Academic Manager - Professional Programmes

Location: 30 Bedford Square, WC1B 3EE (hybrid working)

Contract Type: Fixed-term for 9 months, 4 days per week (0.8 FTE) 

This is an exciting opportunity to join Sotheby’s Institute of Art during a period of significant growth within our Professional Programmes portfolio. As we continue to expand our offering across London, New York and Online, we are seeking an Academic Manager to lead the academic development of innovative programmes for professionals working across the global art world. 

We are ideally looking for someone who can join us in November 2026; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are available to commence by early December 2026 at the latest. 

Reporting to the Associate Director, Learning Innovation, the successful candidate will lead curriculum design and development across a range of professional and executive education programmes, working closely with Course Leaders, industry experts and internal teams to create academically rigorous, commercially relevant and engaging learning experiences. The role will also be responsible for ensuring high standards of academic quality, consistency and innovation across the portfolio. 

We are looking for an individual with significant experience of developing higher education, executive education and/or professional learning programmes, together with a strong understanding of curriculum design, adult learning and quality assurance. Experience of developing asynchronous online learning will be particularly valuable, as the postholder will lead the development and launch of a new portfolio of online credentials. 

The successful candidate will bring broad knowledge of art history, the international art market and contemporary issues affecting the art world, alongside excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of Professional Programmes at Sotheby’s Institute of Art while contributing to innovative educational initiatives across the wider Edconic group. 

For further information, please click here to access the Role Description and Person Specification and to find out more about us. 

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
• Hybrid working
• 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 courses within the Edconic online course portfolio free of charge
• Employee and family discounts on all Edconic courses
• Volunteering days
• Life insurance
• Discount for gym membership
• Access to a comprehensive e-learning platform
• Enhanced maternity and sickness payment benefits 

How to Apply 

To apply, please complete the online application form via the 'Apply' button above, which will require you to upload a CV and a supporting statement of up to 2000 words. The supporting statement should set out how you meet the criteria of this position. CVs without a supporting statement will not be considered. 

The closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 2^nd October 2026.

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