Academic Manager – Professional Programmes

Academic Manager - Professional Programmes

Location

30 Bedford Square, WC1B 3EE, with hybrid working. Occasional UK and international travel may be required.

Reports to

Associate Director - Learning Innovation

Contract

Fixed term contract for 9 months, 4 days / 28 hours per week (0.8FTE)

Salary

£36,000 per annum (0.8FTE of 45,000 per annum)

About Us

Established in 1969, Sotheby's Institute of Art is now among the world's leading specialist higher education institutions, offering programmes for professionals, pre-college audiences and postgraduate students seeking careers in art business and an understanding of the global art economy.

Our offerings cover everything from art history to key business skills from our campuses located in the world’s art capitals of London and New York, as well as online.

Sotheby’s Institute of Art is owned by Edconic, an organisation that partners with prestigious companies to deliver relevant, experiential learning programmes taught by industry experts from the world’s best brands.

As well as Sotheby’s Institute of Art, the Edconic portfolio currently includes The School of The New York Times, Vogue College of Fashion, Manchester City Sports Business School and WIRED Education.

Position Overview

This is an exciting time to join Sotheby's Institute of Art.

As Professional Programmes enters a period of significant growth, we are expanding our portfolio across London, New York and Online, developing innovative new programmes that respond to the evolving needs of the global art world and professional learners.

We are looking for someone who can join us in November 2026; however, we can accommodate a start date up to early December 2026 for the right candidate.

Reporting to the Associate Director - Learning Innovation, the Academic Manager will play a central role in this growth, leading the academic development of new programmes and working closely with Course Leaders, industry experts and internal teams to create intellectually rigorous, commercially relevant and pedagogically outstanding learning experiences.

The successful candidate will bring expertise in curriculum design, adult learning and academic quality, ideally within higher education or accredited professional learning.

They will also possess broad knowledge of art history and the wider art world, exceptional relationship management skills, and an established professional network to help identify outstanding Course Leaders, guest speakers and future programme opportunities.

The role is fixed-term for 9 months as the Academic Manager will lead the development and initial launch of a new portfolio of asynchronous online credentials, a flagship initiative that will shape the future of Professional Programmes at Sotheby's Institute of Art.

While the role is dedicated to Sotheby's Institute of Art, it sits within the wider Edconic community, offering opportunities to collaborate on cross-brand educational initiatives and contribute to innovative learning projects across the group.

• Key Duties & Responsibilities
• Curriculum Development & Academic Excellence
• Lead the academic design and redevelopment of new Professional Programmes across London, New York and Online.
• Work collaboratively with Course Leaders to develop curriculum, learning outcomes, assessment strategies and engaging learner experiences.
• Champion excellence in pedagogy, curriculum design and adult learning across all programme formats, including online, in-person and hybrid learning.
• Ensure academic consistency, quality and innovation across the Professional Programmes portfolio.
• Review scripts, teaching materials and assessments to maintain the Institute’s academic standards.
• Develop academic frameworks, programme documentation and quality assurance processes.
• Ensure programmes align, where appropriate, with accreditation frameworks and recognised educational standards.
• Evaluate learner feedback and programme performance to drive continuous improvement.
• Faculty & Industry Partnerships
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with Course Leaders, acting as their principal academic partner throughout programme development.
• Provide academic guidance, constructive challenge and ongoing support to faculty.
• Identify suitable Course Leaders and guest speakers and support their recruitment and onboarding in accordance with the Institute’s agreed processes.
• Leverage existing networks within the global art world to strengthen programme development and expand the Institute's academic community.
• Develop long-term relationships with academics, curators, museum professionals, collectors, galleries and other industry leaders.
• Portfolio Development & Innovation
• Contribute to the strategic growth of Professional Programmes by identifying new subject areas, emerging trends and programme opportunities.
• Monitor developments across the global art world to ensure programmes remain current, relevant and commercially competitive.
• Work closely with the Associate Director – Learning Innovation and Digital Learning team to develop innovative educational experiences and translate academic content into engaging online learning.
• Support the continued expansion of the Professional Programmes portfolio across London, New York and Online.

Person Specification - Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Master's degree in Art History, Art Business, Museum Studies or a closely related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience
• Significant experience designing or developing higher education, executive education and/or professional learning programmes
• Experience developing asynchronous online learning
• Excellent understanding of pedagogy, curriculum design and adult learning principles
• Experience working within academic quality assurance processes
• Broad knowledge of art history, the international art market and contemporary issues affecting the art world
• Experience developing productive relationships with academic staff and external subject matter experts
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• Exceptional written communication and editorial skills
• Experience working with recognised accreditation or educational quality frameworks within a higher education institution
• Existing network across the international art world
• Experience recruiting / commissioning faculty
• Experience working internationally across multiple campuses

Benefits of working for Sotheby's Institute of Art include

• 25 days annual leave plus up to 4 days additional discretionary leave during the Christmas period
• 2 discretionary Company Global Celebration Days
• Option to purchase an additional 5 days annual leave on a salary sacrifice basis
• 24/7 access to Spectrum.

Life, a comprehensive health and wellbeing platform giving staff support across the full spectrum of life.

This includes virtual GP, nurse and physio appointments, confidential counselling, legal and financial advice, a digital gym, nutrition and wellbeing resources, meditation, and a benefits hub.

• Access to any course within the Edconic online course portfolio free of charge
• Employee and family discounts on all Edconic courses
• Life insurance
• Discount for gym membership
• Access to a comprehensive e-learning platform
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