At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate wine tasting education through engaging programs and collaborative teaching.
- Company: Join the Wine Scholar Guild, a pioneer in wine education with a global community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of wine education.
- Why this job: Be a catalyst for change in wine tasting and connect with passionate learners worldwide.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in wine education, advanced tasting skills, and a flair for interdisciplinary thinking.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth into leadership within WSG's Tasting Programs.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Associate Director, WSG Tasting Programs
(Full-time, Europe-based)
About WSG
Wine Scholar Guild (WSG) is redefining how the world learns about wine. Our revolutionary Tasting Programs move beyond technique to explore wine as a cultural object shaped by history, people and place. We believe that tasting is an invitation to engage with wine’s depth and meaning, to think critically and to connect more closely with the stories behind each glass. Equally, the WSG approach invites reflection on the taster as a subject: on how everyone’s senses, memories and interpretations shape the act of tasting itself.
Rooted in an interdisciplinary approach, the WSG Tasting Programs draw on insights from, among others, neuroscience, philosophy, history and the arts. This perspective expands tasting beyond sensory description into a richer understanding of perception, interpretation and connection.
WSG brings together a global network of educators and students who share one aim: to study wine as an expression of humanity and place and to change how it is experienced, discussed and taught.
About This Role
As Associate Director of WSG Tasting Programs, you will be integral in delivering and refining the WSG Tasting Diploma, the flagship program that embodies WSG’s approach to wine tasting. Working alongside the Director of Education, you will co-teach classes, evaluate coursework and support students.
Beyond the Tasting Diploma, the Associate Director will also help shape other programs, bringing the WSG philosophy to a wider community of learners. This role involves close collaboration with WSG’s Education, Marketing and Student Support teams to ensure a seamless student experience. Teaching will take place both online and in person, requiring travel within Europe, the United States and Asia (approximately 10% yearly travel time required).
This position is for an established wine educator ready to drive change in wine education, redefine how people engage with wine and help revolutionize how wine is taught and tasted.
The long-term goal is for this person to grow into the leadership of WSG’s Tasting Programs.
Responsibilities
· Build and/or edit study and teaching materials, ensuring clarity, coherence and alignment with WSG’s tasting philosophy.
· Teach. Deliver and co-teach WSG Tasting Programs both online and in person, including at summits and workshops in Europe, the United States and Asia.
· Assess and mentor. Evaluate student work, provide feedback and support students as they strengthen their tasting skills and understanding.
· Develop educational materials. Create a variety of educational materials, including videos, assignments, eLearning modules and other supporting resources.
· Review and improve. Regularly review and improve existing programs, ensuring they stay accurate, innovative and up to date with contemporary theories of learning.
· Shape future programs. Contribute to the design and development of new tasting programs and pathways that extend WSG’s vision globally.
· Train and oversee educators. Recruit and mentor new instructors worldwide and help coordinate the growth of WSG\’s Tasting Programs.
· Collaborate across teams. Work across all internal WSG teams to ensure a consistent and effective student experience.
· Event organization. Oversee event organization and coordination for in-person summits.
· Grow into leadership. Build the experience and perspective required to take on future leadership of the WSG Tasting Programs.
About You
· A passionate wine educator with a proven track record of success (minimum of 5 years\’ experience).
· An understanding of contemporary teaching and learning practices, including instructional design and curriculum development and design.
· An excellent taster with advanced wine knowledge (WSET Diploma, MW, MS, or equivalent).
· An interdisciplinary thinker who can link ideas from multiple academic fields (e.g., history, philosophy or neuroscience) to deepen discussion and learning in wine, ideally with a higher degree in one such field.
· Ready to be a catalyst for change in the wine tasting space.
· Detail-oriented and organized, with an ability to manage several ongoing projects at once.
· Technologically confident, with experience using digital education and collaboration tools such as Teams, Zoom, Moodle, Articulate Rise and Genially.
· Based in Europe and fluent in English.
· Willing to travel internationally.
Associate Director, WSG Tasting Programs employer: Wine Scholar Guild
Contact Detail:
Wine Scholar Guild Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, WSG Tasting Programs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the wine industry and let them know you're on the hunt for opportunities. Attend wine events, tastings, and workshops to meet potential employers and fellow educators who can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your love for wine education and how you envision shaping the future of tasting programs. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to demonstrate your skills! Whether it's through a mock teaching session or discussing your approach to curriculum development, be ready to showcase your expertise in wine education. This is your moment to shine and prove you're the right fit for WSG.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly, so make sure to submit it through the WSG careers page. This way, we can easily track your application and get you one step closer to joining our amazing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, WSG Tasting Programs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wine: When writing your application, let your love for wine shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to educate others about this fascinating subject. We want to see your enthusiasm and how it aligns with WSG's mission.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience that matches the role. We’re looking for someone who understands contemporary teaching practices and can connect various academic fields to wine education, so don’t hold back on showcasing those skills!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your teaching philosophy and how you plan to contribute to our Tasting Programs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of the WSG community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wine Scholar Guild
✨Know Your Wine Inside Out
As an Associate Director, you’ll need to showcase your advanced wine knowledge. Brush up on your tasting skills and be ready to discuss various wines, their histories, and the cultural contexts behind them. This will not only demonstrate your expertise but also your passion for wine education.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Style
Since teaching is a big part of this role, prepare to discuss your teaching philosophy and methods. Think about how you can engage students in both online and in-person settings. Maybe even have a mini-lesson ready to demonstrate your approach!
✨Connect with WSG’s Philosophy
Familiarise yourself with WSG’s unique approach to wine tasting that combines various disciplines. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this philosophy and enhance the learning experience for students. Showing alignment with their vision will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Collaboration
This role involves working closely with different teams. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated across departments. Highlight your ability to work as part of a team and how you can help create a seamless student experience at WSG.