Founded in 1874, the Royal Musical Association is the foremost society in the UK dedicated to advancing the investigation and discussion of all types of music. The Association aims to sustain and enhance the culture of music studies in its broadest sense, to celebrate and promote diversity in musical and scholarly activity, to create an inclusive and interdisciplinary environment, and to recognise outstanding scholarly and creative achievement by individuals worldwide. The RMA’s website can be viewed here: https://www.rma.ac.uk/

Job Description

The Royal Musical Association seeks a new Administrator, starting 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter by agreement. The Administrator will work closely with the RMA Executive Officer – the most senior Officer role in the RMA – and alongside other officers in Digital Technologies, Communication, Research Training, Student Liaison and Conferences. The Association also has an Honorary Treasurer who keeps detailed accounts and looks after the RMA’s investment portfolio.

The RMA Administrator will carry out a wide range of tasks including (but not limited to) the following: processing expenses claims; taking minutes at RMA coammittee meetings; sourcing accommodation for Council members at the annual conference, and administrating RMA awards.

The RMA is a Registered Charity and a Company limited by guarantee, and the Administrator will work closely with the Executive Officer reporting to the Charity Commission and Companies House as necessary, and overseeing Council processes in accordance with Charity Commission and Companies House regulations.

We are seeking someone with experience of administrative work and an interest in music as practised within Higher Education and academia. Like all remunerated RMA offices, the role is constituted as freelance consultancy, not as employment. The hours worked are flexible and will not be consistent across a given year, with relatively few fixed dates in the calendar beyond the Council and committee meetings and the two annual conferences. The current honorarium is £2,952 p.a., paid in monthly instalments.  The honorarium is subject to annual review, including adjustment for inflation.

Informal enquiries may be directed to:

Professor Caroline Rae (Chair of RMA Search Committee) rae@cardiff.ac.uk and to the Executive Officer Dr Amanda Babington execofficer@rma.ac.uk.

To apply

Applications should comprise a CV and covering letter explaining your interest in the post, and should be submitted by email to: Professor Caroline Rae (rae@cardiff.ac.uk).

Emails must be clearly labelled: Application for RMA Administrator

Closing date for applications: Friday 6 November 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview in mid November (date tbc).