s renowned classical ballet examination syllabus is taught to thousands of young people worldwide, with around a quarter of a million pupils per year going on to take our exams.
Having reached its centenary in 2020, the Academy’s activities now extend from world class summer schools and events – such as the internationally renowned Fonteyn International Ballet Competition – to the highly regarded community engagement programme Step into Dance, in partnership with The Jack Petchey Foundation which reaches around 5,000 secondary school students in almost 200 secondary schools across London and Essex.
On May 1st 2022, a new Chief Executive will succeed the current CEO and the opportunities presented by the move – to a brand new purpose-built Global Headquarters – in addition to the challenges of the Academy’s recovery from the pandemic, make this a particularly exciting time to be involved in the Academy’s work.
Further background information about The Royal Academy of Dance can be found on the website at https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/
Job Title: Director of Finance and Operations
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Job Purpose: The Director of Finance and Operations is responsible for strategic, financial and corporate management of the Royal Academy of Dance.
Hours: Full time
Key Objectives
Corporate and Governance
Financial and Strategic Planning
Financial Management
Risk Management
Stakeholder relationships
Strategic and Operational Leadership
Other Responsibilities
Direct Reports (Head Office)
Indirect Reports (International)
Indirect Reports
Committee Representation
Person Specification
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Experience |
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Knowledge and Attained Skills |
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Joining our creative and inclusive team comes with a range of attractive benefits including:
Please note: we operate a 6-month probationary period for new appointments at this level of seniority
Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to The Royal Academy of Dance. An executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.
The closing date for applications is noon on Wednesday 2 February.
Applications should consist of:
Please complete the following online Equal Opportunity Monitoring Form.
Completed applications should be uploaded at www.andersonquigley.com/candidates using the AQ reference number AQ1273.
Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact our advising consultants at Anderson Quigley: Rob Hilyer on +44(0)7719 325 771 or Elyse Turner-Pearce on +44 (0)7808 648 559.
Timetable
Interviews with Anderson Quigley w/c 7th February 2022
Royal Academy of Dance interviews w/c 21st February 2022