Sotheby's Institute of Art · 2 months ago
Program Director MA in Luxury Business
New York, NY, US
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$100K/yr - $115K/yrSotheby's Institute of Art is a prestigious institution offering a new graduate program in Luxury Business. The Program Director will lead this initiative, overseeing curriculum development, teaching, and academic operations while fostering connections within the luxury sector to enhance the program's visibility and impact.
ArtHigher Education
Responsibilities
Serving as academic leader of the new MA in Luxury Business for in-person and online programs, reporting to the Director of the Institute
Working to establish the academic profile and reputation of the program as a leader in the field
Teaching on the MA in Luxury Business and other programs at the Institute, as needed
Establishing strong external relationships with partners and stakeholders whose participation may enhance the program, including guest lecturers
Working closely with the Institute Director and other faculty and staff on Institute-wide curricular review and academic policy and procedure
To shape and develop the new program and teaching timetable in alignment with the existing program documentation which has been approved by the National Association of Art and Design (NASAD) and New York State Education Department (NYSED)
To review, assess, oversee, and make recommendations for ongoing changes and improvements in the curriculum, in coordination with the Institute’s academic goals, and in collaboration with other members of its leadership
To identify and recruit potential new faculty members; to orient, mentor, engage, and evaluate new and returning faculty; to determine, in consultation with the Director, the workload assignment for each faculty member; to make assignments for student advisement
To manage the engagement of guest lecturers and liaise with external partners
To closely oversee the assessment (grading and evaluation) processes in accordance with the standards of accreditation entities and the Institute. This will entail both monitoring and abiding by the academic policies and regulations of the Institute in matters such as assessment, academic integrity, external examiners, examination boards, and student conduct and progression
To plan, oversee, and assess field study trips
To oversee the efficient operation of the Program, and to coordinate its operation with that of the other Programs, including, but not limited to:
To plan the academic calendar and class schedule
To develop and manage the Program budget
To work closely with and participate in the supervision and evaluation of relevant Program Coordinators
To actively engage in the recruitment, conversion, and enrollment of applicants, in cooperation with the department of Global Enrollment and Marketing, including participation in events, interviewing potential students, and preparing marketing materials
To work closely with non-MA departments on the development of non-degree courses and programming related to luxury
To oversee the development, interpretation and timely application of academic policies and all the requirements of accreditation, in collaboration with Institute staff
To contribute to the formulation of institute-wide academic strategy, policy, and procedure
To serve as a member of or to chair Institute committees as requested
To prepare reports, documents, and other materials required as part of the Institute’s obligations to its accreditation entities
To participate in professional organizations and activities as a representative of the Institute, and to maintain strong links with industry professionals on behalf of the Institute
To participate in graduation and other Institute events, as needed and identified by the Director
To provide lectures, classes, seminars, and visits as appropriate, and to participate in the assessment of student work related to those activities
To grade and/or supervise grading of students’ assignments (written and oral) in her own courses and to second mark or moderate for other courses as needed
To serve as dissertation supervisor to an appropriate number of students
To contribute to the development of other Institute programs and be prepared to teach for them, as appropriate or necessary
To establish Sotheby’s Institute of Art as a thought leader in the field of luxury business by organizing events such as seminars, conferences, and panels on relevant subjects
To maintain a broad knowledge of scholarly research, professional activity, and trends and developments in the field, and to actively engage with the dissemination of this knowledge throughout the wider Institute
To conduct academic research and/or professional activity that is commensurate with both standing as Program Director and as a faculty member of a teaching-intensive institution
To present research findings at appropriate venues and to contribute fully to the research culture of the Institute, both in teaching methodology and subject specialization, through participation in staff seminars, committees, focus groups, etc. and/or to undertake professional engagements that advance the field
To contribute fully to the research culture of the Institute, both in teaching methodology and subject specialization, through participation in staff seminars, committees, focus groups, etc
Qualification
Required
Must have Master's degree in a related discipline (e.g., Business Administration, Management, Marketing, Fashion Studies, or History, Economics, Sociology, etc., with a relevant focus)
Deep expertise in the luxury sector, supported by significant academic or professional experience. A strong network within luxury (and related areas such as art, fashion, retail, and brand management)
Proven experience in higher-education teaching and curriculum development, ideally with graduate and international students, and a demonstrated commitment to mentorship and collaboration
Strong record of scholarship, research, and/or thought leadership in luxury business, the intersection of art and luxury, consumer psychology, or adjacent fields
Strategic and creative leadership skills, with the ability to position the MA in Luxury Business as a top program in its field
Superior interpersonal and organizational skills with high emotional intelligence
Demonstrates diplomacy, discretion, and tact; communicates clearly and effectively. Exercises sound judgment in managing sensitive and/or complex situations
Prioritizes and manages competing demands under pressure with efficiency and accuracy. Anticipates challenges and takes proactive action to resolve issues
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, lead, and engage effectively with stakeholders across and beyond the Institute
Must be able to report to the 570 Lexington Avenue campus in New York for teaching and program-related activities, with flexibility to work extended hours when necessary to meet institutional priorities and deadlines
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Preferred
Terminal degree (PhD or professional equivalent) in a relevant field
Strong record of scholarly publication in the field of luxury
Broad expertise in the social, cultural, environmental, political, and economic factors influencing the luxury, art, and business sectors
Professional working proficiency in other languages, preferably in French, Italian, and/or Chinese
Proven success in launching or leading new academic programs or initiatives with external accreditation requirements (e.g., NASAD/NYSED alignment) and familiarity with US higher education accreditation and compliance
Significant experience supervising faculty and mentoring emerging educators or practitioners
Adeptness at teaching in both in-person and online environments; digital fluency in learning platforms and contemporary luxury marketing technologies
Demonstrated success in student recruitment and enrollment growth, or in audience development and innovative marketing partnerships
Experience with field-based learning (global study trips, industry site visits) and experiential pedagogy
Budget/finance management experience and data-informed decision-making capabilities
Proficiency in CANVAS, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint and Google Applications
Knowledgeable about AI-related issues in online academic environments
Benefits
Benefits
Company
Sotheby's Institute of Art
The Graduate School of Art and its Markets. London • New York • Los Angeles • Online
Founded in 1969
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
2025-10-15
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