Director, MA Programs

Position Purpose

The Director will have full responsibility for the management, expansion, and development of the in-person MA Programs in New York, including the focus and responsibility to strengthen and move the curriculum of the Master’s in Art Business Program (MAAB) forward.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Specific duties and responsibilities include the following, but the Director will also be expected to perform all the duties necessary which are customarily performed by a person holding this position.  Other duties may be assigned.

 

• Overall leadership and management of SIA-NY’s in-person MA program.
• Setting the direction and vision, primarily for MAAB.
• Manage the Director of Administration, two Course Leaders (for MAAB and MAFDAD), and the Program Director of MACA.
• Responsible for teaching if time allows.
• Oversee academic and administrative operations, including curriculum development, budgeting, planning, and staffing for in-person MA programs. Hire in New York, supervise, train, and motivate faculty and staff, as appropriate.
• Develop short- and long-term strategies for the Institute while sustaining its ongoing academic integrity and economic viability.
• Oversee standards and practices for the Institute, while also fostering a positive working and learning environment for staff, faculty, and students. Chair and/or oversee committees.
• Develop credibility and collaborative working relationships with faculty and staff. Collaborate with Course Leaders to attract, recruit, retain and motivate additional faculty and staff, as appropriate to the needs and the growth of the programs.
• Work with BrandEd and Institute executives, faculty, and staff to ensure the effective operation of all academic courses and the continued and improved quality of the education provided. Work to identify and create new educational programs or modify existing programs as appropriate.
• Liaise with BrandEd shared services departments to ensure the in-person MA programs in NY continue to be impactful and run smoothly.
• Oversee training and mentoring of faculty and administrative staff, responding to their concerns, and enhancing the Institute’s reputation, both as a unique and highly appealing place to study the many facets of the art world and as an attractive organization for students and employees.
• Build external relationships and partnerships in the art and education communities to foster the continued growth, impact, and excellence of the in-person MA programs in NY.
• Work with the New York State Department of Education and NASAD with regard to authorization and accreditation issues. Serve as an ambassador for the Institute locally, nationally, and internationally, as appropriate.
• Serve as a contributing partner and colleague in collaboration with the Institute’s online, satellite and campus directors and the Institute’s global team members.
• Responsible for P&L of SIA NY in-person MA programs.
• Take the lead in providing regular updates to the SIA Board and Cambridge Information Group.

 

      Knowledge and Abilities 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed here are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.  Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

• Strong leadership experience and a strong background in the arts market are a requirement, preferably in art business.
• Ability to be innovative and creative about our MAAB program.
• Knowledge of best practices in the fields of education, financial aid, and general management.
• Knowledgeable and well connected in the arts, with a network of art professionals, including practicing artists, scholars, and members of the art-related business communities.
• Successful experience as a “hands-on” executive with solid general business skills and working knowledge of budgets, finance, and strategic planning. Specific profit and loss experience is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to identify new markets and to develop new opportunities to increase the range of programs and curricula offered. Demonstrated track record as a program builder.
• A reasonable comfort level with new educational approaches, including online and other developed or developing digital methodologies.
• Proven ability to cultivate and maintain successful partnerships and alliances on behalf of the Institute. A keen understanding of the linkages between education, careers, and business in the fine arts business, cultural, non-profit communities, and beyond.
• Ability to create and lead change enablement strategies and plans.
• Creative, entrepreneurial spirit with interest and capability to grow the school and implement key strategic initiatives
• Superior interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills. Equally adept at internal and external communications.
• A diplomat and consensus builder; able to work with a broad range of individuals and organizations.
• Impeccable judgment and maturity.
• Well-developed sense of humor and compassion for others.
• Ability to be present in the office.
• Ability to travel for business purposes, both domestically and internationally.

 

Education, Work Experience, and/or Licensure

• An advanced terminal degree or equivalent professional experience and recognition.
• Credibility in the intellectual/scholarly community – a demonstrated track record of success, ideally in a prestigious institution of higher education or fine art (e.g. college, university, or museum), and an appropriate record of scholarship and publications.
• Credibility in the art world – personal relationship within the art community (a network of current and positive relationships with leaders in museums, galleries, auction houses, art schools, etc.).

 

Language Skills

• Excellent command of the English language
• Professional written and spoken language skills

                                                

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, travel up and downstairs, crouch, stoop, and reach.

• Ability to travel locally, nationally, and internationally
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

 

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/academic environment
• Various modes of travel (i.e. Airplane, coach, train, etc.).

The 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 reserves the right to modify this job description in its sole discretion.

 

BrandEd is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.