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.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape future wine education.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth into leadership within WSG's Tasting Programs.
- Why this job: Be a catalyst for change in how wine is taught and experienced globally.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in wine education, advanced tasting skills, and interdisciplinary thinking.
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 in Reading employer: Wine Scholar Guild
Wine Scholar Guild (WSG) is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture, where passionate wine educators can thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, WSG offers opportunities to shape innovative tasting programs while engaging with a global network of learners. Located in Europe, the role of Associate Director allows for meaningful contributions to wine education, alongside the unique advantage of travel and cultural exchange across continents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, WSG Tasting Programs in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or at wine events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for wine! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and insights about wine tasting. Let them see your enthusiasm and knowledge shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. We want you to align your answers with WSG’s philosophy on wine education. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, WSG Tasting Programs in Reading
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 job description. We’re looking for someone who understands contemporary teaching practices and can connect ideas from various fields, 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 a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials 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
Make sure you brush up on your wine knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss various wine regions, tasting techniques, and how cultural contexts influence wine appreciation. This role is all about depth and meaning, so show them you can engage with wine beyond just the basics.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Since this position involves co-teaching and mentoring, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully taught or guided others. Prepare to discuss your teaching philosophy and how you can apply contemporary learning practices to enhance the WSG Tasting Programs.
✨Demonstrate Interdisciplinary Thinking
The WSG approach draws on various fields like history and neuroscience. Be ready to connect ideas from these disciplines to wine tasting. Think of specific examples where you've linked different academic perspectives to enrich discussions or learning experiences in your previous roles.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Collaboration is key in this role, so come prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively with different teams in the past. Highlight any experience you have in event organisation or cross-departmental projects, as this will show your ability to ensure a seamless student experience at WSG.
