About Sotheby's
Sotheby’s is an auction house founded in London in 1744. Its specialists work across fine art and collecting categories including jewelry, watches, handbags, wine, design, and classic cars. The house connects collectors through live and online auctions, private sales, and fixed-price purchases. Its work spans specialist research and cataloging, client services, marketing, technology, finance, and operations, supporting the preparation, sale, and movement of objects across its international network.
Sotheby’s seeks an Assistant Vice President, Programming Producer to lead audience engagement programming, experiential marketing and public-facing event delivery in New York across Global Fine Art, Luxury and non-auction initiatives. The role manages program concepts, production, teams, budgets and event operations; the proposed base salary is $90,000–$120,000, with eligibility for a discretionary bonus and competitive benefits.
Role & Responsibilities
- Manage the monthly, annual and bespoke New York engagement program calendar, including conferences and panels, Lates, Kids & Family, and exhibition education.
- Design and deliver programming that grows and retains audiences, celebrates Sotheby’s expertise, facilitates knowledge exchange and secures notable guests.
- Coordinate with Marketing, Events, Global Fine Art, Luxury and other internal teams to deliver cross-departmental audience initiatives.
- Work closely with Front of House, Security and Facilities to create a seamless, consistent client journey, and undertake client-facing duties.
- Lead on-site delivery of New York programming and events, directing internal teams, external staff, suppliers, catering and audiovisual production.
- Develop and maintain production schedules, run-of-show documents, staffing plans, technical briefs and other event documentation with the Events team.
- Occasionally contribute distinctive programming opportunities to consignor pitches.
- Maintain standard operating procedures, templates and best practices to improve departmental consistency, applying lessons from event debriefs to future delivery.
- Monitor milestones, budgets and project readiness; maintain clear ownership of actions and deadlines; support regular project meetings and accurate monthly performance reporting.
- Support the Programming Operations Manager with In Residence and private exhibitions during peak season, including on-site coordination, logistics and marketing.
Qualifications
- At least 8 years of experience in cultural programming, project management and event delivery.
- Established network across the arts and culture sector.
- Strong creative and strategic thinking, with experience developing innovative programming concepts.
- Proactive, solutions-focused approach to designing programming and audience experiences.
- Excellent presentation and public-speaking skills, with experience delivering internal and external pitches.
- Results-oriented, with experience measuring ROI and improving processes.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Team player with a keen interest in supporting the department’s growth.
- Demonstrated interest in the arts and active engagement with cultural events and exhibitions preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, arts education, cultural institutions or a related field preferred.
Skills
Experience
At least 8 years in cultural programming, project management and event delivery.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, arts education, cultural institutions or a related field preferred.
Workplace
The successful candidate will be located in New York, New York, USA.
Explore jobs in New York or in the USA.
Compensation
The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 90,000 to USD 120,000 per annum.
Benefits
Eligible candidates may receive a discretionary bonus and a competitive benefits package.
Culture
Sotheby’s describes its culture in terms of client service, specialist knowledge, curiosity, collaboration, and ethical conduct. Its careers materials emphasize working across disciplines and encouraging employees to explore internal opportunities.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.