Case study:Achates Recruits: RADA, Director of Development and Head of Supporter Engagement

– Helen Slater, Vice Principal, RADA

Director of Development

Achates Recruits worked with RADA in early 2023 to recruit a new Director of Development. This was an appointment that came at a crucial time for RADA, with a new Principal in place, and a renewed focus on development across the organisation both in the UK and US, and in establishing a life-long graduate engagement strategy. Through a combination of targeted search based on our sector knowledge and advertising, we were able to provide RADA with a shortlist of candidates who met their criteria of experience, expertise, and the ability to develop new funding streams at pace, leading to a successful appointment.

Head of Supporter Engagement

Achates also worked with RADA in 2024 to recruit their new Head of Alumni and Supporter Engagement. This role was fundamental to RADA’s future fundraising growth, developing and stewarding long-term relationships with a portfolio of individuals, seeking new prospective relationships, and developing and formalising an Alumni strategy. Expert relationship building skills and a deeply collaborative approach were key qualities which RADA tasked us to look for in prospective candidates.

With serious interest in this role from a pool of highly-qualified candidates, RADA was ultimately able to appoint a highly experienced individual with a strong background in Alumni Relations in the Higher Education sector.

We subsequently worked with RADA to appoint a Senior Supporter Engagement Manager, further strengthening supporter relations skills and capacity within the Development Team.

We also provided guidance and advice to RADA in Spring 2025 on potential appointments to its Council and subcommittees.