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 a Director of Programming — Art & Ideas for its Special Projects team in New York. Reporting to the Head of Experiences, the Director develops and delivers cultural programming and special projects, leading initiatives from concept and budgeting through production and evaluation. The proposed base salary is $120,000–$150,000, with eligibility for a discretionary bonus and a competitive benefits package.
Role & Responsibilities
- Develop and execute cultural programming and special projects in partnership with the Head of Experiences.
- Own major cultural programs and special projects end to end, from concept development and budgeting through production, delivery, and evaluation.
- Translate programming concepts into actionable plans that align creative vision with operational feasibility and effective execution.
- Identify, research, and recommend artists, speakers, cultural figures, and collaborators across disciplines.
- Manage relationships and communications with artists, talent, advisors, partners, and other external stakeholders.
- Develop and produce varied programming formats, including conversations, performances, artist-led projects, private gatherings, and larger-scale cultural programs.
- Lead programming around key moments in the international cultural calendar and across Sotheby's global markets, including major cultural experiences, convenings, and the Symposium.
- Coordinate advisory groups, committees, and external collaborators as required.
- Coordinate among internal teams, external partners, participating talent, and production colleagues.
- Partner with Events and Production teams to deliver programs to the highest creative and operational standard.
- Manage external vendors, consultants, and collaborators as appropriate.
- Maintain an active pipeline of prospective artists, contributors, collaborators, and programming opportunities.
- Collaborate across specialist departments, Editorial, Brand, Communications, and regional teams.
- Own program budgets, timelines, and delivery standards, proactively managing resources, risks, and outcomes.
- Ensure programming is delivered with exceptional attention to detail, discretion, and consistency.
Qualifications
- 8–10 years of relevant professional experience developing and executing cultural programming, artist projects, events, exhibitions, convenings, or interdisciplinary initiatives.
- Relevant experience may have been gained at an arts institution, museum, foundation, cultural organization, creative studio, luxury environment, or other relevant organization.
- Strong knowledge of contemporary art and culture, with curiosity across disciplines including design, architecture, film, literature, and the broader creative landscape.
- Proven track record of delivering complex cultural programs and experiences.
- Experience working directly with artists, talent, and senior external stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel and work outside standard business hours when required.
Skills
Experience
8–10 years of relevant professional experience developing and executing cultural programming, artist projects, events, exhibitions, convenings, or interdisciplinary initiatives.
Workplace
This position is based 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 120,000 to USD 150,000 per annum.
Benefits
Discretionary bonus eligibility 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.