Technical Services Coordinator in Making (maternity cover)

Career Opportunity: Making Technical Coordinator at the Royal College of Art

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join their dynamic technical support team as a Making Technical Coordinator. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to contribute to a world-leading art and design university, supporting students and staff in a vibrant and experimental academic environment. This is a full-time role, offered as a maternity cover for up to one year, commencing in February 2026.

At the heart of this role is the facilitation of hands-on making and digital making activities that empower students to bring their 3D concepts to life. You will play a crucial part in the growth and development of bench-based making areas, fostering an environment where experimentation and research can flourish. This position offers a unique chance to impact the creative journey of aspiring artists and designers.

Your Impact and Responsibilities:

As a Making Technical Coordinator, you will be instrumental in:

• Leading and motivating technical teams: You will expertly allocate duties, delegate tasks fairly, and provide clear focus and motivation to a team of highly skilled technical staff.
• Coordinating and growing technical spaces: You'll establish clear team objectives and provide essential support and guidance to ensure the successful development of multiple technical areas.
• Managing resources and equipment: This includes overseeing the procurement and setup of new equipment and services, as well as managing allocated budgets for maintenance and upgrades.
• Collaborating and representing your area: You'll liaise with other Technical Coordinators and represent your domain in college-wide meetings and forums, ensuring your team's needs and contributions are recognized.
• Providing essential technical support: You will assist students and staff in problem-solving and identifying effective technical solutions to support their creative and research endeavors.
• Supporting academic activities: Your team will provide vital technical input for the College's teaching, learning, and research initiatives.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

This role offers significant advantages for professionals looking to advance their careers:

• Leadership and Management Experience: Gain invaluable experience leading and developing a team of specialists in a prestigious academic setting.
• Impactful Contribution: Directly influence the creative and research output of students at one of the world's foremost art and design institutions.
• Diverse Skill Development: Broaden your expertise in managing diverse technical areas, equipment, budgets, and project delivery within an educational context.
• Strategic Involvement: Participate in college-wide initiatives and contribute to the strategic development of technical services.
• Dynamic Environment: Work in a fast-paced, creative, and experimental atmosphere that encourages innovation and collaboration.
• Emphasis on Holistic Experience: The RCA actively seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds, valuing transferable skills and experiences beyond direct links to the creative industries or education.

Considerations for Your Career Path:

To thrive in this role, consider the following:

• Adaptability and Dynamism: The nature of academic support requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to evolving student needs and technological advancements.
• Outcome-Focused Approach: A commitment to achieving clear objectives and delivering tangible results will be crucial for success.
• Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and colleagues at all levels, and to manage potentially challenging situations, is paramount.
• Project Management Prowess: Proven ability to manage projects, including technical content for virtual learning environments, within set timelines and budgets is essential.
• Technical Acumen and Problem-Solving: While your experience doesn't need to be strictly within the creative industries, a solid understanding of technical principles and a knack for creative problem-solving will be highly beneficial.

The Royal College of Art is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. They welcome and encourage applications from all members of the community and offer support for the application process for individuals who may require it. This role is an excellent opportunity to leverage your skills and contribute to a globally recognized institution.