Timetabling Manager

The Royal College of Art (RCA), a globally renowned institution for postgraduate art and design education, is presenting an exciting opportunity for an experienced and visionary Timetabling Manager. This pivotal role offers a chance to shape the academic experience of a world-leading creative community by leading the delivery of all academic timetabling.

At its core, this position is about ensuring the seamless coordination of a diverse range of academic activities within a unique studio-based environment. You'll be instrumental in scheduling everything from intensive studio work and dynamic workshops to crucial seminars and interdisciplinary projects. The ultimate goal is to provide accurate, timely, and well-orchestrated timetables that empower students and faculty to thrive.

Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Leadership and Strategic Impact: As the College's lead timetabling professional, you will have the autonomy to provide proactive leadership, drive service improvements, and implement transformative change initiatives. This is an opportunity to truly influence and modernize timetabling processes in line with the College's strategic objectives.
• Creative Environment: Working within a specialist creative arts institution offers a unique and stimulating environment. The role demands an understanding of practice-led delivery, studio-based learning, and the specific scheduling needs of creative disciplines, making it a niche and rewarding challenge.
• Collaborative Opportunities: You will collaborate extensively with academic, technical, research, and professional services colleagues across multiple sites. This cross-functional engagement fosters a holistic understanding of the institution and builds valuable professional networks.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes strong data literacy, requiring you to collect, analyze, and leverage information on teaching delivery, space utilization, and workload. This analytical aspect is crucial for continuous improvement and software functionality enhancements, offering a chance to refine your data analysis skills.
• Process Improvement Focus: A significant aspect of the role involves a strong continuous improvement agenda. You'll have the opportunity to review and refine existing processes, stay abreast of sector best practices, and influence the development of the College's timetabling systems, ensuring they remain efficient, inclusive, and reflective of cutting-edge creative practices.
• Professional Development: Experience in managing complex data, resolving intricate scheduling challenges (including specialist spaces, technician availability, and visiting lecturers), and contributing to space and resource planning across multiple sites will significantly enhance your professional skillset and career trajectory in higher education operations.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Specialist System Proficiency: While experience with CELCAT is desirable, proficiency with specialist timetabling systems and Google Workspace is essential. Candidates with a strong technical aptitude and a willingness to quickly master new software will excel.
• Understanding Creative Pedagogy: A deep appreciation and understanding of studio-based or practice-led delivery models are crucial. This isn't a standard administrative role; it requires an empathetic approach to the unique rhythms of creative education.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: The ability to build strong relationships across the College, act as a central point of contact, and provide training and guidance to staff is paramount. Excellent communication, both written and verbal, will be key to navigating complex stakeholder needs.
• Solutions-Oriented Approach: This role demands a flexible, sensitive, and solutions-focused mindset to tackle diverse and often competing scheduling demands. The ability to think critically and propose innovative solutions is highly valued.
• Strategic Alignment: Candidates should be able to demonstrate how their approach to timetabling aligns with the broader strategic objectives of a leading arts institution.

This is a significant opportunity for a seasoned professional looking to make a tangible impact within a prestigious and dynamic creative environment. If you possess a blend of strong leadership, analytical prowess, and a passion for optimizing academic operations within a unique educational setting, this role at the Royal College of Art warrants your serious consideration.