Program Director - MA in Luxury Business- NY and Onlineader, the Program Director will promote excellence, expand Program Director - MA in Luxury Business- NY and Online
POSITION PROFILE
The Program Director of the MA in Luxury Business will lead Sotheby’s Institute of Art, New York’s new graduate program in Luxury Business, offered both in-person and online. As the MA’s academic and strategic leader, the Program Director will promote excellence, expand the program’s reach, and guide an innovative curriculum that reflects the evolving global luxury market. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise and recognized authority in the field of luxury, demonstrated through a distinguished academic or industry record and significant higher-education experience. They will be an enthusiastic and engaged educator with exceptional administrative skills, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a robust network of professional connections to support the program’s success. They will work closely with the Global Enrollment and Marketing team on student recruitment.
The Program Director will be a key member of the Institute’s academic leadership, responsible for overseeing a graduate-level program while contributing to the broader academic and professional life of the Institute. The role will encompass teaching courses, supervising and assessing student work, engaging in scholarship and / or research, and managing the academic operations of the program. The Program Director will also represent the Institute within the luxury sector, fostering connections that will enhance the program’s visibility, relevance, and impact.
The position’s responsibilities include :
Overall Responsibility
- 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.
Management and Supervision
For the MA in Luxury Business, these responsibilities will be :
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 scheduleTo develop and manage the Program budgetTo 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.In addition to these duties specific to the MA in Luxury Business, the Program Director will provide service to the Institute as appropriate, including but not limited to the following :
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.Teaching Responsibilities
Teaching duties and responsibilities including, but not limited to, the following :
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 their 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.Research and Professional Activity
Professional development and scholarship, including but not limited to, the following :
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.CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Requirements
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 collaborationStrong record of scholarship, research, and / or thought leadership in luxury business, the intersection of art and luxury, consumer psychology, or adjacent fieldsStrategic and creative leadership skills, with the ability to position the MA in Luxury Business as a top program in its fieldSuperior 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 situationsPrioritizes and manages competing demands under pressure with efficiency and accuracy. Anticipates challenges and takes proactive action to resolve issuesExceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, lead, and engage effectively with stakeholders across and beyond the InstituteMust 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 Qualifications
Terminal degree (PhD or professional equivalent) in a relevant fieldStrong record of scholarly publication in the field of luxuryBroad expertise in the social, cultural, environmental, political, and economic factors influencing the luxury, art, and business sectorsProfessional working proficiency in other languages, preferably in French, Italian, and / or ChineseProven 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 complianceSignificant experience supervising faculty and mentoring emerging educators or practitionersAdeptness at teaching in both in-person and online environments; digital fluency in learning platforms and contemporary luxury marketing technologiesDemonstrated success in student recruitment and enrollment growth, or in audience development and innovative marketing partnershipsExperience with field-based learning (global study trips, industry site visits) and experiential pedagogyBudget / finance management experience and data-informed decision-making capabilitiesProficiency in CANVAS, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint and Google ApplicationsKnowledgeable about AI-related issues in online academic environments.Physical Demands
The physical demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of his / her job. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and / or other sounds.Work Environment
The work environment characteristics listed here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Basic office environmentAirplane, coach, train travelThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. Sotheby’s Institute of Art NY reserves the right to modify this job description in its sole discretion.
Work Authorization
Must be legally authorized to work in the USSALARY EXPECTATION
$100,000 – $115,000 annual, plus benefits. Salary commensurate with expertise, experience, and education.
Sotheby's Institute of Art is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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