EA to Secretary & Chief Executive

The Royal Academy of Arts is currently seeking a highly organised and experienced Executive Assistant to provide trusted aide to our Secretary & Chief Executive.

An extremely varied and busy role, the EA will be responsible for many duties including managing the office of the Secretary & Chief Executive by providing discreet and high-level support, acting as a representative for the Secretary & Chief Executive across the Academy, maintaining relationships and proactively responding to issues as they arise.

About the Secretary & Chief Executive

Simon Wallis became Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Arts in August 2025. He leads the UK’s oldest artist-led institution at a key moment of organisational evolution, driving its charitable mission, artistic leadership and public-engagement strategy.

Wallis previously served as the founding Director of The Hepworth Wakefield, joining as its first employee in 2008 and overseeing the opening of its £35 million David Chipperfield-designed building in 2011. Under his leadership, the gallery won Art Fund Museum of the Year, grew its collection by over £220 million through philanthropy, established a nationally recognised exhibitions and learning programme, delivered a Tom Stuart-Smith-designed garden and played a major role in the cultural regeneration of Wakefield’s waterfront.

About You

To be considered for this role, you will have previous experience as an Executive/Personal Assistant, ideally within a complex organisation, along with a keen interest in arts and culture. You will be highly organised, proactive and able to anticipate and respond appropriately to issues arising, using initiative. Ability to work with tact, discretion and effectively manage sensitive matters is key to the success of this role, as is excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.