Job Role & Context: Understanding the Position of Visiting School Global Liaison
The Architectural Association (AA), based in the historic Bedford Square in Central London, is an esteemed independent architectural school renowned for its forward-thinking approach to design education and its role as an international cultural hub. Frequently at the forefront of discussions on global architecture and design, the AA provides an extensive programme of lectures, exhibitions, symposia, and industry-leading publications. Having operated since 1847, the AA boasts a heritage of innovation and is recognized as a global leader in the discipline, nurturing many of the world’s foremost architects and thinkers.
Within this prestigious institution, the role of the Visiting School Global Liaison is a dynamic and multi-faceted position. At its core, this role focuses on the management and expansion of the AA Visiting School (AAVS) initiative, which engages with audiences worldwide through educational programmes, strategic partnerships, funding initiatives, and other forms of collaboration. The AAVS reaches beyond the AA campus to foster architectural debate, experimentation, and innovation on a global scale.
As the Visiting School Global Liaison, you will play a significant part in shaping the AA’s international outreach. This includes developing creative alliances with academic bodies, creative professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers worldwide. You will also focus on securing financial sustainability for these initiatives by building relationships with donors and sponsors. Importantly, this role pushes the boundaries of architectural conversations, guiding the AA’s impact on global and local challenges.
The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of cultivating professional partnerships, a creative mindset for global engagement, and the ability to develop innovative strategies for educational programming. This is a unique opportunity to merge your architectural expertise with strategic leadership to further the AA’s vision across global networks.
Advice for Applicants: An International Perspective
Whether you are an architect, educator, or creative leader with experience managing initiatives in a global context, this role provides an exceptional platform for those passionate about architecture and its cultural impact worldwide.
Here’s how you can tailor your application from an international education lens:
- Highlight Global Experience and Networks
– Emphasize projects where you’ve successfully developed international partnerships or networks. Whether through academic exchanges, global exhibitions, collaborative design programmes, or funding drives, showcase your ability to operate across cultural and geographical contexts.
– Stress any experience in working with diverse stakeholders, including academic institutions, architecture firms, policymakers, or industry brands. Highlight your ability to bridge cross-cultural collaboration and navigate international frameworks.
- Bring a Vision for Architecture’s Global Role
– Architecture is inherently international, addressing shared challenges like sustainability, urbanization, and social equity. Demonstrate your understanding of these global challenges and your ability to innovate solutions that translate into meaningful Visiting School initiatives.
– If you have experience working in regions underserved by architectural programmes (e.g., emerging markets or marginalized geographies), detail how you contributed to building educational impact there.
- Leadership in Programme Development and Fundraising
– Previous leadership experience in managing creative or educational programmes is essential, as you’ll be overseeing strategic planning as well as operational details. Highlight your ability to develop programmes that align with both educational ideals and market needs.
– Effective fundraising is crucial for this role’s sustainability mandate. Share evidence of securing sponsorships, running donor campaigns, or accessing funding for large-scale initiatives.
- Adapt to the AA’s Unique Culture
– The AA combines academic excellence with public engagement, making it both a school of architecture and a cultural institution. Your mission as Global Liaison will involve preserving this balance. Research the AA’s Visiting School portfolios and public programmes to gain insight into their ethos, then demonstrate how your skills and vision align with their mission.
- Administrative Ability Meets Creativity
– This is a hands-on role where you’ll implement innovative ideas while ensuring operational efficiency. If you’ve managed complex logistical challenges or led cross-disciplinary teams, be sure to include these details in your application.
- Understand the Immigration Context
– The AA has indicated that it cannot offer visa sponsorship. For international candidates applying from outside the UK, this is an important factor to consider: ensure that you are eligible to work in the UK without requiring further sponsorship. This might involve already holding valid UK work authorization, or meeting eligibility through existing residency or settlement schemes.
Guidance for the Application Process
To apply effectively, follow these steps:
- Complete the AA Application Form
Ensure all sections are filled in completely and accurately. Pay close attention to any sections requiring details about your experience and qualifications.
- Write a Strong Cover Letter
– Craft a compelling argument for why you are the ideal candidate. Tailor your cover letter to highlight how your skills, achievements, and values align with the Visiting School Global Liaison position.
– Keep this letter concise and engaging, adhering to the two-page maximum.
- Tailor Your CV to the Role
– Focus your CV on relevant international experience, partnerships, or project leadership.
– Highlight measurable achievements, such as percentage increases in sponsorship funding, successful international collaborations, or high-profile public programmes you have spearheaded.
- Submit Your Application Early
Applications are open until 31st August 2025, but the AA reserves the right to close the vacancy early if they receive sufficient applications. If this is your dream role, don’t wait until the final deadline-apply promptly.
- Prepare for the Interview (Mid-September)
If selected, begin preparing for interviews scheduled for the week commencing 15th September 2025. Reflect on your ability to communicate a vision for the Visiting School and articulate how you would expand its reach while strengthening its financial and creative base.
For informal inquiries, such as clarification about the role’s requirements or expectations, contact recruitment@aaschool.ac.uk. Note that the AA welcomes and encourages diversity in applications. If you have specific needs or require workplace adjustments, feel free to discuss this when applying.
This role is an exceptional opportunity to lead on global architectural education within one of the most respected institutions worldwide. If you’re passionate about nurturing innovative architectural thinkers and have the expertise to enhance the international reach of the AA Visiting School, make your application stand out and seize this transformative career opportunity