THE ROLE

The role of VP, Business Development, Texas is expected to be very visible within the local arts and collector community, focusing on identifying high priority clients and new or underdeveloped relationships, and participating in the planning and execution of strategies around these clients and around business development in the region. The candidate must be able to translate social and business connections into business opportunities and transactions with buyers and sellers.

The candidate will be responsible for the performance, impact, and image of an important region within the Sotheby’s worldwide organization and will work closely with teams in North America. An understanding of the arts, comprehensive knowledge of collectors along with initiative and influence will be necessary to succeed in this position

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a representative and ambassador for Sotheby’s in the region
• Work effectively with existing employees in Texas, along with colleagues in New York, London, and specialists worldwide
• Create visibility for Sotheby’s within the local community and cultivate relationships with UHNWI, bankers, lawyers, dealers, galleries, museums, local auction houses and relevant philanthropic organizations
• Participate in defining the annual strategy and plan for Sotheby’s activities in Texas
• Introduce new clients to Sotheby’s, building a portfolio and developing a thorough understanding of their collecting interests and servicing needs to drive profitable transactions through all Sotheby’s channels including auction, private sale, and Marketplace
• With Client Strategy team, build a strategy around each client to advance client relationships and identify prospective clients building loyalty and retention
• Identify and execute introductions to specialists from all categories, the FCG team, the Valuations team, the Chairmen, The Private sales team, SFS, RM Sothebys, Sotheby’s International Realty and Concierge and others to ensure engagement and coverage across all aspects of the business
• Build a detailed understanding of clients, including their interests, residences, and key relationships, their existing collections, historic valuations, and loans, utilizing this information to inform suggestions for future purchases
• Monitor all upcoming auctions and identify purchase opportunities, strategically deploy outreach, arrange viewings, provide condition reports, and lot information, negotiate terms where relevant, attend pre-sale meetings, give bidding advice, and execute bids.
• Develop private sale prospects, building a wish list for each client, and partnering with the private sale and specialist teams to offer opportunities for purchase.
• Develop buyers into consignors, offering services proactively such as visits, proposals, valuations, and pitches, partnering with specialist colleagues on consignment opportunities to discuss approach, strategy, and negotiation
• Coordinate appraisals in the region with clients, specialists, and the Valuations department
• Strategize and execute regional events including highlight exhibitions, lectures, cocktails, lunches and dinners, tours, preferred events, sponsorships and partnerships and expert visits, working in partnership with the
• Marketing and Client Strategy to grow our brand presence in the region
• Attend relevant social and art world events such as art fairs, exhibitions, charity galas, private parties, and other events in the local community as a representative of Sotheby’s and as an opportunity to source new clients
• Support regional clients with an exceptional bespoke service, managing all elements of their experience including valuations, proposals, pitches, consigning, shipping, restoration, obtaining all necessary documentation, confirming reserves, distributing pre-sale and post-sale paperwork
• Conduct client service activities on behalf of colleagues, overseeing onsite pickups, condition witnessing and deliveries and installation for clients in the region

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelors Degree required
• 12+ years of professional experience preferably in in sales, client portfolio management or business development positions
• Deep knowledge of and integration in the local community; knowing the region, relevant individuals and their relationships with each other
• Understanding of the international art market
• Ability to identify and secure items of value
• Proactive self-starter who demonstrates initiative
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communications skills, and ability to develop successful working relationships with colleagues on a global scale and ability to interact with a broad variety of clients
• Ability to multitask and prioritize and willingness to get involved in all aspects of the business
• This role will require travel to see clients and colleagues as needed
• Demonstrated net positive contributor to company community and culture above and beyond job duties

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $100,000-$150,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.